2 Chronicles 15:16
2 Chronicles 15:16 in Multiple Translations
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.
¶ 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.
And also Maacah, the mother of Asa the king, he removed from being queen, because she had made an abominable image for an Asherah; and Asa cut down her image, and made dust of it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.
And Asa would not let Maacah, his mother, be queen, because she had made a disgusting image for Asherah; and Asa had her image cut down and broken up and burned by the stream Kidron.
King Asa also removed Maacah from her position as queen mother for making an offensive Asherah pole. Asa cut down her vile idol, crushed it up, and burned it in the Kidron Valley.
And King Asa deposed Maachah his mother from her regencie, because she had made an idole in a groue: and Asa brake downe her idole, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brooke Kidron.
And also Maachah, mother of Asa the king — he hath removed her from [being] mistress, in that she hath made for a shrine a horrible thing, and Asa cutteth down her horrible thing, and beateth [it] small, and burneth [it] by the brook Kidron:
Also Maacah, the mother of Asa the king, he removed from being queen mother, because she had made an abominable image for an Asherah; so Asa cut down her image, ground it into dust, and burned it at the brook Kidron.
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.
Moreover Maacha the mother of king Asa he deposed from the royal authority, because she had made in a grove an idol of Priapus: and he entirely destroyed it, and breaking it into pieces, burnt it at the torrent Cedron.
King Asa’s grandmother Maacah had made a disgusting pole for worshiping the goddess Asherah. So Asa commanded his workers to cut down that pole and chop it into pieces and burn it in the Kidron Valley. He then did not allow Maacah to continue to influence the people because of her being the mother of the previous king.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 15:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 15:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַֽם
מַעֲכָ֞ה
אֵ֣ם
אָסָ֣א
הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ
הֱסִירָ/הּ֙
מִ/גְּבִירָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁר
עָשְׂתָ֥ה
לַ/אֲשֵׁרָ֖ה
מִפְלָ֑צֶת
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֤ת
אָסָא֙
אֶת
מִפְלַצְתָּ֔/הּ
וַ/יָּ֕דֶק
וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֖ף
בְּ/נַ֥חַל
קִדְרֽוֹן
וְ/גַֽם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
מַעֲכָ֞ה
Maʻăkâh
H4601
Maacah
N-proper
אֵ֣ם
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs
אָסָ֣א
ʼÂçâʼ
H609
Asa
N-proper
הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
הֱסִירָ/הּ֙
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
מִ/גְּבִירָ֔ה
gᵉbîyrâh
H1377
queen
Prep | N-fs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָשְׂתָ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לַ/אֲשֵׁרָ֖ה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
Asherah
Prep | N-proper
מִפְלָ֑צֶת
miphletseth
H4656
horror
N-fs
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֤ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָסָא֙
ʼÂçâʼ
H609
Asa
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִפְלַצְתָּ֔/הּ
miphletseth
H4656
horror
N-fs | Suff
וַ/יָּ֕דֶק
dâqaq
H1854
to crush
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֖ף
sâraph
H8313
to burn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/נַ֥חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
Prep | N-ms
קִדְרֽוֹן
Qidrôwn
H6939
Kidron
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 15:16
וְ/גַֽם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
מַעֲכָ֞ה
Maʻăkâh
H4601
"Maacah"
N-proper
Maacah is a name that refers to a place in Syria, several Israelites, and some women, meaning 'oppression'. It's also the name of a city with a king in Israel. The name appears in the Bible as 'Maachah' or 'Maacah'.
Definition: Maachah = "oppression" a city with a king that continued within Israel Also named: ma.a.kha.ti (מַעֲכָתִי "Maacathite" H4602)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Maachah, Maachathites. See also H1038 (בֵּית מַעֲכָה). See also: Genesis 22:24; 1 Chronicles 7:15; 2 Chronicles 15:16.
