by Brian Currie, N. Ireland
FAITHFULNESS – 2Chronicles chapter 14
FELLOWSHIP – 2Chronicles chapter 15
FORGETFULNESS – 2Chronicles chapter 16
INTRODUCTION
King Solomon ruled over the entire nation, but after him the kingdom was divided and as a result Rehoboam ruled over Judah. The lineage of the monarchy was Rehoboam, followed by Abijah, followed by Asa. Thus Asa was Judah’s third king, Matt.1.7. These kings were characteristically marked as noted below.
Rehoboam was marked by foolishness, as seen when he took the advice of the young men and disregarded that of the old men,
1Kgs.12.1-15; 2Chr.10.1-15; by fortification, since he built cities for defence, 2Chr.11.5-12; and by forsaking: “he forsook the law of the Lord” 2Chr.12.1. His reign lasted seventeen years, 1Kgs.14.21.
Abijah was marked by sin: “he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father” 1Kgs.15.3; by a sermon, when he preached to Jeroboam regarding Israel’s departure from God, 2Chr.13.4-12; and by a slaughter, since he slaughtered five hundred thousand chosen men of Israel, 2Chr.13.17. His reign lasted three years, 1Kgs.15.2.
Asa was marked by faithfulness: he destroyed idolatry and built for God, 2Chr.14.1-8; by fellowship that he enjoyed: “he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the Lord his God was with him” 2Chr.15.9; and by forgetfulness: “his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians” 2Chr.16.12. His reign lasted forty-one years, 1Kgs.15.10.
The story of Asa then is that of a man who commenced well but finished badly, and in this he is a warning to the young, to the not so young, and, in fact, to us all! We remember the warning given by Paul the apostle: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” 1Cor.10.12.
The name Asa means ‘physician’, and he certainly brought healing to the land. We shall follow our study of Asa through 2Chronicles chapters 14 to 16, by considering his faithfulness, his fellowship and his forgetfulness, as outlined above.
FAITHFULNESS – 2Chronicles chapter 14
Death of Abijah – 2Chr.14.1
“So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years” 2Chr.14.1.
We read concerning Abijah that his mother’s name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom [Absalom]” 1Kgs.15.2; hence Abijah was a descendant of David through both his father and his mother.
In 1Kings he is called Abijam, and he takes up eight verses, 1Kgs.15.1-8, in which we learn only of his wickedness. In 2Chronicles he is called Abijah, and there we learn nothing about his wickedness, even though he is given twenty-two verses, 2Chr.13.1-22. The fact that more is written about his good than his evil illustrates that there is much more pleasure in what is right than in what is wrong. Throughout the Scriptures, we learn that sin offers pleasure, but it is only “for a season” Heb.11.25. The omission of reference to his sins in 2Chronicles is appropriate, since it is there that we read of his sermon against Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. The lesson for us is plain: the name of Jah, Jehovah (“the Lord”) cannot be associated with sin. We should not expect the presence of the Lord to be realised and enjoyed where sin is present and unjudged. Matt.18.20 is not a formula which can be used to demand and ensure the presence of the Lord. The same may be noted at the end of Ezekiel’s Prophecy, where, when all is correct and set in order, it is said that “the Lord is there [Jehovah Shammah]” Ezek.48.35. The same principle is found in Rev.3.20: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.”
The question may well be asked: why the difference between the Books of Kings and Chronicles?
| The Books of Kings | The Books of Chronicles |
| Written by a prophet, Jeremiah, to explain why they went into captivity | Written by a priest, Ezra, to encourage those who returned from captivity |
| Deals with the people and sin | Deals with the people and the sanctuary |
| Nationally, the Kingdom is to be destroyed | Spiritually, the Temple is to be built |
| Deals mainly with Judah and Israel | Deals mainly with Judah, since they preserved Divine ordinances |
| Traces the kings biographically and personally | Traces the kings more spiritually and morally |
In this we see illustrated the principle, “… that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual” 1Cor.15.46.
Despite his sin, Abijah produced a man who brought recovery to Judah, and we are glad that God is a God of recovery: “Nevertheless for David’s sake did the Lord his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem” 1Kgs.15.4. Having “a lamp” in one’s house is an oriental phrase that denotes continuance of the family name and prosperity. We shall see that Asa was to move in the dignity of true sonship.
