Completely Devoted to Jehovah “All His Life”

KING ASA must have gasped when he first saw it: a vast army of Ethiopians, encamped in Judah, prepared for war. Jehovah had sent his people into battle many times, but there is no record that they had ever faced a foe this numerous. This army was one million strong​—nearly twice the number of Asa’s men. How would Asa find the courage to face such a challenge?

In a way, he had been preparing for some time. When he began to rule Judah ten years earlier, Asa soon showed that he was a lot like his great-great-grandfather King David. Asa sought first to please his God, Jehovah. That king humbly listened to Jehovah’s prophets, Oded and Oded’s son Azariah. The young ruler mustered up the courage to undo some of the evils that had taken root ever since King Solomon had turned apostate. Asa boldly fought against such corrupt practices as male temple prostitution and the worship of false gods.

Asa even addressed the sins of his own family. His grandmother Maacah held a respected “position as queen mother” in Judah. She had erected an obscene image, likely to promote sex worship. Asa did not let family ties influence him. He removed his grandmother from her position, and he burned the image. Because Asa pleased Jehovah in such ways, God blessed the land with peace for a decade. What, though, did Jehovah do for Asa when Judah came under attack by the Ethiopians?

As Asa looked over the lowlands of Judah and saw the vast force of Ethiopians, his first reaction was to turn to his God. Imagine how his soldiers felt as Asa prayed: “O Jehovah, it does not matter to you whether those you help are many or have no power. Help us, O Jehovah our God, for we are relying on you, and in your name we have come against this crowd. O Jehovah, you are our God. Do not let mortal man prevail against you.” That heartfelt prayer must have delighted Jehovah. He saw that Asa was much like King Saul’s son Jonathan before him; both men understood that mere numbers do not matter to Jehovah. (1 Sam. 14:6) Anyone who has the Sovereign of the universe on his side will always be in the majority!

Asa led his men into battle. And what happened? The Bible says of the invaders: “They were crushed by Jehovah and by his army.” Not one of those soldiers survived.

Afterward, Asa continued to promote pure worship. Many in the northern ten-tribe kingdom of Israel moved south into Judah so that they could return to pure worship at the temple in Jerusalem. Asa had all in Judah swear an oath of loyalty to Jehovah.

However, the story of Asa also contains a record of some serious mistakes that he made. When the king of Israel threatened aggression against Judah, Asa did not turn to Jehovah for help; instead, he bribed the king of Syria to attack Israel. And when Jehovah sent a seer, or prophet, named Hanani to correct Asa, the king got angry and put the prophet in prison. In his old age, Asa got very sick, yet he turned to various healers and did not seek Jehovah’s help. It seems that Asa did not fully maintain the faith he once had.

Jehovah, though, is a most patient Father. His Word summarizes Asa’s 41-year reign this way: “Nevertheless, Asa’s heart was complete with Jehovah all his life.” The inspired record of that remarkable man reminds us that Jehovah loves those who love Him. But it also tells us that we must never forget what Jehovah has done for us. As the years pass, he gives us more and more reasons to grow in courage!

Read the Bible account:

• 1 Kings 15:8-24

• 2 Chronicles 14:1–16:14

For discussion:

In what ways did Asa show courage?

1. 2. Who apparently was the son of Hanani the seer, and how did he imitate his father’s courageous example? (it “Hanani” No. 2)

   Your answer

2. 3. Although Asa made mistakes, what did he do that showed that his “heart was complete with Jehovah”? (1 Ki. 15:14; w17.03 19 ¶5-6)

   Your answer

3. 4. Cremation was rare among the Israelites. So why does the Bible say that there was “an extraordinarily great funeral burning” for Asa? (2 Chron. 16:14; w05 12/1 20 ¶5)

   Your answer

Reflect on the Lessons

• The prophet Azariah’s encouragement moved Asa to restore pure worship. How may your positive words affect others? B

  Your answer

  

• Asa relied on Jehovah to defeat a large army but later relied on men to defeat a smaller army. What does this teach us about relying on Jehovah in all our ways? (Prov. 3:5, 6)

  Your answer

• How might you imitate the courage of Asa in your life?

  Your answer

Meditate on the Bigger Picture

• What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

  Your answer

• How does the account tie in with Jehovah’s purposes?

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• What would I like to ask Asa in the resurrection?

  Your answer

Learn More

If you live in a land where you can worship Jehovah freely, how can you imitate the way Asa took advantage of a peaceful time?

“Act Wisely During a Time of Peace” (w20.09 14-19)

Examine how Asa’s example can encourage us when we battle powerful opponents.

“There Exists a Reward for Your Activity” (w12 8/15 8-10)