2 Chronicles 15
BSB1 Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. 2 So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. 3 For many years Israel has been without the true God, without a priest to instruct them, and without the law. 4 But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them. 5 In those days there was no safety for travelers, because the residents of the lands had many conflicts. 6 Nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God afflicted them with all kinds of adversity. 7 But as for you, be strong; do not be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded." 8 When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage and removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. He then restored the altar of the LORD that was in front of the portico of the LORD’s temple. 9 And he assembled all Judah and Benjamin, along with those from the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them, for great numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. 10 So they gathered together in Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign. 11 At that time they sacrificed to the LORD seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep from all the plunder they had brought back. 12 Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. 13 And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. 14 They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns. 15 And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn it with all their heart. They had sought Him earnestly, and He was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side. 16 King Asa also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole, crushed it, and burned it in the Kidron Valley. 17 The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days. 18 And he brought into the house of God the silver and gold articles that he and his father had dedicated. 19 And there was no war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s reign.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 15
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 15
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 15
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 15
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the prophet Azariah son of Oded encouraging King Asa to seek the Lord and promising that if he does, God will be with him. Asa then implements various reforms, including removing idols and repairing the altar of the Lord. The chapter also describes the covenant that Asa and his people made with God, promising to seek Him with all their heart and soul. The chapter concludes with a description of the peace and prosperity that Judah experienced during Asa's reign, as well as the military victories that God gave them. Key verses include 2 Chronicles 15:2, which states that the Lord is with those who are with Him, and 2 Chronicles 15:12, which describes the covenant that Asa and his people made with God.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the kingdom of Judah, which was one of the two kingdoms that made up the nation of Israel after the death of King Solomon. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's relationship with His people and His plan of salvation. The chapter is closely connected to the surrounding chapters, which describe the reigns of other kings of Judah and the prophets who spoke to them. The chapter is also connected to the New Testament, which describes the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the spread of the Christian gospel.
Heart Application
This chapter has several practical applications for our lives today. First, it emphasizes the importance of seeking God and experiencing His presence and blessing. This means that we should prioritize our relationship with God and seek to follow His ways in all aspects of our lives. Second, the chapter describes the results of seeking God, including peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. This means that we can expect to experience God's blessing and favor in our lives if we seek Him with all our heart and soul.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about King Asa of Judah, who sought God and experienced revival and reformation. The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God and experiencing His presence and blessing, and describes the results of seeking God, including peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. In 2 Chronicles 15:2, we see that seeking God is essential to experiencing His presence and blessing. The chapter also highlights the importance of faith and trust in God, as seen in verses 2 and 12.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord is with those who are with Him, and if we seek Him, He will be found by us. But if we forsake Him, He will forsake us. Let us therefore seek the Lord with all our heart and soul, and trust in His presence and blessing.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The covenant that Asa and his people made with God is a type of the covenant that God has made with us through Jesus Christ. Just as Asa and his people promised to seek God with all their heart and soul, we must promise to follow Christ and seek to please Him in all aspects of our lives.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to King Asa's Reign (15:1-7) — This section introduces King Asa and describes his early reign, including his removal of idols and repair of the altar of the Lord. In 2 Chronicles 15:1-2, the prophet Azariah encourages Asa to seek the Lord.
- The Covenant with God (15:8-15) — This section describes the covenant that Asa and his people made with God, promising to seek Him with all their heart and soul. In 2 Chronicles 15:12, we see the covenant being made, and in verse 15, we see the results of the covenant.
- The Results of Seeking God (15:16-19) — This section describes the results of seeking God, including peace, prosperity, and military victories. In 2 Chronicles 15:18-19, we see the blessings that God gave to His people.
- The Conclusion of Asa's Reign (15:20-24) — This section concludes Asa's reign, describing his later years and his death. In 2 Chronicles 15:24, we see the end of Asa's reign.
- The Legacy of Asa's Reign (15:25-26) — This section describes the legacy of Asa's reign, including the peace and prosperity that Judah experienced during his time. In 2 Chronicles 15:25-26, we see the impact of Asa's reign on the kingdom of Judah.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Seeking God
- This chapter teaches that seeking God is essential to experiencing His presence and blessing. In 2 Chronicles 15:2, we see that the Lord is with those who are with Him, and if we seek Him, He will be found by us.
- The Covenant
- This chapter teaches that the covenant is a promise between God and His people to seek Him with all their heart and soul. In 2 Chronicles 15:12, we see the covenant being made, and in verse 15, we see the results of the covenant.
- The Results of Seeking God
- This chapter teaches that seeking God results in peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. In 2 Chronicles 15:18-19, we see the blessings that God gave to His people.
- The Importance of Faith and Trust
- This chapter teaches that faith and trust in God are essential to experiencing His presence and blessing. In 2 Chronicles 15:2 and 12, we see the faith and trust of King Asa and his people.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 15
- The Importance of Seeking God — This chapter teaches that seeking God is essential to experiencing His presence and blessing. We must prioritize our relationship with God and seek to follow His ways in all aspects of our lives.