Declaration of the Spirit – 2Chr.14.2
“And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God” 2Chr.14.2; “And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did David his father” 1Kgs.15.11.
The Past Generations – “as did David his father”
This covers four generations, or about 160 years, and Asa is doing as the first generation (“David his father”) did. It is so for us: there is nothing new to be introduced to the testimony as time goes on. Paul the apostle teaches that committing truth to rising generations will consolidate it: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” 2Tim.2.2. Note the four generations: Paul; Timothy and many witnesses; faithful men; others also. Note also the wise man’s observation: “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children” Prov.13.22.
The Practice of Good – “did that which was good and right”
Here is an excellent balance: “good” means ‘beneficial, agreeable’; “right” means ‘straight, upright, correct, righteous’. Some things may appear good, but are they right? All things right must be good. In making a decision, we must so do not according to our intelligence, but we must ask, ‘Is it good and right?’
The Perception of God – “in the eyes of the Lord”
We are not ultimately responsible to men for how we live, but to God. We recall that God sees all and His standards must control all. “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe” Prov.29.25. When we are wondering which way to go, we will not go wrong when we go according to that which is pleasing to the Lord.
His Personal God – “the Lord his God”
This language reveals the intimacy between Asa and his Lord. This can also be seen in the life of Paul, who refers seven times to “my God” Rom.1.8; 1Cor.1.4; 14.18; 2Cor.12.21; Phil.1.3; 4.19; Philemon 1.4.
Definition of His Deeds – 2 Chr.14.3-8
Demolition – vv.3,5
“For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves … Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.”
Anyone undertaking any building project must take time to ensure that all rubbish and weak topsoil is cleared, so that there is a firm foundation. Asa removed “the altars of the strange gods”, or literally, ‘the altars of the stranger’: the altars of the Zidonians, Ammonites and Moabites, which remained from the times of Solomon, and which he built for his wives. Asa “took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made” 1Kgs.15.12. He also removed “the high places”. These were conspicuous places where altars were set up. He took away those in “the cities”; regardless of where they were found, they had to go. He “brake down the images”, perhaps the pillars on which the images were placed, and “cut down the groves”; a grove was a clump of trees or poles set up to form a kind of shrine to the idol.
These things had all been set up in a religious context, and this would be a warning to us against getting involved in interdenominational activity, which opposes assemblies. The setting up of these things had been sanctioned by no less than King Solomon, but that did not make it right. Likewise today, the fact that certain things have the approval of prominent men does not mean we must accept them! The true principle is: what is pleasing to God? However, some people would rather offend God than offend men!
What are our idols? Anything that takes me away from God is an idol. This can be a hobby, sport, TV, computers, and much more. We must expel all that is damaging to our spirituality.
However, if things are going to be taken away, something must fill the vacuum, or else there will be a void, to be filled with greater idolatry, and “the last state” will be “worse than the first” Lk.11.26. Hence the need for Asa’s action recorded in v.4.
Devotion – v.4
“And commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.”
Prayer
The people were to “seek the Lord God of their fathers”, to go back to their fathers’ standards. Do we seek the Lord? This is more than merely ‘saying prayers’, but having a heart right before Him, listening to Him, and then:
Practice
Seeking the Lord is not seeking for information, but seeking to be brought into ways that are pleasing to Him. “The law” is the totality of “the commandment”, which refers to the parts making up the whole, so we can be sure that no part was overlooked. So, for us there is no part of God’s Word that can be overlooked. Study of the Word must be more than trying to attain an academic understanding; all true study should conform us more to God’s will and ways.
As we study and grow spiritually, will life be very easy? No! We need to guard what has been recovered. Thus:
Defence – v.6
“And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the Lord had given him rest.”
Asa could build as well as tear down, and he learned that wrecking is an easy, largely unskilled work, but building is different. We should use times of ‘rest’ to build for times of ‘war’, that is, it is very useful to give constructive teaching and warnings regarding error before the difficulty arises. Young saints need to ‘build’ in the ‘restful’ years of early Christian life; it is then that convictions are formed that will be vital in the ‘battles’ that lie ahead.
It is one thing to begin in devotion and seeking the Lord, but it is another to defend the progress we make. We must not let the enemy drive us back again. We note on reading Judges chapter 1 how weak God’s people were when they did not and could not drive out the enemy. The Epistle to the Ephesians is about going in and taking the inheritance and all the great mountains; the Epistle to the Galatians is about not going back again. In separation are strength and rest: Asa “had no war in those years; because the Lord had given him rest”.
