2 Chronicles 16
BSB1 In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. 2 So Asa withdrew the silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he sent it with this message to Ben-hadad king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: 3 “Let there be a treaty between me and you, between my father and your father. See, I have sent you silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me." 4 And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. 5 When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and abandoned his work. 6 Then King Asa brought all the men of Judah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials he built up Geba and Mizpah. 7 At that time Hanani the seer came to King Asa of Judah and told him, “Because you have relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. 8 Were not the Cushites and Libyans a vast army with many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war." 10 Asa was angry with the seer and became so enraged over this matter that he put the man in prison. And at the same time Asa oppressed some of the people. 11 Now the rest of the acts of Asa, from beginning to end, are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. 12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady became increasingly severe. Yet even in his illness he did not seek the LORD, but only the physicians. 13 So in the forty-first year of his reign, Asa died and rested with his fathers. 14 And he was buried in the tomb that he had cut out for himself in the City of David. They laid him on a bier that was full of spices and various blended perfumes; then they made a great fire in his honor.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 16
- 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 16
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 16
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 16
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
2 Chronicles 16 begins with King Asa of Judah forming an alliance with King Ben-hadad of Aram to distract King Baasha of Israel, who was building a fortification at Ramah to prevent Judah's citizens from fleeing to Israel. Asa used the treasures from the Temple and his palace to bribe Ben-hadad into attacking Israel, successfully stopping Baasha's project. However, the prophet Hanani rebuked Asa for relying on the king of Aram instead of God, predicting that his kingdom would always be at war because of this decision. Later, when Asa developed a severe disease in his feet, instead of seeking God's help, he relied on physicians, and eventually, he died. The chapter concludes with the accession of his son Jehoshaphat to the throne.
Context for the Chapter
2 Chronicles 16 is part of the larger narrative of the divided kingdom, following the reigns of Solomon and the split of Israel into two kingdoms: Judah in the south and Israel in the north. This chapter specifically deals with the reign of Asa, a king of Judah who initially followed God but later faltered in his trust. The events in this chapter are significant because they show the consequences of a leader's decisions on the nation and the importance of maintaining faith in God's sovereignty.
Heart Application
This chapter applies to our lives by reminding us to trust in God's providence and sovereignty in all circumstances. It warns us against the temptation to rely on human strength and ingenuity alone, especially in times of crisis, and encourages us to seek God's guidance and support. By reflecting on Asa's mistakes and the consequences thereof, believers can learn the importance of maintaining a blameless heart towards God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells us about King Asa of Judah, who initially trusted God but later relied on human help and doctors when he was sick. It teaches us to always trust in God and not in what people can do. Asa's story shows what happens when we don't trust God, and it reminds us to seek God's help in all things, as seen in 2 Chronicles 16:9.
Voices from the Church
“Faith is to trust to the Lord without looking to human means, and this is what Asa failed to do, to his own loss and the loss of his kingdom.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“In the example of Asa, we see how dangerous it is to begin well and end poorly, for it is not the starting point but the perseverance that makes one blessed.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Asa Forms an Alliance with Aram (2 Chronicles 16:1-6) — Asa uses the treasures of the Temple and his palace to bribe the king of Aram to attack Israel, successfully stopping the construction at Ramah but demonstrating a lack of trust in God's power.
- Hanani Rebukes Asa (2 Chronicles 16:7-10) — The prophet Hanani condemns Asa for relying on Aram instead of God, foretelling a future of wars for Judah because of this decision.
- Asa's Disease and Death (2 Chronicles 16:11-14) — Asa develops a severe disease in his feet but seeks the help of physicians instead of God, leading to his death and the accession of his son Jehoshaphat.
- The Accession of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 16:11-14) — Jehoshaphat succeeds Asa, marking a new era for Judah and an opportunity for the kingdom to return to trusting in God's sovereignty.
- Conclusion and Reflection (2 Chronicles 16:1-14) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of learning from Asa's mistakes, highlighting the need for constant trust in God's providence and sovereignty.
Core Doctrines
- Providence of God
- This chapter teaches about God's active involvement in human affairs, as seen in His willingness to support those whose hearts are blameless towards Him (2 Chronicles 16:9).
