2 Chronicles 16:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Asa {H609} the king {H4428} took {H3947} all Judah {H3063}; and they carried away {H5375} the stones {H68} of Ramah {H7414}, and the timber {H6086} thereof, wherewith Baasha {H1201} was building {H1129}; and he built {H1129} therewith Geba {H1387} and Mizpah {H4709}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Asa the king took all Y'hudah and carried off the stones and timber which Ba'asha had used to fortify Ramah. With them he fortified Geva and Mitzpah.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Asa of Judah, demonstrating keen strategic insight, capitalized on a critical geopolitical shift to secure his kingdom's northern border in 2 Chronicles 16:6. When King Baasha of Israel was forced to abandon his fortification efforts at Ramah due to a Syrian diversionary attack, Asa swiftly mobilized the entire population of Judah. They meticulously dismantled Baasha's partially constructed defenses, carrying away the very stones and timber intended for Judah's subjugation. Asa then ingeniously repurposed these materials to fortify his own strategic border towns of Geba and Mizpah, effectively transforming an enemy's aggressive act into a significant defensive advantage for Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the Chronicler's account of King Asa's reign, marking a pivotal transition. Earlier, Asa is commended for his spiritual reforms and his unwavering reliance on God, which led to a miraculous victory over a vast Cushite army in [2 Chronicles 14:9-15](/2_chronicles/14-9-15 "2 Chronicles 14:9-15 - Asa's Prayer and God's Deliverance"). However, the immediate preceding verses of [2 Chronicles 16](/2_chronicles/16 "2 Chronicles 16 - Asa's Alliance and Rebuke") reveal a shift in Asa's approach. Faced with Baasha's aggressive fortification of Ramah, which directly threatened Jerusalem, Asa chose to rely on human cunning and a worldly alliance. He bribed Ben-hadad, king of Syria, with treasures from the temple and the royal palace to attack Israel, thereby diverting Baasha's attention from Ramah ([2 Chronicles 16:2-3](/2_chronicles/16-2-3 "2 Chronicles 16:2-3 - Asa's Alliance with Ben-hadad")). This external pressure forced Baasha to withdraw, creating the precise opportunity that 2 Chronicles 16:6 describes Asa exploiting. The narrative then immediately pivots to the prophet Hanani's severe rebuke of Asa for his lack of trust in God ([2 Chronicles 16:7-9](/2_chronicles/16-7-9 "2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Hanani Rebukes Asa")). Thus, while the verse highlights Asa's strategic brilliance, it simultaneously sets the stage for a critical theological critique of his methods, emphasizing the Chronicler's overarching theme of divine retribution for disobedience and the importance of wholehearted trust in Yahweh.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the divided monarchy (approximately 931-586 BCE) was characterized by persistent political tension, military skirmishes, and shifting alliances between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Ramah, situated merely five miles north of Jerusalem, held immense strategic significance. Its fortification by Baasha would have created a formidable choke-point, effectively controlling access to and from Jerusalem, disrupting trade routes, and exerting immense military and economic pressure on Judah. The act of dismantling an enemy's fortifications and repurposing the materials was a common, pragmatic military strategy in the ancient Near East, signifying not only a tactical victory but also a complete reversal of the enemy's intent and a demonstration of dominance. Geba and Mizpah, located just north of Jerusalem, were vital border towns in the tribal territory of Benjamin. Geba, a Levitical city, was positioned to the east, controlling a pass leading from the Jordan Valley, while Mizpah, a prominent high place and a significant gathering point in Israelite history, was situated to the west, commanding key routes into Judah. Strengthening these positions was crucial for Judah's security against northern aggression, establishing a new, robust defensive line.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Strategic Resourcefulness and Military Acumen:** The verse powerfully illustrates King Asa's tactical brilliance and his ability to seize a fleeting opportunity. He did not merely destroy the enemy's work but ingeniously repurposed their very resources—the stones and timber—to strengthen his own kingdom. This act of turning an opponent's aggression into one's own advantage showcases a high degree of military and logistical skill, demonstrating a proactive and intelligent response to a significant threat.
* **Inter-Kingdom Conflict and Geopolitical Tensions:** This passage provides a vivid snapshot of the ongoing, volatile relationship between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The constant struggle for dominance, control of strategic territories, and the use of foreign alliances (such as Judah's alliance with Syria against Israel, detailed in [1 Kings 15:16-22](/1_kings/15-16-22 "1 Kings 15:16-22 - Asa's War with Baasha")) were defining characteristics of this historical period, highlighting the complex political landscape of ancient Israel.
* **Divine Providence vs. Human Strategy:** While Asa's action in this verse is undeniably clever and effective, the broader narrative of [2 Chronicles 16](/2_chronicles/16 "2 Chronicles 16 - Asa's Alliance and Rebuke") frames it within the context of his flawed reliance on human alliances rather than complete trust in God. The immediate success of this strategy is contrasted with the prophet Hanani's subsequent rebuke, which highlights that God's power is sufficient without human manipulation or unholy alliances, as previously demonstrated in Asa's earlier, Spirit-led victory in [2 Chronicles 14:11-12](/2_chronicles/14-11-12 "2 Chronicles 14:11-12 - Asa's Prayer and God's Deliverance"). This tension underscores a central theological message of Chronicles: true security and lasting success stem from unwavering faithfulness to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Asa (Hebrew, _ʼÂçâʼ'_):** Of uncertain derivation, Asa was the third king of Judah, reigning for 41 years. He is generally portrayed as a righteous king who initiated significant religious reforms, removing idolatry and promoting the worship of Yahweh. However, his later reliance on a foreign alliance, as seen in this chapter, marks a spiritual decline.
* **building (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to build" (literally and figuratively), "to obtain children," "to make," "to repair," or "to set up." In this context, it refers to the physical construction of fortifications by Baasha at Ramah and subsequently by Asa at Geba and Mizpah. The word highlights the act of establishing and strengthening, whether for offense or defense.
* **carried away (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to lift," "to bear," "to carry," or "to take away." Here, it describes the physical act of transporting the dismantled stones and timber. This verb emphasizes the deliberate and organized effort of the people of Judah to remove the materials from Ramah and relocate them for their own strategic purposes, underscoring the completeness of Baasha's defeat and the efficiency of Asa's response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Asa the king took all Judah;":** This opening clause emphasizes the comprehensive mobilization of the southern kingdom. It was not merely a military detachment but a national effort, indicating the urgency and scale of the threat posed by Baasha's construction at Ramah. This collective action also underscores King Asa's authority and the unity of his kingdom in response to the crisis, demonstrating his effective leadership in gathering his people for a strategic undertaking.
* **"and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building;":** This describes the core action of the verse: the dismantling and removal of Baasha's building materials. "Stones" and "timber" were the fundamental components of ancient Near Eastern fortifications, representing significant resources and labor. The act of "carrying away" signifies not wanton destruction, but a deliberate act of appropriation and repurposing. It highlights Baasha's forced abandonment of the project and Asa's swift, opportunistic response to secure valuable resources, turning a potential threat into a tangible asset.
* **"and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah.":** This final clause reveals the ingenious culmination of Asa's strategy. The very materials Baasha intended to use to oppress Judah were now employed by Asa to strengthen Judah's own defenses. This act transformed a hostile building project into a beneficial one for Judah, fortifying two key border towns (Geba and Mizpah) and establishing a new, robust defensive line against future aggression from the north. This demonstrates Asa's foresight and practical wisdom in leveraging an enemy's loss for his own kingdom's gain.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 16:6 is **Strategic Reversal**. King Baasha's intention was to build a stronghold at Ramah, using stones and timber to exert pressure on Judah and effectively cut off access to Jerusalem. However, Asa's swift and decisive action, facilitated by the Syrian intervention, completely reverses this intention. The very "stones" and "timber" meant for Judah's subjugation are repurposed to build up Judah's own defenses at Geba and Mizpah. This creates a powerful **Irony**, where the enemy's resources become the means of their opponent's strengthening and security. The narrative subtly highlights Asa's **Military Acumen** and **Resourcefulness** through this ingenious maneuver, showcasing his ability to turn a defensive vulnerability into a strategic advantage and demonstrating the practical consequences of his tactical brilliance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 2 Chronicles 16:6 celebrates King Asa's undeniable tactical brilliance and resourcefulness in securing his kingdom, the broader biblical narrative, particularly the prophet Hanani's immediate rebuke in the subsequent verses, compels a deeper theological reflection. Asa's success in this specific action was achieved through a reliance on a foreign alliance (Syria) and the use of sacred temple treasures as bribes, rather than a continued, wholehearted trust in God, which had marked his earlier, greater victories. This highlights a crucial theological tension: God can allow human ingenuity to succeed, even when the underlying trust is misplaced. However, true and lasting security, according to the Chronicler's theology, flows from unwavering dependence on the Lord. The passage implicitly questions whether the ends (strategic advantage) justify the means (compromised faith), challenging believers to consider the source of their strength and the foundation of their security.

* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Horse is Made Ready for Battle")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Asa's actions in 2 Chronicles 16:6 present a compelling paradox for contemporary believers. On one hand, his strategic resourcefulness—the ability to turn an enemy's efforts into one's own advantage by repurposing their materials—is admirable and offers a lesson in practical wisdom and seizing opportunities. We are called to be wise stewards of our resources, to think creatively, and to act decisively in the face of challenges. Yet, the larger context of Asa's reign, particularly the prophet Hanani's rebuke, reminds us that the *source* and *foundation* of our strategies matter profoundly. Are we relying on our own cleverness, worldly alliances, or material wealth, or is our ultimate trust firmly rooted in God's sovereign power and provision? This passage challenges us to examine where our security truly lies, urging us to pursue wisdom and strategic thinking within the framework of unwavering faith and obedience, recognizing that true victory and peace come from placing our trust fully in God, not in human strength or cunning schemes. It prompts us to consider how we might "repurpose" the "stones and timber" of past failures, adversities, or even the actions of adversaries, allowing God to transform them into building blocks for our growth, resilience, and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on human strategies or worldly alliances instead of fully trusting God for deliverance or provision?**
* **How can I discern between wise, God-given resourcefulness and self-reliant schemes that bypass divine guidance or compromise my faith?**
* **What "stones and timber" from past challenges, failures, or even the actions of adversaries might God be able to repurpose for my good or His glory today?**