Description – v.7
“Therefore he said unto Judah, ‘Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the Lord our God, we have sought Him, and He hath given us rest on every side.’ So they built and prospered.” How is this to be brought about? By building the following:
Walls – for Separation
Keep the enemy out, that is, the world, morally, religiously and personally: the world’s fashion, dress code and hair styles; mocking in the office, and so the list could go on. We need to remind ourselves of what the Lord said to His disciples: “ye are not of the world” Jn.15.19.
Tower – for Scrutinising
The tower allows the watchman to detect the first movement of the enemy. It is good when there are overseers who are near the Lord in their ‘tower’, like Habakkuk, Hab.2.1, and like the priests who, when the approach of the enemy was detected, blew the trumpets to alert the people, Num.10.1-10.
Gates – for Selection
To permit the entrance of friends.
Bars – for Security
To permit the exclusion of foes.
Each assembly needs ‘gates’ and ‘bars’, especially when we ponder the truth of reception to the assembly. The Bible knows nothing of ‘open reception’ or an ‘open table’. There is a ‘within’ and a ‘without’, and every assembly needs “rest on every side”, but where does it come from? Asa says, “He hath given us rest on every side”: all is from Him. It is not through our guile or strength of character, but we are to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” 2Tim.2.1.
“So they built and prospered.” What a lovely statement! As long as we are busy building, we will know protection and prosperity, but when sloth comes in and we stop building there will be disaster. In the assembly we ought to be building “gold, silver, precious stones” 1Cor.3.12, and if we do, then the assembly will prosper.
Deployment – v.8
“And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.”
Asa was not a dictator, nor an isolationist; he could work with others and lead others. He could attack as well as defend. Christianity is about going forward, which is why in the armour of God, Eph.6.10-18, there is no armour for the back. Spears were needed for closer combat than bows, and Asa’s men could use both. These men are called “mighty men of valour”, meaning they were mature, courageous, proven men, who could handle the weapons of war. What a need there is for such “mighty men of valour” in our day!
Dependence on His God – 2 Chr.14.9-15
Attack – vv.9,10
“And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with a host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah. Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.”
Source
The source of the attack was “Zerah the Ethiopian”. He was probably a Cushite, a son of Ham, Gen.10.6. The name Zerah means ‘rising’, and this, together with the shameful rebellion of his ancestor, Gen.9.22, points to one rising in rebellion against God’s authority.
Strength
The foe had “a host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots”. This is the largest army recorded in the Old Testament, and it illustrates the strength used to bring the saints into bondage.
Site
They “came unto Mareshah”, which means ‘that which is at the head’. Headship and leadership are under attack, which can be seen in 1Corinthians chapter 11, and in other references. Sometimes the congregation complains that the leadership is too old, and old-fashioned, and that something more modern is needed. However, they never ask for something more Scriptural.
Sovereign
“Asa went out against him.” How was this attack to be defeated? By the leader taking the lead, and going out against the foe; not by sitting down and moping.
Struggle
“They set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.” The reference to the “valley” denotes humility and fruitfulness; “Zephathah” means ‘watchtower’, and pictures prayerfulness, as Habakkuk found, Hab.2.1; “Mareshah” depicts ‘the crest of a hill, or summit’. The order is sublime: humility, followed by prayer, brings us to the summit!
Appeal – v.11
“And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, ‘Lord, it is nothing with Thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, Thou art our God; let not man prevail against Thee.’”
Plea
“Asa cried unto the Lord his God.” In times of difficulty we have no other resource; we can lean upon no other arm. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” Phil.4.6.
Personal God
“The Lord his God.” All spiritual men and women have personal dealings with God. The following are all examples of such: Caleb, David, Elijah, Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, Mary, Thomas, Paul.
Petition
“It is nothing with Thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on Thee.” For Asa, prayer was a confession of the weakness of him and his people, and a realisation of the strength of God. Note the following saints who prayed like this: Jonathan, David, Hezekiah, Asaph, Isaiah, Paul; all of whom stood in sharp contrast to Nebuchadnezzar, Dan.4.28-31.
Power
“In Thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, Thou art our God.” To do something ‘in the name” of another implies that that person is absent, and the person doing the action is acting as the representative of the absent one: in this case Asa and his people are representing the Lord.
