2 Chronicles - Chapter 16

2 Chronicles 16.1 In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 16.2 Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king’s house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, 2 Chronicles 16.3 There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me. 2 Chronicles 16.4 And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. 2 Chronicles 16.5 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease. 2 Chronicles 16.6 Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah. 2 Chronicles 16.7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. 2 Chronicles 16.8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. 2 Chronicles 16.9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. 2 Chronicles 16.10 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time. 2 Chronicles 16.11 And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 2 Chronicles 16.12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians. 2 Chronicles 16.13 And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign. 2 Chronicles 16.14 And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries’ art: and they made a very great burning for him.

2 Chronicles : Chapter 16

The Decline of Asa: A Spiritual Reflection

Chapter 16 of the book of 2 Chronicles presents us with the tragic decline of King Asa, a king who was initially considered pious and faithful to the Lord. But what could cause a king, known for his piety, to stray from the path of faith? This instructive text reveals Asa's alliance with Syria, his rebuke by the prophet Hanani, and his foot ailment. Through these events, we address fundamental themes such as misplaced trust in human alliances, the consequences of rejecting divine correction, and the importance of perseverance in faith.

The Warning Themes of 2 Chronicles 16

Let's consider together five biblical passages that resonate deeply with the warnings found in this crucial chapter:

Jeremiah 17:5

"Thus says the Lord: Cursed is the man who trusts in man, who takes flesh for his arm and whose heart departs from the Lord!" » This verse highlights the prophet Hanani's rebuke to Asa, who chose to trust in Syria rather than in God.

Psalms 118:8-9

"It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in princes." » This passage underscores the central theme of 2 Chronicles 16, where Asa is criticized for his reliance on human alliances rather than divine power.

Isaiah 31:1

“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses and trust in chariots, because they are many, and in horsemen, because they are very strong, but they do not consider the Holy One of Israel or seek the Lord. » This verse echoes Asa's criticism for seeking help in Syria, neglecting to trust in God.

2 Corinthians 16:9

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong toward those whose heart is completely devoted to him." This verse recalls one of the prophet Hanani's messages to Asa, emphasizing divine care and intervention toward those who devote themselves entirely to the Lord.

James 5:15

"And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; And if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him." This passage contrasts with Asa's attitude, who, faced with his illness, does not seek God for healing and redemption.

As we meditate on these verses and the lessons learned from Asa's decline, we are called to reflect on our own trust: do we place our faith in God or do we stray into human alliances? May this reflection guide us to a deeper faith and renewed trust in our Lord.