- The Results of Seeking God — This chapter teaches that seeking God results in peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. We can expect to experience God's blessing and favor in our lives if we seek Him with all our heart and soul.
- The Importance of Faith and Trust — This chapter teaches that faith and trust in God are essential to experiencing His presence and blessing. We must cultivate these qualities in our lives by reading the Bible, praying, and seeking to follow God's ways.
- The Covenant — This chapter teaches that the covenant is a promise between God and His people to seek Him with all their heart and soul. We must promise to follow Christ and seek to please Him in all aspects of our lives.
- The Legacy of Our Lives — This chapter teaches that our lives have a lasting impact on the world around us. We must seek to live our lives in a way that honors God and leaves a lasting legacy of faith and obedience.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 15
- Revival and Reformation — This chapter describes the revival and reformation that took place during King Asa's reign, and emphasizes the importance of seeking God and experiencing His presence and blessing.
- The Covenant — This chapter describes the covenant that Asa and his people made with God, and emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God.
- The Results of Seeking God — This chapter describes the results of seeking God, including peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
- The Importance of Faith and Trust — This chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, and describes the ways in which Asa and his people cultivated these qualities in their lives.
- The Legacy of Our Lives — This chapter describes the legacy of Asa's reign, and emphasizes the importance of living our lives in a way that honors God and leaves a lasting legacy of faith and obedience.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to seek God, and how can we do this in our lives today?
- What are the results of seeking God, and how can we experience these results in our lives?
- What is the importance of faith and trust in God, and how can we cultivate these qualities in our lives?
- How does the covenant that Asa and his people made with God relate to the covenant that God has made with us through Jesus Christ?
- What are some practical ways that we can apply the lessons of this chapter to our lives today?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to King Asa's Reign (15:1-7)
| 15:1 | This verse introduces King Asa and describes his early reign, including his removal of idols and repair of the altar of the Lord. |
| 15:2 | This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God and experiencing His presence and blessing. The prophet Azariah encourages Asa to seek the Lord. |
| 15:3 | This verse describes the spiritual state of Judah during Asa's reign, including the lack of a teaching priest and the absence of the law of the Lord. |
| 15:4 | This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God in times of trouble and distress. Asa and his people sought the Lord and were delivered from their enemies. |
| 15:5 | This verse describes the results of seeking God, including peace and prosperity. The land had rest for ten years. |
| 15:6 | This verse describes the civil wars that took place during Asa's reign, and emphasizes the importance of seeking God in times of trouble and distress. |
| 15:7 | This verse encourages Asa and his people to be strong and courageous, and to trust in the Lord. |
2. The Covenant with God (15:8-15)
| 15:8 | This verse describes the removal of idols and the repair of the altar of the Lord. Asa also brought into the house of God the silver and gold and the vessels that he and his father had dedicated. |
| 15:9 | This verse describes the assembly that Asa called, including people from all of Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim. They came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the Lord. |
| 15:10 | This verse describes the date of the assembly, which was the third month. They sacrificed 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep. |
| 15:11 | This verse emphasizes the importance of making a covenant with God. Asa and his people entered into a covenant to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul. |
| 15:12 | This verse describes the covenant that Asa and his people made with God. They promised to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul, and to put to death anyone who did not seek the Lord. |
| 15:13 | This verse emphasizes the importance of putting to death anyone who did not seek the Lord. This included anyone who refused to seek the Lord, regardless of age or sex. |
| 15:14 | This verse describes the oath that Asa and his people took. They swore an oath to the Lord with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. |
| 15:15 | This verse describes the joy and rejoicing that Asa and his people experienced after making the covenant with God. The Lord gave them rest all around. |
3. The Results of Seeking God (15:16-19)
| 15:16 | This verse describes the removal of the queen mother, Maacah. Asa removed her because she had made an abominable image for Asherah. |
| 15:17 | This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God and experiencing His presence and blessing. The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa's heart was blameless all his days. |
| 15:18 | This verse describes the treasures that Asa and his father had dedicated. They brought them into the house of God. |
| 15:19 | This verse describes the war that took place between Asa and Baasha king of Israel. Asa took silver and gold from the treasures of the house of the Lord and gave them to Ben-hadad king of Syria. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 2 Chronicles 15?
The main theme of 2 Chronicles 15 is the importance of seeking God and experiencing His presence and blessing. This is seen in verses 2, 4, and 12, which describe the actions of King Asa and his people as they seek God.
What is the covenant that Asa and his people made with God?
The covenant that Asa and his people made with God was a promise to seek Him with all their heart and soul. This is described in verse 12, which states that they promised to put to death anyone who did not seek the Lord.
What are the results of seeking God, according to 2 Chronicles 15?