The New Testament speaks of many things that are associated with “the name” of the Lord Jesus Christ: believing, Jn.3.18; baptising, Matt.28.19; remission of sins, Acts 2.38; gathering, Matt.18.20; praying, Jn.16.23; preaching, Acts 9.29; discipline, 1Cor.5.4,5; giving thanks, Eph.5.20; all we do, Col.3.17.
“Lord, Thou art our God; let not man prevail against Thee.” Everything is for His glory.
Achievement – vv.12-15
“So the Lord smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled” v.12.
Might of the Victory
“The Lord smote the Ethiopians … they were destroyed before the Lord” vv.12,13. This was not achieved in their own strength, but was the result of God working. The remarks below highlight the characteristics that gave victory: regarding the enemy, “be strong in the Lord” Eph.6.10, and regarding the testimony, “be strong in the grace” 2Tim.2.1.
Magnitude of the Victory
“The Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves … they smote all the cities round about Gerar” vv.13,14. This was not a partial victory, as took place in Judges chapter 1, where they asked a man about the city of Luz, and when they got the information they wanted they spared him. Then “the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz” Judg.1.26. To borrow Paul’s language from Gal.2.18, he built again that which he destroyed. Past generations paid dearly for truth which is now being sold for nought. If something was wrong previously, it is wrong still! How sad it is to see precious truth being sold for paltry sums.
Mementoes of the Victory
“They carried away very much spoil … they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them … They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem” vv.13-15. In victory there is:
Wealth
There is something for self. There is security: “very much spoil” v.13, and sustenance: “the tents of cattle” v.15. Victory enriches our spiritual lives and strengthens faith.
Worship
There is something for the altar. They “carried away sheep” v.15. The victory of Calvary produces worship.
Work
There is something for burdens. They “carried away … camels in abundance” v.15. Victory inspires us to go on to the next battle.
All this was done with a view to the well-being of Jerusalem, the place of the name, and so we read that they “returned to Jerusalem” v.15.
FELLOWSHIP – 2Chronicles chapter 15
The Communication – 2Chr.15.1-7
Divine – v.1
“And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded.” Returning in triumph, with the spoils of victory, Asa receives a word from the Lord thorough Azariah, a prophet, to encourage him to continue in this path of reformation. We are most vulnerable after victory. This becomes clear as we note the records in the Gospels of the Lord’s temptation, coming after His baptism:
“This is My beloved Son” Matt.3.17: this highlights that He was in the public eye.
“Thou art My beloved Son” Mk.1.11: He was enjoying personal communion.
“Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan” Lk.4.1: He was in the path of obedience.
Unlike us, there was no possibility of the Lord Jesus succumbing to temptation. Nevertheless, these Scriptures serve to show Satan’s propensity to attack just after times of victory. We cannot be too careful, lest he get the advantage over us.
The Spirit “came upon” Azariah. This was different from the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers in the New Testament. Here it was temporary, and for a particular purpose. It was not through oratory or natural ability that Azariah was enabled to speak, but the Spirit gave him the necessary authority and power. The name Azariah means ‘helped of Jehovah’. This Divine help, from the Lord Himself, directed Asa to walk in “the old paths” Jer.6.16, and not in ways that were new or innovative. Azariah was “the son of Oded”, whose name means ‘that which is established’. The word Asa received was with a view to establishing him in the truth.
There are over twenty men in the Old Testament with the name Azariah, but this incident is the only reference to this particular one. This is an encouragement to us all, since it shows that we do not have to be well known to do work for God. Here are some people whose names we do not know, all of whom had a valuable ministry: Samson’s mother: recovery; the seven thousand in Elijah’s day: a remnant; the little maid in Naaman’s house: regeneration; the lad with the loaves and fishes: refreshment; the man who owned the upper room used by the Lord and the disciples: reception; the true yokefellow in Philippians: reconciliation.
Direct – v.2a
Not only was the message to Asa Divine (“the Spirit of God …”), it was also direct: “And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, ‘Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin …’” The message was personal and could not be mistaken. When we speak for God the audience should know what is said and what is meant. Young saints should be taught to speak clearly, distinctly and directly. It should not be a matter of hinting, and having the hearers go away with the wrong idea. Let the trumpet give a clear sound!
Distinct – v.2b
“The Lord is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you; but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you.”