### FAQ
**Why was Asa's action, though tactically successful, considered a failure by the prophet Hanani?**

Answer: While Asa's military maneuver in 2 Chronicles 16:6 was undeniably effective in securing Judah's northern border, the prophet Hanani's rebuke in [2 Chronicles 16:7-9](/2_chronicles/16-7-9 "2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Hanani Rebukes Asa") highlights that the *method* by which Asa achieved this success was flawed. Asa's failure lay not in the outcome, but in his *reliance* on a foreign king (Ben-hadad of Syria) and the use of sacred temple treasures as a bribe ([2 Chronicles 16:2-3](/2_chronicles/16-2-3 "2 Chronicles 16:2-3 - Asa's Alliance with Ben-hadad")), rather than trusting completely in the Lord. Hanani reminded Asa that God had previously delivered him from a far greater army (the Cushites) when he *did* rely on Him ([2 Chronicles 14:9-15](/2_chronicles/14-9-15 "2 Chronicles 14:9-15 - Asa's Victory Over Zerah the Cushite")). The theological point is that God desires wholehearted dependence, and even a successful human strategy that bypasses divine trust is seen as a spiritual failure, ultimately leading to future troubles and a lack of complete peace for Asa's reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Asa's strategic reversal in 2 Chronicles 16:6, where he repurposes the enemy's building materials for his own defense, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. While Asa's ingenuity was a human strategy, ultimately flawed by his lack of complete trust in God, Christ's victory over sin and death demonstrates a divine, perfect reversal. Humanity's rebellion and the very instruments of our condemnation—the cross, death itself, and the law that condemned us—were intended by the enemy for our ultimate destruction. Yet, God, in Christ, took the very "stones and timber" of human sin and divine judgment and repurposed them for our salvation and the building of His eternal kingdom. Through His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He rendered powerless the one who had the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the One Who Has the Power of Death")). The cross, an instrument of shame and defeat, became the ultimate symbol of victory and redemption. Unlike Asa, who relied on a worldly alliance, Christ perfectly relied on the Father, demonstrating that true triumph comes not from human cunning or power, but from humble obedience and divine power, transforming the very means of our destruction into the foundation of our eternal life and God's glory ([1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God chooses the foolish things")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 15:22

Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none [was] exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah.

Zechariah 14:10

All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and [from] the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.

Joshua 18:24

And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:

Joshua 18:26

And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,

1 Chronicles 6:60

And out of the tribe of Benjamin; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their families [were] thirteen cities.

1 Samuel 10:17

¶ And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;

1 Samuel 7:6

And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured [it] out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.