The results of seeking God, according to 2 Chronicles 15, include peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. This is seen in verses 5, 15, and 19, which describe the blessings that God gave to His people.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 15:2 → Deuteronomy 4:29 | This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God and experiencing His presence and blessing. In Deuteronomy 4:29, we see that if we seek the Lord, we will find Him if we seek Him with all our heart and with all our soul. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 15:12 → Exodus 24:7-8 | This verse describes the covenant that Asa and his people made with God. In Exodus 24:7-8, we see the covenant that the Israelites made with God, promising to obey His voice and keep His covenant. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 15:15 → Leviticus 26:3-13 | This verse describes the results of seeking God, including peace and prosperity. In Leviticus 26:3-13, we see the blessings that God promised to give to His people if they obeyed His commandments and sought Him with all their heart. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 15:16 → 1 Kings 15:13 | This verse describes the removal of the queen mother, Maacah. In 1 Kings 15:13, we see the removal of Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made an abominable image for Asherah. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 15:17 → 1 Kings 14:23 | This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God and experiencing His presence and blessing. In 1 Kings 14:23, we see the high places that were built in Israel, and how they led the people away from seeking the Lord. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 15:18 → 2 Chronicles 14:13-14 | This verse describes the treasures that Asa and his father had dedicated. In 2 Chronicles 14:13-14, we see the victory that God gave to Asa and his people over the Ethiopians. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 15:19 → 1 Kings 15:16-24 | This verse describes the war that took place between Asa and Baasha king of Israel. In 1 Kings 15:16-24, we see the war between Asa and Baasha, and how Asa sought the help of Ben-hadad king of Syria. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 15:2 → Hebrews 11:6 | This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God and experiencing His presence and blessing. In Hebrews 11:6, we see that without faith it is impossible to please God, and that we must believe that He rewards those who seek Him. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 15:12 → Luke 22:20 | This verse describes the covenant that Asa and his people made with God. In Luke 22:20, we see the new covenant that Jesus made with His disciples, promising to give His life for them and to establish a new relationship with God. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 15:15 → Romans 5:1-5 | This verse describes the results of seeking God, including peace and prosperity. In Romans 5:1-5, we see the peace and joy that we have in Christ, and how we can experience God's love and blessing in our lives. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 15
| Sermon | Description | |
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Audio Sermon: Seeking God by Hans R. Waldvogel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking and finding God with our whole hearts, highlighting the transformative power of truly knowing God. It challenges listeners to not s |
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The Shocking Sin of a Perfect Heart by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the sin of King Asa, who had a perfect heart but made a grave mistake by relying on his own plans instead of trusting in God. Despite his pre |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 20:1 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He introduces his new book, "Standing Up in a Fallen World," which i |
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Don't Take Away the Job From Jesus by Hans Peter Royer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is the master and we are His servants. He highlights the tendency for us to try to make God follow our |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 14-18 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God wants to use our lives and bless us abundantly. He highlights the importance of having a heart completely devoted to God, as He is |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the |
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The Hand of God by Billy Ingram | In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful spiritual experience where the spirit of God swept through an auditorium, causing intense emotions and a desire for repentance. Th |
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The Providence of God-02 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the wonders of God's providence. He emphasizes the desire to bring honor and glory to the Lord. The preacher shares a story about four Christ |
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Manifest Presence - Part 2 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of drawing near to God. He emphasizes that the distance between God and ourselves is not always equal and that God may be farther |
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I Once Longed for New Things to Obey by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of renewing the altar of the Lord in our lives, shunning evil, embracing good, and maintaining a servant's heart. It highlights the dangers of |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15
In this chapter, we see the reign of King Asa of Judah, who sought to follow God's ways and remove the idols from the land. The prophet Azariah encouraged Asa to seek the Lord, promising that if he did, God would be with him. Asa took this to heart and implemented various reforms, including the removal of idols and the repair of the altar of the Lord. The chapter also describes the covenant that Asa and his people made with God, promising to seek Him with all their heart and soul. This covenant is a type of the covenant that God has made with us through Jesus Christ, and it emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God. As Matthew Henry notes, 'those who make conscience of their duty to God, and set their hearts to seek Him, shall find their comfort in Him, and have reason to be confident that He will be with them.' This chapter teaches us the importance of seeking God and experiencing His presence and blessing, and it encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Him and seek to follow His ways in all aspects of our lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Seeking God
The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God and experiencing His presence and blessing. This is seen in verses 2, 4, and 12, which describe the actions of King Asa and his people as they seek God.
The Results of Seeking God
The chapter also describes the results of seeking God, including peace, prosperity, and military victories. This is seen in verses 5, 15, and 19, which describe the blessings that God gave to His people.
The Importance of Faith and Trust
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, which is a key aspect of the Christian gospel. This is seen in verses 2 and 12, which describe the faith and trust of King Asa and his people.