Communion
“The Lord is with you, while ye be with Him”: we are responsible to take the initiative in communion with the Lord. The apostle John was not loved more than the other disciples, but he took the place on the Lord’s bosom where he could enjoy it.
Commitment
“If ye seek Him, He will be found of you.” To find Him is not always easy, as others discovered: “Oh that I knew where I might find Him! That I might come even to His seat!” Job 23.3. We find Him in the Scriptures, where He speaks to us as we spend time reading and praying.
Caution
“If ye forsake Him, He will forsake you.” This of course is not with respect to salvation and eternal security, but rather the enjoyment of His presence, protection and provision.
Discerning – vv.3-6
Lessons can be learned from what the prophet says regarding the history of the nation.
“Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God” v.3. Probably this looks back to the days of the Judges, where we see nothing for affection and no intimacy with the Sovereign. They went into idolatry, where their affections were all wrong. “Love not the world” 1Jn.2.15.
They were “without a teaching priest” v.3, and so there was no one for tuition and nor was there instruction in spiritual matters. There was no one to teach and instruct the people, and untaught people are vulnerable. One of the first things done by Jehoshaphat (Asa’s son) when he became king was that “he sent Levites … and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people” 2Chr.17.8,9. We ought to give honour to teachers of the Scriptures because teaching is a priestly activity: “For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts” Mal.2.7. Note what was said of Levi in Deut.33.10: “They shall teach Jacob Thy judgments, and Israel Thy law.” Paul wrote that “a bishop then must be blameless … apt to teach” 1Tim.3.2. This is an essential qualification for an overseer.
They were “without law” v.3: there was nothing for instruction and no inclination to Scriptures. This reflects Judg.21.25: “… every man did that which was right in his own eyes”.
“But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found of them” v.4. Here is a glorious “but”, which highlights that recovery is possible. The message for the church in Ephesus was to remember, repent and repeat, Rev.2.1-7.
“There was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity” vv.5,6. In Judg.5.6 we read that “the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways”. By their actions, people showed that they thought the highways were dangerous. The old paths that had been used for generations were not used; they were out of favour; no trade was possible; buying and selling stopped. There seems to be a desire today not to use the straight, “old paths”. The result is no increase in numbers and no development of saints. We look over these areas and ask the question: how long is it since a soul was saved and baptised? We long for more men of Asa’s spiritual vigour.
Definite – v.7
- “Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.”
- “Be ye strong [‘firm’ J.N.D.] therefore” – command to strength;
- “let not your hands be weak” – courageous not scared. Do not let things go;
- “for your work shall be rewarded” – compensation is sure.
Near the end of 1Corinthians we read, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” 1Cor.15.58.
His Courage – 2Chr.15.8-11
Asa had won a victory over those outside, but there are enemies inside also, as Paul warned the elders from Ephesus, Acts 20.30.
Separation – v.8
“When Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim.”
Asa “took courage”. Here we see the strengthening power of a word from God, which can be seen also in the case of Elijah under the juniper tree, 1Kgs.19.4-8. This was due to the word of God. We read of Paul taking courage due to the people of God: “whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage” Acts 28.15.
Asa “put away the abominable idols”. His actions were controlled by the words from God, and that brought separation and purification. Obedience and separation cannot be divided: obedience to God’s Word will result in separation; and if we are not separated we cannot be obedient. “Abominable idols” would have been included in the spoil of the battle of chapter 14. What is gained in victory needs to be purified. We cannot bring into the assembly something that would have to be put away if it had arisen from within the fellowship. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “And such were [not ‘are’] some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” 1Cor.6.11. Perhaps there are numerous ‘family altars’ that need to be renewed. Do we remember better days, when spiritual things and the assembly had our first call? We need to ask: has our loyalty slipped?
Unification – vv.9,10
“And he gathered … So they gathered themselves together …”
The influence of a separated man goes far! Such men are not all ‘hemmed in’, living as hermits. They gather willingly, with no need for coercion. Scriptural separation makes us and the assembly attractive to others. The Shunammite woman was drawn to Elisha because he was “a holy man of God” 2Kgs.4.8,9. Our strength of testimony lies in our separation from that which is contrary to God’s Word. Samson’s strength lay in his long hair, the mark of a separated Nazarite.
Others “fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the Lord his God was with him” v.9. People went out to John the Baptist, Matt.3.5; saw that the Lord was with Joseph, Gen.39.3; recognised the wisdom of God in Solomon, 1Kgs.3.28; and, in a coming day, will take hold of the Jew, having heard that God is with him, Zech.8.23.
