1 In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.
2 Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,
3 There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.
4 And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.
5 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease.
6 Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah.
7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.
9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
10 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.
11 And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.
13 And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign.
14 And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odorous and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries' art: and they made a very great burning for him.
Chapter 16 of 2 Chronicles in the KJV Holy Bible is a continuation of the reign of King Asa of Judah. The chapter begins with King Asa's 36th year of reign, which is also the 16th year of Baasha's reign as king of Israel. The main themes of this chapter are the importance of seeking God's help and guidance, the consequences of relying on human strength instead of God, and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Ultimately, this chapter teaches us about the power and faithfulness of God and the importance of obedience and trust in Him.
Chapter 16 starts with a description of King Asa's reign. It is mentioned that he did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord, and he removed idols and altars from the land of Judah. He also fortified the cities of Judah and built up defenses, making the kingdom strong and prosperous. However, despite all his achievements, the chapter also reveals some shortcomings and mistakes made by King Asa.
One of the main events in this chapter is King Asa's alliance with Ben-Hadad, the king of Syria. When Baasha, the king of Israel, started to build up the city of Ramah to prevent people from going in and out of Judah, King Asa became afraid and sought help from Ben-Hadad. He sent him silver and gold from the treasuries of the temple and his own palace, asking for a treaty between them. Ben-Hadad agreed and attacked the cities of Israel, causing Baasha to stop building Ramah.
On the surface, it may seem like a wise move by King Asa to seek help from a stronger nation to protect his kingdom. However, this alliance with a foreign king goes against God's command to trust in Him alone for protection. King Asa's actions show his lack of faith and trust in God, and he relies on human strength instead. This decision has serious consequences, which are revealed later in the chapter.
Asa's alliance with Ben-Hadad did not go unnoticed by God. Hanani, a prophet, came to King Asa and rebuked him for seeking help from a foreign king instead of trusting in God. Hanani reminds Asa of how God had helped and protected the nation of Judah in the past when they relied on Him. However, Asa's faith and trust in God seem to have weakened over the years, and he has now turned to human strength for protection.
Hanani's rebuke also highlights the consequences of relying on human strength instead of God. He tells Asa that from now on, he will have wars and troubles because he did not rely on the Lord. This serves as a warning to all of us that there are consequences for our actions, and disobedience to God's commands will have repercussions.
After Hanani's rebuke, King Asa becomes angry and throws him into prison. He also oppresses some of the people in the land. This response shows Asa's pride and stubbornness, as he refuses to accept the truth and turn back to God. As a result, God sends a severe disease upon King Asa's feet, and he seeks help from physicians instead of turning to God. He dies two years later, and his death is lamented by the people of Judah.
This chapter teaches us many important lessons about faith, trust, and obedience to God. One of the main themes is the importance of seeking God's help and guidance. King Asa's initial success and prosperity were a result of his obedience to God's commands and seeking His help. However, when he faced a threat, he turned to human strength instead of relying on God.
This chapter also shows the consequences of relying on human strength and disobeying God's commands. Asa's alliance with Ben-Hadad and his refusal to turn back to God have severe consequences for himself and the nation of Judah. It serves as a warning to us that our actions have consequences, and it is important to seek God's guidance and follow His commands.
Furthermore, this chapter also reveals the power and faithfulness of God. Despite Asa's disobedience and lack of faith, God continues to send prophets to guide and warn him. God also shows His power by sending a severe disease upon Asa's feet, showing that He is the ultimate authority and can bring consequences for our actions.
In conclusion, Chapter 16 of 2 Chronicles in the KJV Holy Bible teaches us about the importance of seeking God's help and guidance, the consequences of relying on human strength instead of God, and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. It also reveals the power and faithfulness of God and the importance of obedience and trust in Him. As we reflect on this chapter, let us remember to always seek God's guidance, trust in Him, and follow His commands, knowing that He is faithful and just to guide and protect us.
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