אֵ֣ם
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
אָסָ֣א
ʼÂçâʼ
H609
"Asa"
N-proper
Asa was a king of Judah, son of Abijam, who ruled wisely and brought peace to the land, as recorded in 1 Kings 15:11-15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; son of: Elkanah (H0511K); father of: Berechiah (H1296I) § Asa = "healer: injurious (?)" 1) king of Judah, son of Abijam, father of Jehoshaphat 2) a Levite
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Asa. See also: 1 Kings 15:8; 2 Chronicles 13:23; Jeremiah 41:9.
הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הֱסִירָ/הּ֙
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מִ/גְּבִירָ֔ה
gᵉbîyrâh
H1377
"queen"
Prep | N-fs
A queen or lady, this word describes a woman in a position of power or nobility. In the Bible, it is used to refer to queens, including queen mothers, who played important roles in Israel's history.
Definition: 1) queen, lady 2) queen-mother
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: queen. See also: 1 Kings 11:19; 2 Chronicles 15:16; Jeremiah 13:18.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָשְׂתָ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לַ/אֲשֵׁרָ֖ה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
"Asherah"
Prep | N-proper
Asherah was a goddess worshipped by the Canaanites and Phoenicians, often represented by a tree or pole near an altar. The Bible warns against worshipping her, as in Deuteronomy and Judges. She was considered a consort of Baal.
Definition: § Ashera(h) = "groves (for idol worship)" a Babylonian (Astarte)-Canaanite goddess (of fortune and happiness), the supposed consort of Baal, her images her images sacred trees or poles set up near an altar
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: grove. Compare H6253 (עַשְׁתֹּרֶת). See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Kings 23:4; Isaiah 17:8.
מִפְלָ֑צֶת
miphletseth
H4656
"horror"
N-fs
This word refers to something that inspires horror or fear, often an idol. In the Bible, it is used to describe the terrifying nature of false gods. The prophet Isaiah wrote about such idols.
Definition: horrid thing, horrible thing
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: idol. See also: 1 Kings 15:13; 2 Chronicles 15:16.
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֤ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
אָסָא֙
ʼÂçâʼ
H609
"Asa"
N-proper
Asa was a king of Judah, son of Abijam, who ruled wisely and brought peace to the land, as recorded in 1 Kings 15:11-15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; son of: Elkanah (H0511K); father of: Berechiah (H1296I) § Asa = "healer: injurious (?)" 1) king of Judah, son of Abijam, father of Jehoshaphat 2) a Levite
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Asa. See also: 1 Kings 15:8; 2 Chronicles 13:23; Jeremiah 41:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִפְלַצְתָּ֔/הּ
miphletseth
H4656
"horror"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to something that inspires horror or fear, often an idol. In the Bible, it is used to describe the terrifying nature of false gods. The prophet Isaiah wrote about such idols.
Definition: horrid thing, horrible thing
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: idol. See also: 1 Kings 15:13; 2 Chronicles 15:16.
וַ/יָּ֕דֶק
dâqaq
H1854
"to crush"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means to crush or pulverize something into small pieces, like beating grain into dust or bruising something into tiny fragments.
Definition: 1) to crush, pulverise, thresh 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to crush 1a2) to be fine 1b) (Hiphil) to pulverise, make dust of 1c) (Hophal) to be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: beat in pieces (small), bruise, make dust, (into) [idiom] powder, (be, very) small, stamp (small). See also: Exodus 30:36; 2 Chronicles 15:16; Isaiah 28:28.
וַ/יִּשְׂרֹ֖ף
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
בְּ/נַ֥חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
קִדְרֽוֹן
Qidrôwn
H6939
"Kidron"
N-proper
The Kidron is a brook near Jerusalem, and its name means dark. It's mentioned in the Bible as a significant location near the city of Jerusalem.
Definition: § Kidron = "dark" a stream east of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Kidron. See also: 2 Samuel 15:23; 2 Kings 23:12; Jeremiah 31:40.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 15:16
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Context — Asa’s Reforms
14They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns.
15And 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.
16King 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.
