Asa

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew ʾĀsāʾ (אָסָא), commonly linked with “healing/physician,” a name associated with restoration.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (early Southern Kingdom of Judah)
• Main References: 1 Kings 15:9–24; 2 Chronicles 14–16
• Key Connections: Son of Abijam (Abijah) and grandson of Rehoboam; opposed by Baasha king of Israel; alliance with Ben-hadad of Aram (Syria)

Who was Asa?

Asa was a king of Judah remembered for removing certain idolatrous practices and promoting covenant loyalty in Judah.
His reign is narrated alongside the continuing political division between Judah and Israel.
The accounts emphasize both his reforms and later failures in relying on foreign help and resisting prophetic rebuke.

Key Events & Achievements

• Religious reforms: Removed idols and deposed Maacah from her position as queen mother for an image used in worship (1 Kings 15:12–13; 2 Chronicles 15:16).
• War and treaty: Responded to Baasha’s pressure by sending temple and palace treasures to Ben-hadad of Aram to break Israel’s plans (1 Kings 15:18–20; 2 Chronicles 16:1–6).
• Prophetic confrontation: Was rebuked by the seer Hanani for relying on Aram and imprisoned him, marking a turning point late in his reign (2 Chronicles 16:7–10).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Asa’s reign illustrates how covenant reforms and political decisions were evaluated in Judah’s history in relation to trust in the LORD and responsiveness to prophetic correction.

Key Verse

“But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true to the LORD all his days.” — 1 Kings 15:14, ESV