2 Chronicles16

King Asa of Judah, facing an invasion from Baasha of Israel, sought aid from Benhadad of Syria by offering treasures, which successfully deterred Baasha. However, the prophet Hanani rebuked Asa for relying on a foreign king instead of the LORD, prophesying future wars. Asa responded by imprisoning Hanani and later, afflicted with a severe foot disease, he sought help only from physicians, not the LORD, before his death.
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Asa Relies on Syria Against Israel

1
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. ​

Hanani the Seer Condemns Asa

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. ​

Asa's Final Years and Death

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 for 2 Chronicles 16

Verse 1

The reference to the 36th year is chronologically difficult, as Baasha died earlier (1 Kings 16:8). This date may refer to the years since the kingdom's division, or it highlights a significant decline in Asa's faith late in his reign. Ramah was a strategic fortress controlling access to Jerusalem.

Verse 2

Asa uses sacred temple funds to hire a pagan king (Ben-hadad) for military aid. This act demonstrates a profound lack of faith, contrasting sharply with his earlier reliance on God against the massive Ethiopian army (2 Chr 14).

Verse 3

Asa appeals to Ben-hadad based on human politics and existing treaties rather than seeking divine intervention. The league was a geopolitical alliance designed to shift the balance of power in the region.

Verse 6

Asa successfully utilizes the abandoned materials from Ramah to reinforce his own border towns, Geba (in Benjamin) and Mizpah, securing the northern frontier of Judah.

Verse 7

Hanani the seer confronts the king, identifying the root of Asa's failure: relying on human strength (Syria) rather than Yahweh. The historian uses this event to teach that political pragmatism without faith leads to divine judgment.

Verse 8

The prophet reminds Asa of the victory over the huge host of Cushites (Ethiopians) and Lubims (Libyans), emphasizing that reliance on the LORD had previously guaranteed success, making Asa's current failure of faith inexcusable.

Verse 9

This is a key theological statement by the Chronicler: God actively searches the earth to powerfully support those whose hearts are completely devoted ('perfect') to him. Asa's reliance on Syria showed a divided heart, resulting in future conflicts.

Verse 10

Asa’s imprisonment of the prophet Hanani reveals a hardening of his heart, demonstrating a tyrannical turn and a rejection of divine correction. This reaction marks the tragic decline of a king who began his reign with great piety.

Verse 12

Asa's failure to seek the LORD in his illness is the final indictment against his reign. While seeking physicians was not inherently wrong, the Chronicler emphasizes that Asa neglected to seek God as his primary source of healing and guidance, continuing his pattern of reliance on human means.

Verse 14

The 'very great burning' refers to the custom of burning large quantities of spices and aromatic wood (not the body itself) in honor of the deceased king, signifying deep respect and mourning.

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