17The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days. 18And he brought into the house of God the silver and gold and the articles that he and his father had dedicated.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 15:13–24 | He also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley. The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days. And he brought into the house of the LORD the silver and gold and other articles that he and his father had dedicated. Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: “Let there be a treaty between me and you, between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.” And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and the whole land of Naphtali, including the region of Chinnereth. When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and withdrew to Tirzah. Then King Asa summoned all the men of Judah, with no exceptions, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials King Asa built up Geba of Benjamin, as well as Mizpah. Now the rest of the acts of Asa, along with all his might, all his accomplishments, and the cities he built, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? In his old age, however, he became diseased in his feet. And Asa rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the city of his father David, and his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 15:10 | and he reigned in Jerusalem forty-one years. His grandmother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 23:15 | He even pulled down the altar at Bethel, the high place set up by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin. Then he burned the high place, ground it to powder, and burned the Asherah pole. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 23:6 | He brought the Asherah pole from the house of the LORD to the Kidron Valley outside Jerusalem, and there he burned it, ground it to powder, and threw its dust on the graves of the common people. |
| 5 | Exodus 34:13 | Rather, you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and chop down their Asherah poles. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 15:2 | and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 14:2–5 | And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles. He commanded the people of Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandments. He also removed the high places and incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and under him the kingdom was at peace. |
| 8 | Exodus 32:27–28 | He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 23:12 | He pulled down the altars that the kings of Judah had set up on the roof near the upper chamber of Ahaz, and the altars that Manasseh had set up in the two courtyards of the house of the LORD. The king pulverized them there and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 9:21 | And I took that sinful thing, the calf you had made, and burned it in the fire. Then I crushed it and ground it to powder as fine as dust, and I cast it into the stream that came down from the mountain. |
2 Chronicles 15:16 Summary
King Asa removed his grandmother from her position because she had made an idol, which is something that God hates. Asa wanted to follow God and remove all idolatry from the land, just like God commanded in Deuteronomy 12:3. He took a strong stand against sin and for God, and we can learn from his example to do the same in our own lives (1 Corinthians 10:14). By removing the idol and burning it, Asa was showing that he was committed to following God and doing what is right, and we can apply this same principle to our own lives by removing things that are sinful or distracting us from God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Asa remove his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother?
King Asa removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole, which was an idolatrous practice that went against the worship of the one true God, as commanded in Deuteronomy 16:21-22 and Exodus 34:13.
What is an Asherah pole and why is it considered detestable?
An Asherah pole was a symbol of the worship of the pagan goddess Asherah, and it is considered detestable because it represents a form of idolatry that is contrary to the worship of the one true God, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:3 and Judges 3:7.
Where is the Kidron Valley and why was the Asherah pole burned there?
The Kidron Valley is a location near Jerusalem, and the Asherah pole was burned there as a symbol of purification and judgment, similar to the burning of idols and other unclean things in Deuteronomy 7:25 and 2 Kings 23:4.
How does this event relate to King Asa's overall character and reign?
This event shows that King Asa was committed to following God and removing idolatry from the land, as seen in 2 Chronicles 15:17, where it is written that Asa's heart was fully devoted to God all his days, and in 1 Kings 15:14, where it is written that Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be tolerating or even promoting idolatry in my own life, and how can I remove these things and devote myself fully to God?
- How can I, like King Asa, take a stand against things that are detestable to God and promote the worship of the one true God in my community?
- What are some symbols or practices in my culture or society that may be similar to the Asherah pole, and how can I respond to them in a way that is faithful to God?
- How can I, like King Asa, seek to please God and follow His commands, even when it is difficult or unpopular?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 15:16
Ver. 16-18. And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king,.... Or rather his grandmother, 1 Kings 15:10, he removed her from being queen; the Septuagint version is, "that she should not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 15:16
And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:16
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Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:16
2 Chronicles 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.Ver. 16. And also concerning Maachah.] See on 1 Kings 15:13. He removed her from being queen.] Or, From being chief priest, in sacris meplezethi, to that abominable grove idol, which had its name from trembling or terrifying, or from the horrible villainies committed at those roguish rites of Priapus; not unlike those other of Anubis, where Decius Mundus abused that noble Roman matron Paulina, whom he could not bring to his lure by any money. Joseph.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:16
(16) And also concerning Maachah.—2 Chronicles 15:16-18 are a duplicate of 1 Kings 15:13-15, with a few unimportant variations. See the commentary there. The mother of Asa the king—i.e., his grandmother. (See 2 Chronicles 13:2; and 1 Kings 15:13). Others have supposed that Maachah the mother of Abijah, and Maachah the “mother” of Asa, were different persons, the former being the daughter of Absalom, the latter the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. There are really no grounds for this. Maachah, the mother of Abijah, enjoyed the rank of queen-mother not only during his short reign of three years, but also during that of her grandson Asa, until deposed by him on account of her idolatry. Queen.—Gebîrah, lady, mistress; but always used of a queen. Compare the position of Athaliah (2 Chronicles 22:2). An idol.—Miphlètseth; a thing of fear; a horror; a term only found here and in 1 Kings 15:13.