A number of things should mark every assembly: the presence of God, the preeminence of Christ, the presidency of the Holy Spirit, the predominance of the Scriptures, and the piety of saints. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1Cor.3.16.
Adoration – v.11
“And they offered unto the Lord the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.”
The conclusion of Deut.16.16 is, “They shall not appear before the Lord empty”. All true separation and obedience to God will lead to worship, which always comes before service. This keeps our worship sweet. What they offered is described as “the spoil which they had brought”. This shows it was not easily obtained, and certainly not found by the way. It took toil and labour to get what they were now presenting to God. It is similar with the burnt offering and with Mary’s ointment, and more beside.
His Covenant – 2Chr.15.12-15
“And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; that whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be put to death …” vv.12,13.
Devotion of the Covenant – v.12
It was “to seek the Lord God of their fathers”, which meant a return to the first principles that the previous generations held and enjoyed.
Depth of the Covenant – vv.12,15
It was not the light, emotional response to an appeal, but deep and real: “with all their heart and with all their soul” v.12; “sought Him with their whole desire” v.15.
Demands of the Covenant – v.13
“That whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.” Only those who have a heart for God can be involved in the things of God. If there is no real devotion there cannot be work for God. This is vividly illustrated in what Peter said to Simon the sorcerer: “Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God” Acts 8.21. On the other hand, no believer can exclude himself, since all have the potential to work for God.
Delight of the Covenant – vv.14,15
“They sware unto the Lord with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets. And all Judah rejoiced at the oath.” Real joy will only be experienced when we are in the good of being obediently separated unto Him. Joy to the apostle John was to see his converts “walk in truth” 3Jn.4.
Calibre – 2Chr.15.16
“And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.”
This was his grandmother, and so there would have been a special relationship, but he passed the family test. He knew that fellowship is not based on being members of the same family but on being saints of God. Note the instruction to Gideon: “Throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it” Judg.6.25. This is a very sensitive and difficult matter, as seen in the words of the Lord in Lk.14.26: “If any man come to Me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” If a man is to function as an overseer, both his private life and his public life must be right and morally righteous: “For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” 1Tim.3.5. I cannot teach with conviction what is not practised in the sphere of my responsibility.
Asa took the idol and “burnt it at the brook Kidron”. This is the place where idols were destroyed:
- Asa: “cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron” 2Chr.15.16;
- Josiah: “he brought out the grove from the house of the Lord, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it small to powder” 2Kgs.23.6;
- Hezekiah: “took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast them into the brook Kidron” 2Chr.30.14.
It was this same brook that the Lord Jesus crossed to enter Gethsemane: “He went forth with His disciples over the brook Cedron [Kidron], where was a garden, into the which He entered, and His disciples” Jn.18.1. In summer this “brook” dried up, but in winter it was very different, thus Darby translates, “the torrent Cedron” in Jn.18.1. The word Kidron means ‘dark’. How apt this is, since our Lord Jesus was going to face the dark torrent of Calvary.
Many years earlier, King David had crossed the Kidron: “the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron” 2Sam.15.23. David crossed to flee from his enemies, but Christ did so to face His! For both David and the Lord, tears and treachery were involved. One of David’s foes in that day, Shimei, later crossed the brook in disobedience, 1Kgs.2.36-46, but the Lord crossed it in obedience!
The references to the destruction of idols at Kidron clearly teaches us that if we rightly appreciate Gethsemane our affections will be preserved.
A Comment – 2Chr.15.17a
“But the high places were not taken away out of Israel.”
Asa’s influence in Israel (the Northern Kingdom) was not strong enough to bring about its recovery. Through its history it had nineteen kings, all of whom were bad.
His Commitment – 2Chr.15.17b,18
“Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days. And he brought into the house of God the things that his father had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels.”
Asa retained nothing for himself; there was no thought of holding back part of the price, as did Ananias and Sapphira, Acts chapter 5. Asa brought to the house that which would be valuable and useful:
Silver indicates that the building is in keeping with Divine redemption: the work of Christ. As we read in 1Corinthians chapter 3, I cannot be involved in that which denies my redemption. I have been bought with a price and am separate from the world: from its politics and pleasures; its sports and societies; its fashions and fun; its dances and dinners.
