Word In Life Study Bible
STARTING STRONG, ENDING WEAK
1 Kin.15:16-22
After spiritual and political decline under Rehoboam and Abijam, the southern kingdom of Judah reversed course under the reformer Asa. His main contribution was a campaign against idolatry that went so far as to banish his grandmother, Maachah, who was a notorious worshiper of the Canaanite fertility goddess, Asherah (1 Kin. 15:11–15).
Asa also strengthened his country’s defenses by refortifying its walled cities (2 Chr. 14:6–7). His military won a decisive victory over Zerah the Ethiopian when the “fear of the Lord” came upon his troops (14:9–15). The army also took fortified cities and booty during periodic forays against the northern kingdom through the help of Ben-Hadad of Syria (1 Kin. 15:16–22; 2 Chr. 16:2–4).
However, this reliance on a foreign government seemed to indicate that Asa no longer felt a need to rely solely on the Lord. He was rebuked by the prophet Hanani, but instead of listening, he had the seer imprisoned (16:7–10). Toward the end of his life, Asa developed a severe disease in his feet. Yet again he failed to rely on the Lord for healing, and he never recovered (16:12).
Study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible, copyright 1993,1996, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible appearing at this web site are for personal use only.
Print
Email
