2Ch 14 | MHM | STEP | Asa King of Judah This section talks about King Asa’s early reign in Judah. It describes how Asa turned the people away from idols, encouraged them to follow the Lord , and brought peace to the land. The commentary shows that trusting in God and following His ways brings blessings and security to a nation. Asa used this time of peace to strengthen Judah and prepare for the future. v. 1 : So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years. After Abijah died, his son Asa became king. Under Asa’s rule, Judah enjoyed ten years of peace. This peaceful time was a blessing from God, making it possible for Asa to focus on good changes in the kingdom .

‏ 2 Chronicles 14

Asa King of Judah

This section talks about King Asa’s early reign in Judah. It describes how Asa turned the people away from idols, encouraged them to follow the Lord, and brought peace to the land. The commentary shows that trusting in God and following His ways brings blessings and security to a nation. Asa used this time of peace to strengthen Judah and prepare for the future.

v. 1: So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.After Abijah died, his son Asa became king. Under Asa’s rule, Judah enjoyed ten years of peace. This peaceful time was a blessing from God, making it possible for Asa to focus on good changes in the kingdom .

v. 2: And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God.Asa tried to do what pleased God. He wanted to act in a way that was right, not just in his own opinion or in front of other people, but especially in God’s sight. Asa’s aim was to be approved by God .

v. 3: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves.Asa removed the places and things connected with idol worship. He destroyed the altars and images for other gods and cut down the groves where people worshipped idols. He wanted Judah to worship only the true God .

v. 4: And commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.Asa told the people they must seek the Lord and obey God’s laws. He encouraged everyone to follow God’s commandments faithfully, not just in words but in actions .

v. 5: Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.Asa went throughout Judah and removed the high places and idols from every city. Because of these reforms, God gave the land peace. Even though people loved their idols, they obeyed Asa because they knew he was right .

v. 6: And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the Lord had given him rest.Asa used the peaceful years to build strong, protected cities. He understood that times of peace are a good opportunity to prepare for the future. All this was possible because the Lord gave him rest from war .

v. 7: Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the Lord our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.Asa encouraged the people to work hard while they had the chance. He reminded them that their peace was a gift from God because they had sought Him. So, they built and made the land stronger, and God helped them succeed .

v. 8: And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.Asa also built up a large and strong army. Judah and Benjamin together had many brave soldiers, ready to protect the land. This shows that Asa was wise to prepare in times of peace for whatever might come later (2 Chronicles 14:8 ^a).