2Ch 15:9 | KingComments | STEP | The words and prophecy of the prophet are effective. It places Asa in God’s presence. This leads him to purify even more ( ). Words are not neutral. They process something, they do something in and with someone. Good, encouraging words give courage and encourage action. Everything that reminds of idolatry is removed by Asa. To do this you need spiritual strength. He not only removes, but also builds. He renews the altar of the LORD, which speaks of worship, and gives it its right place again (cf. ). We too must ‘renew the altar’ from time to time. This means that we must regularly read the Scriptures to check whether our thoughts about the altar, which is for us the Lord’s Table, are still in accordance with God’s thoughts. Renewal in this context means returning to the original purpose. We must always ask ourselves whether the Lord’s Table in our thinking and also in the midst of the believers still corresponds to what the Bible says about it. In practice, this means that all believers are received at the Table of the Lord, with whom there are no Scriptural hindrances to partake in His Supper at His Table. The faithfulness and zeal of faith of Asa attract many ( ; cf. ). A sincere heart attached to the Lord speaks to the conscience of others. To which war is not able, namely, to unite Israel and Judah, is worked by faithfulness to the Word of God. A second exodus from north to south takes place (cf. ). Asa calls together all the people of God, even those from the ten tribes who are with him. He is not sectarian. They meet “in the third month” ( ). This is the time in which the Feast of Weeks is celebrated, that is Pentecost. It is the great feast of joy because the wheat harvest has been brought in. There is more reason to celebrate here, because the enemy has been defeated and a large booty has been brought in. Of that booty are brought offerings to the LORD ( ). With this, His part is given to Him. It is good that we too give Him His share of all that the Lord has given us as joy and possession, showing Him that we thank Him for it. After all, we owe everything to Him!

‏ 2 Chronicles 15:9

Reforms and Offerings

The words and prophecy of the prophet are effective. It places Asa in God’s presence. This leads him to purify even more (2Chr 15:8). Words are not neutral. They process something, they do something in and with someone. Good, encouraging words give courage and encourage action. Everything that reminds of idolatry is removed by Asa. To do this you need spiritual strength. He not only removes, but also builds. He renews the altar of the LORD, which speaks of worship, and gives it its right place again (cf. 1Kgs 18:30b-32).

We too must ‘renew the altar’ from time to time. This means that we must regularly read the Scriptures to check whether our thoughts about the altar, which is for us the Lord’s Table, are still in accordance with God’s thoughts. Renewal in this context means returning to the original purpose. We must always ask ourselves whether the Lord’s Table in our thinking and also in the midst of the believers still corresponds to what the Bible says about it. In practice, this means that all believers are received at the Table of the Lord, with whom there are no Scriptural hindrances to partake in His Supper at His Table.

The faithfulness and zeal of faith of Asa attract many (2Chr 15:9; cf. Zec 8:23). A sincere heart attached to the Lord speaks to the conscience of others. To which war is not able, namely, to unite Israel and Judah, is worked by faithfulness to the Word of God. A second exodus from north to south takes place (cf. 2Chr 11:13 ; 16). Asa calls together all the people of God, even those from the ten tribes who are with him. He is not sectarian.

They meet “in the third month” (2Chr 15:10). This is the time in which the Feast of Weeks is celebrated, that is Pentecost. It is the great feast of joy because the wheat harvest has been brought in. There is more reason to celebrate here, because the enemy has been defeated and a large booty has been brought in. Of that booty are brought offerings to the LORD (2Chr 15:11). With this, His part is given to Him. It is good that we too give Him His share of all that the Lord has given us as joy and possession, showing Him that we thank Him for it. After all, we owe everything to Him!