Asa's Last Days II Chronicles 16

II Chronicles 16:1 "In the sixth 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."

Asa is influencing the whole land, not only Judah but the ten tribes called Israel. Many are going to Jerusalem to be under Asa and true worship according to the law of Moses. Baasha now attempts to stop this migration to Jerusalem. So he built Ramah to try to block their way.

Baasha came to reign over Israel after killing the son of Jeroboam.

v2 "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, v3 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 Bassha king of Israel, that he may depart from me."

In the previous chapter, Asa brought in silver and gold and dedicated it to the LORD. Chapter 15 verse 18. Now he has used those dedicated items to buy a league with the king of Syria to help him. It displeased the LORD.

v7 "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."

A seer was a prophet. I think the term seer was picked up in Babylon during the captivity where this book was written.

Something happened to Asa that happens to a lot of people these days. He did something wrong and was rebuked. Instead of humbling himself before God, he became angry at the messenger and I believe the LORD as well. He did not turn from his anger to the day he died. He tossed the prophet in prison and was plagued with war and disease the rest of his days. Remember in a previous study that the LORD delivered Asa from a million man army. I'd put it in the same category as a child going to a stranger for advice after parents have spent their lifetime instructing them.

v12 "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.

So Asa died and his son Jehoshahat reigned in his place. I have not studied the burial of Asa but it seems ritualistic to me. v14 "...prepared by the apothecaries' art; and they made a very great burning for him."

Asa did some great things. His ending was a sad one but I believe the LORD will remember that his heart was perfect and that he sought the LORD.

II Thessalonians 2:17 "Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."

Asa is angry with the prophet of the LORD.