Gold indicates that the building is in keeping with Divine righteousness: the will of God. I cannot produce anything if I am unrighteous; I need to be straight in my dealings with my brethren and the world.
Vessels are needed for service, and indicate building in keeping with Divine regeneration: the witness of the Holy Spirit.
The Calmness – 2Chr.15.19
“And there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa.”
Peace in the assembly will only come when there is a leadership which obeys the Word, moves in separation, and the flock will follow to “lie down in green pastures” and to be led “beside the still waters” Ps.23.2.
FORGETFULNESS – 2Chronicles chapter 16
His Compromise – 2Chr.16.1-6
His Difficulty – v.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.”
The number thirty-six equals six multiplied by six. Those who handle Bible numerals tell us that with squared numbers intensity is in view, and here the intensity of man’s prowess is seen.
The root of the name Baasha is ‘to stink’, which implies his wicked character. How true this is, since he was coming to attack his brethren; how obnoxious!
“In the third year of Asa king of Judah began Baasha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, twenty and four years. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin” 1Kgs.15.33,34. We read in 2Chr.16.1 that the attack took place in the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign. However, since Baasha began to reign in the third year of Asa’s reign, and reigned “twenty and four years”, he would have died in the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign. The “six and thirtieth year” referred to in 2Chr.16.1 must be that of the kingdom of Judah, which at that time had been existence for thirty-six years. There were seventeen years under Rehoboam, and three under Abijam (Abijah), which brings us to the sixteenth year of Asa. Thus, when we read in 1Kgs.15.32 that “there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days”, that period would equal twenty-seven years minus sixteen years, that is, eleven years.
Baasha was a bad man, and God judged him and his posterity: “his servant Zimri … conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah. And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead … Thus did
Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the
Lord …” 1Kgs.16.9-12. Bad always resists good, as seen in the flesh
versus the Spirit; Ishmael versus Isaac; Esau versus Jacob. The opposition between Amalek and God’s people in the wilderness pictures that struggle in us.
Baasha “built Ramah”, which means ‘a hill’, and speaks of the enemy in high places: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” Eph.6.12.
This action by Baasha was “to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah”. The intention was to stop any more people going to the reformation carried out by Asa, and to hinder devotion to the Godly king. He could not attack Asa directly, but he would hinder his trade (“go out”) and his increase (“come in”). This lack of trade and no increase in numbers illustrates the situation in many assemblies today, where spiritual activity has decreased and numbers are dwindling.
In the previous chapter we read that Asa had “gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the Lord his God was with him” 2Chr.15.9. Some were leaving the northern kingdom to come to Asa’s, and Baasha was determined to stop this. Worldly religion cannot tolerate a testimony that attracts saints, especially when it is from their congregations.
His Departure – vv.2,3
“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 Ben-hadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, ‘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.’”
Note the great difference between how he acts in this case and in the first invasion, in chapter 14. Then he prayed and confessed his weakness and his dependence upon God, as recorded in 2Chr.14.11. Now he plots on a natural level, where all is an exercise begotten of his own intelligence. Isaiah wrote, “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” Isa.5.21; Paul wrote, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” 2Cor.5.7; that is what marks the spiritual man. Asa tries to placate the enemy by bringing the valuable things to him. This is the principle of compromise. There cannot be compromise with evil: it must be judged and defeated.
Asa remembers the league “there was between my father and thy father”. Formerly he moved in faith and was victorious, but now his faith is small. The former, fearless Asa was moving spiritually, in dependence on God; now he is moving historically, looking back to associations of a past day.
The Diversion – vv.4,5
“And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease.”
Ben-hadad attacked the cities in the north of Israel, thus diverting Baasha, who left Ramah in order to deal with these attacks.
The Deliverance – v.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.”
It all seems to have worked so well: Asa takes the material from Ramah, and with it builds cities for himself! These places are elevated: Gebah, meaning ‘hill’, and Mizpah, meaning ‘watchtower’. He seems to be better off, but does sin pay? We do not have to wait long to get the answer.
His Condemnation – 2Chr.16.7-9
“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. 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. 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.’”
The name Hanani means ‘gracious’ or ‘merciful’. It is an indication of grace to bring a rebuke to another servant, but it is no indication of grace to allow sin and loose living to go unrebuked. Some think that love is embracing everything and everybody, but note Heb.12.6: “whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth”.