- Faith and Trust
- The narrative of Asa's life illustrates the consequences of initial faith followed by a decline into trusting human strength, emphasizing the need for perseverance in faith.
- Consequences of Sin
- Asa's decision to trust in Aram and his later reliance on physicians instead of God result in predicted wars and his own severe disease, demonstrating the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance and faith.
- Sovereignty of God
- Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty is evident, from the control over the kingdoms of Israel and Judah to the individual life of Asa, showcasing God's power and authority over all human actions and decisions.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 16
- Importance of Persevering Faith — Asa's story teaches us that initial faith is not enough; perseverance in trusting God is crucial for a life of victory and blessing.
- Dangers of Trusting in Human Strength — The chapter highlights the dangers of relying on human alliances, strength, or ingenuity instead of God's power and providence.
- God's Omnipresence and Support — The verse about God's eyes running to and fro throughout the earth reminds us of God's omnipresence and His willingness to support those who are faithful to Him.
- Consequences of Disobedience — Asa's decisions and their consequences serve as a warning about the importance of obeying God's commands and trusting in His sovereignty.
- New Beginnings and Second Chances — The accession of Jehoshaphat after Asa's death symbolizes the possibility of new beginnings and the chance to return to trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 16
- Trust and Faith — The central theme of trusting in God versus human strength is pivotal in understanding Asa's story and its application to our lives.
- Consequences of Sin — The chapter emphasizes the consequences of sin, specifically the sin of not trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.
- God's Sovereignty — God's control over all events, from the rise and fall of kingdoms to individual lives, is a dominant theme, reminding us of His power and authority.
- Importance of Seeking God — The narrative underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance and support in all circumstances, rather than relying solely on human means.
- Perseverance and Endurance — The contrast between Asa's initial faith and later disobedience, along with the prophecy of future wars, teaches the value of perseverance and endurance in the faith.
Questions for Meditation
- What were the initial signs of Asa's trust in God, and how did his trust evolve over time?
- How does the concept of a 'blameless heart' towards God relate to our daily lives and decisions?
- What lessons can be learned from Asa's reliance on human alliances and medical remedies instead of seeking God's intervention?
- In what ways does the prophecy of Hanani to Asa apply to our personal lives and the life of the church today?
- How does the transition from Asa to Jehoshaphat serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of new beginnings in our walk with God?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Asa Forms an Alliance with Aram (2 Chronicles 16:1-6)
| 16:1 | In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built Ramah, that he might permit no one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. |
| 16:2 | Then Asa brought out silver and gold from the treasures of the house of the Lord and the king's house and sent them to Ben-hadad king of Syria, who lived in Damascus, saying, |
2. Hanani Rebukes Asa (2 Chronicles 16:7-10)
| 16:7 | At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, "Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped from your hand. |
| 16:8 | Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the Lord, he gave them into your hand. |
3. Asa's Disease and Death (2 Chronicles 16:11-14)
| 16:11 | Now the acts of Asa, from first to last, are written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. |
| 16:12 | In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, and his disease became severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but sought help from physicians. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main reason for Asa's decision to form an alliance with Aram?
Asa formed an alliance with Aram to counter the threat from Israel, specifically to stop Baasha's construction at Ramah, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 16:1-6. This decision was a result of Asa's lack of trust in God's power to deliver him.
How does the story of Asa relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
Asa's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting in human strength and alliances instead of God's sovereignty and providence. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith in God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 16:9, where Hanani reminds Asa that God's eyes run to and fro throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless towards Him.
What lessons can be learned from Asa's reliance on physicians instead of seeking God's healing?
