2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles 15:1-7

The Spirit of God comes on Azariah and he was given this oracle to deliver to Asa. This is a consistent message from God; see 1 Chron 28:9). What is the 'long time' Azariah refers to in verse 3? It may be a reference to the time of the Judges when every man did what was right in his own eyes. This is consistent with verse four which could be the cyclical pattern in Judges of apostasy, judgment, repentance, deliverance….repeat. The strength Azariah encouraged Asa to have was a courage to stand firm in his reforms, don't grow weary of doing good, etc.

2 Chronicles 15:8-15

The reforms became evidence of God's spirit and presence in the land. This attracted others to return. Asa's reforms weren't just physical in getting rid of idols and temples and such. He brought the people together to reform their hearts; to lead them back to God. They worshiped, sacrificed and took oathes. Consistent with the law, they then purged the land of those who practiced idolatry and refused to repent.

2 Chronicles 15:16-19

Reform didn't just start in the land and wasn't just for the people, reform started at the palace of the king. The Asherah was a Canaanite fertility goddess; this was worship that was centered in sex and sexuality. The queen mother had made one of these images that were repulsive to God and to the worship of Yahweh. Asa destroyed it and removed her from office.

The king sets the example for the people; he takes the things dedicated by him and his father to the temple. These were the spoils of war. This was a time of peace and prosperity for Asa and Judah.

©2017 Doug Ford