Hanani tells Asa: “the host of the king of Syria [Ben-hadad] escaped out of thine hand” v.7. If it had not been for Asa’s action, Ban-hadad would have joined with Baasha, and they would have been defeated together. Instead, Asa is going to have more wars. The Lord seems to be saying to him, ‘If you think you can sort out this problem yourself, I will give you a lot more problems, and you can try solving them!’ This shows the principle of sowing and reaping.
Asa had acted contrary to past experience, v.8: the Lord had delivered other enemies into his hands, and He would have done so again if Asa had relied on Him. We can ask ourselves: has God ever let us down? Why not trust Him in every problem? Asa also acted contrary to knowledge: he knew that God was in control over the earth. “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth” v.9. Thus we may readily learn that:
- God is in control and governs in infinite wisdom.
- He is quick-sighted; He misses nothing; no corner of the world is missed out.
- His sight is intense; His eyes run to and fro, as a flame of fire; no dark place is overlooked.
- His sight reaches far, through the whole earth; Adam, Cain, Achan, David, and others could testify to this reality.
This is “to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him” v.9. God’s eye will direct God’s hand. The thought of being under God’s eye should bring conviction to the sinner but also comfort to the saint. His “shew[ing] Himself strong” is seen with Pharaoh in The Exodus; the provision in the wilderness; the enemies in the Land, and so on.
Asa thought that by his action he would gain peace, but he got just the opposite: “therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars” v.9. In chapter 14 he had rest, and strength from the Lord to defeat the Ethiopians, but now that is gone. When we disobey and dishonour God we cannot expect peace, even in the assembly. Truth does not divide, or produce trouble, but disobedience does. If we grasped the principle that “judgment must begin at the house of God” 1Pet.4.17, it would engender a fear of the Lord that would place us in a most responsible position.
The Catastrophe – 2Chr.16.10-14
His Displeasure – vv.10,11
“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. And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.”
His Anger – v.10
“Asa was wroth with the seer … for he was in a rage with him because of this thing.” The leper Naaman was angry, 2Kgs.5.11, but he is illustrative of a sinner, while here it is a good man, of whom we read that his “heart was perfect with the Lord all his days” 1Kgs.15.14! Some negative aspects of Asa’s character can be detected: a wise man, but in a rage! A spiritual man, but angry with a prophet! A good man, but he cannot bear to be told his faults! “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly” Prov.14.17. However, we have to acknowledge that he is just like ourselves: who likes to be corrected and told of judgment? However, there is hope for a wise man: “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee” Prov.9.8.
The apostle Paul felt the burden of rejection in his faithfulness to the Corinthians: “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved” 2Cor.12.15. Godly, spiritual guides are rejected by the carnal, who retort with statements such as, ‘It is none of your business; leave us alone; stop harping on and nagging.’ Such demonstrate a misunderstanding of the work of overseers, for the welfare of the sheep is the business of the shepherds.
His Actions – v.10
“Put him in a prison house … And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.”
It seems that not only did Asa oppress the prophet Hanani, but also any of the people who sided with him. In seeking fellowship with the world Asa became opposed to the word of God (brought to him via the prophet) and the people of God. We cannot go hand in hand with the world and expect to maintain spirituality.
His Disease – v.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.”
This disease lasted for two years, until he died. What a sad end to a useful life! It is good to start well and to go on well, but what a blessing to finish well!
As we have seen, Asa and his people had “entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; that whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman” 2Chr.15.12,13. By seeking the physicians and not the Lord, Asa broke the terms of that covenant, and thereby he ought to have been put to death by the judiciary, but when they failed, God judged him.
He was diseased in his “feet”, which picture the path he took and the places he went. We ask ourselves a challenging question: where are our feet just now, and where have they taken us? Have they taken us to the sports arenas, the cinemas, etc.? Asa put the prophet in prison, and now God touches his feet! How sad it is that “he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians”; he put confidence in man rather than God! This does not mean that we should not go to the doctor, but it does mean that, while we seek guidance and help from the medical experts, we trust the Lord in every circumstance.
His Death – vv.13,14
“And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign. 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.”
He was missed after he died, and he was given a more honourable burial than most of the kings of Judah. Note what is stated of Jehoram: “he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers. Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired” 2Chr.21.19,20. Scripture records the contrast: “The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot” Prov.10.7.