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.

Asa Relies on Syria Against Israel

1
In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not allow anyone to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. ​
2
Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the LORD’s house and of the king’s house, and sent to Ben Hadad king of Syria, who lived at Damascus, saying, ​
3
“Let there be a treaty between me and you, as there was between my father and your father. Behold, I have sent you silver and gold. Go, break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.” ​
4
Ben Hadad listened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they struck Ijon, and Dan, and Abel Maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.
5
When Baasha heard of it, he stopped building Ramah, and let his work cease.
6
Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and its timber, with which Baasha had built; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah. ​

Hanani the Seer Condemns Asa

7
At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him, “Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the LORD your God, therefore is the army of the king of Syria escaped out of your hand. ​
8
Weren’t the Ethiopians and the Lubim a huge army, with chariots and horsemen exceeding many? Yet, because you relied on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand. ​
9
For the eyes of the LORD run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein you have done foolishly; for from henceforth you shall have wars.” ​
10
Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in the prison; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time. ​

Asa's Final Years and Death

11
Behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
12
In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet; his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he didn’t seek the LORD, but to the physicians. ​
13
Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign.
14
They buried him in his own tombs, which he had dug out for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odors and various kinds of spices prepared by the perfumers’ art: and they made a very great burning for him. ​

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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