(Not as Merx suggests, nor a phallus, as others think. Comp. the cognate words in Job 9:6; Job 21:6; Jeremiah 49:16.) In a grove.—Rather, for Ashçrah (2 Kings 17:16). Stamped it.—Crashed it. A detail added by the chronicler. So Moses treated the golden calf (Exodus 32:20); and Josiah the high place at Bethel (2 Kings 23:15).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:16
Verse 16. Concerning Maachah] See the matter fully explained in Clarke's note on "1 Kings 15:13". The Jews imagine that Maachah repented, and her name became changed into Michaiah, daughter of Uriel of Gibeah; and that this was done that there might be no mention of her former name, lest it should be a reproach to her: but we have already seen another gloss on this name. See on 2 Chronicles 11:20.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 15:16
16–19 (1 Kings 15:13-15). Other Religious Measures of Asa 16. And also concerning Maachah] R.V. And also Maacah. “Maacah the daughter of Abishalom” is described as the mother of Abijam (Abijah) In 1 Kings 15:2 and as the mother of Asa in 1 Kings 15:10, although Asa is described as the son of Abijam (Abijah) in 1 Kings 15:8. Most probably Maacah was the grandmother of Asa but retained her position as queen-mother during two reigns, i.e. until removed by Asa. from being queen] R.V. mg., from being queen-mother. an idol] R.V. an abominable image. On 1 Kings 15:13 Robertson Smith (Religion of the Semites p. 188, note) suggests that the Asherah itself (cp. 2 Chronicles 14:3 note) was partly carved into a kind of image, “a grisly object.” For the present passage see next note. in a grove] R.V. mg. (rightly as representing the meaning of the Chronicler) for Asherah, Asherah being here and in a few other passages (1 Kings 18:19; 2 Kings 21:7; 2 Kings 23:4; 2 Kings 23:7) to be translated as the name of a goddess, about whom however next to nothing is known. According to some scholars the Chronicler was mistaken in imagining that “Ashçrâh” was anything more than a common noun denoting the wooden symbol of a goddess. We must of course translate according to the meaning of the Chronicler whether he has fallen into an error or not. Cp. note on 2 Chronicles 14:3. cut down her idol, and stamped it] R.V. cut down her image, and made dust of it. the brook Kidron] On the east of Jerusalem, an unclean place; cp. 2 Kings 23:4, “in the fields of Kidron.” Bädeker, p. 96.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:16
16-18. These verses are identical with 1 Kings 15:13-15, where see notes.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 15:16
| Sermon | Description | |
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Reforms of the Covenant by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of worshiping and serving God as a nation. He emphasizes that when a nation turns away from God and begins to worship fa |
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(Exodus) Exodus 34:10-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses God's covenant with Moses for the children of Israel. God promises to do marvelous works that have never been seen before, to protect the Isra |
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When a Man of God Loses His Faith by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of King Asa from the book of 2 Chronicles. King Asa was initially a godly and righteous man who sought the Lord and experienced God |
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Pull Down the High Places by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Pull Down the High Places,' addressing the critical role of fathers and spiritual leaders in the family and society. He emphasizes |
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Watch by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh delivers a powerful sermon on the reign of King Asa, emphasizing the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and complete trust in God. Asa's story serves as a solemn wa |
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How the Job Was Done by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of depending on God through the story of King Asa, who initially relied on the Lord for victory but later sought help from a foreign king, l |