Asa: The King of Judah

**Waqar Daniel** Thu 19 Jul 2007, 8:28 pm

Reference

I Kings 15:8-24
II Chronicles 14:1-16:14

Reign

41 years (910 - 869 B.C.)

History

Asa spent the first 35 years of his 41-year reign doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD (I Kings 15:11). However, in the 36th year, the king suffered a lapse of faith which robbed him of his fellowship with the Lord. Asa, who through God's help had conquered all his enemies, was attacked by King Baasha of Israel. However, instead of calling upon the Lord for help, Asa entered into a treaty with Ben-hadad, king of Syria. Asa won a military victory by siding with Ben-hadad. However, his spurning of God cost him much more. "Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, ... Herein thou shalt have wars" (II Chronicles 16:7,9).

From that time forth, Asa turned against God and even went so far as to oppress his own people. He then contracted a painful disease in his feet and stil did not seek the Lord. Tragically, after following the Lord for most of his life, Asa died in misery because his heart had turned cold in his old age.