Asa's decision to seek help from physicians instead of God when he was diseased, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 16:12, teaches us about the importance of seeking God's guidance and support in all circumstances, including times of illness or distress. It highlights the need to trust in God's power and providence over human means alone.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 16:1 → 1 Kings 15:17 | The construction at Ramah by Baasha of Israel is also mentioned in 1 Kings 15:17, providing additional context to the political tensions between Judah and Israel during Asa's reign. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 16:7 → Psalm 118:8-9 | The concept of trusting in God rather than human strength is echoed in Psalm 118:8-9, where it is written that it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 16:9 → Proverbs 15:3 | The idea that God's eyes run to and fro throughout the whole earth is also found in Proverbs 15:3, emphasizing God's omnipresence and His ability to see all human actions. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 16:12 → 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 | The theme of trusting in God during times of distress or illness is reflected in 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, where Paul discusses his own afflictions and how they led him to rely not on himself but on God, who raises the dead. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 16:13 → Psalm 39:4-5 | The brief mention of Asa's death and the length of his reign in 2 Chronicles 16:13 can be contrasted with the reflection on the brevity of life in Psalm 39:4-5, reminding us of the importance of living a life that honors God. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 16:1-6 → Isaiah 31:1-3 | The formation of alliances with neighboring kingdoms, as seen in Asa's alliance with Aram, is warned against in Isaiah 31:1-3, where trusting in the strength of horses and chariots from Egypt is condemned. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 16:7-10 → Jeremiah 17:5-8 | The prophecy of Hanani to Asa, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God, is reminiscent of Jeremiah 17:5-8, which contrasts the cursed man who trusts in man with the blessed man who trusts in the Lord. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 16:9 → Zechariah 4:6 | The concept of God's omnipresence and support for the faithful is also found in Zechariah 4:6, where it is stated that it is not by might, nor by power, but by God's Spirit that we succeed. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 16:12 → Matthew 9:35 | The theme of seeking healing and help from the right source is reflected in Matthew 9:35, where Jesus goes about healing every disease and affliction, demonstrating God's power to heal and deliver. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 16:13-14 → Hebrews 9:27 | The brief account of Asa's death and the transition to his son Jehoshaphat can be seen in the light of Hebrews 9:27, which reminds us that it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, highlighting the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 16
| Sermon | Description | |
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Absolute Surrender by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful stories that highlight the desperate state of humanity and the need for God's intervention. The first story describes a disturbing e |
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The Power of God's Presence by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and experiencing His glory. He leads the congregation in a prayer of surrender and asks the Holy Sp |
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Releasing the Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and guidance of the Holy Ghost. He tells the story of Philip, a man of God who is led by the Holy Spirit to preach Jesus to an Eth |
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Total Surrender by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering our hearts fully to God. They use the analogy of a cup to illustrate that when we are not fully surrendered, n |
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Essence of Christianity by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not concerned with a person's education, wealth, or natural abilities. God is simply looking for someone who is willing to be us |
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(2006 Conference) 8. Young People Who Stand for God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being wholehearted for God, standing out from the crowd, and not compromising with the world. It highlights the need for young people to se |
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Young People Who Stand for God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is completely devoted to God. He encourages young people to shift their ambitions to something of eter |
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Trusting God Is Not an Option by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering every aspect of one's life to God. He encourages believers to wait on God with a diligent attitude, ready to |
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Remembering Your Deliverances by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about astronauts in space to illustrate the importance of remembering God's miracles. He describes how the astronauts were amazed by the |
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Are You Keeping Well by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the body as a means of communication with the outside world. He explains that while we can recognize others based on their phys |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 16
Matthew Henry's commentary on 2 Chronicles 16 reflects on the reign of Asa, initially commending his trust in God but later condemning his reliance on human strength. Henry emphasizes the importance of persevering faith, highlighting that it is not how we begin but how we continue that matters. He also notes the significance of the prophecy of Hanani, which serves as a warning to all believers about the dangers of trusting in man rather than God. The chapter concludes with the accession of Jehoshaphat, symbolizing a new beginning and an opportunity for Judah to return to trusting in God's sovereignty. Henry's commentary encourages believers to learn from Asa's mistakes, emphasizing the need to trust in God's power and providence in all circumstances, and to seek His guidance and support, especially in times of crisis or distress. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Asa's Initial Faith
Asa starts his reign with faith in God, as seen in his earlier victories and reforms. However, he gradually shifts towards trusting in human alliances and strength.
Consequences of Sin
The chapter illustrates the consequences of Asa's sin, including the prediction of wars and his severe disease, serving as a warning against trusting in human strength over God's power.
God's Omnipresence
The verse about God's eyes running to and fro throughout the earth emphasizes His omnipresence and willingness to support the faithful, contrasting with Asa's limited vision and trust in human means.