The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

Asa Heeds the Prophet’s Message

God’s favor and prospering hand rested upon Judah during the reign of Abijah, the son of Rehoboam, and through the greater part of the succeeding reign of Asa, who for a time “did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 14:2. Divine help was sent to him in answer to his earnest prayer when faced with an invasion by a mighty army from Ethiopia. He was granted a signal victory over his enemies; and on his return from the campaign, the Lord sent Him a message intended to keep him from becoming self-exalted. AGP 128.3

“The Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Obed: and he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you; but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:1, 2. AGP 128.4

So profoundly was Asa impressed by this message that he assembled the people of Judah, and led them in a great service of consecration to God. Many of the idols were destroyed. He even deposed his own mother from acting as queen, because she persisted in idolatry. AGP 128.5

A long period of peace followed, until there was a hostile move on the part of Baasha, the king of Israel, who began to erect a strong fortress on the border, with the intention of stopping all who would enter or leave the kingdom. Now, instead of looking to the Lord, who had so mightily delivered him from the Ethiopians, Asa sent costly presents of gold and silver, taken from his own house and from the temple, to Ben-hadad, king of Syria, with the request that he lead the Syrian armies in an invasion of the northern kingdom. AGP 128.6

The plan was successful. The Syrians captured a number of cities. Baasha ceased work on the fortification, and Asa, with a band of workmen, removed the material that had been gathered for its erection. But his elation over this diplomacy was short-lived. Hanani, another prophet, here enters the picture, bringing to him a rebuke from the Lord for relying on a heathen king for deliverance, while neglecting to look to the Lord for His guidance and help. The Lord’s desire to deliver all who trust in Him was beautifully stated in these words: AGP 129.1

“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.” 2 Chronicles 16:9.

Because of his folly, he was sentenced, not only to be deprived of the honor of conquering the Syrians, but to be troubled with constant war for the rest of his reign. Dearly did he pay for putting dependence in a heathen king instead of in Jehovah. AGP 129.2

Angered at this message, King Asa manifested a shocking disregard for the authority of Jehovah, and of His messenger. He ordered the prophet seized and cast into prison. Later, his defection was further indicated when, being afflicted with sickness, he consulted magicians instead of inquiring of the Lord through one of His prophets. AGP 129.3