Bible Figure
Asa
Third King of Judah
A king of Judah remembered for major religious reforms and a long reign, though his later years showed declining reliance on God.
Biography
Asa removed many idols, expelled cult prostitutes, and even deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position because she had made an obscene Asherah image. Chronicles describes his prayer for God's help against a vast Cushite army and the resulting victory, followed by covenant renewal. Later, when Baasha of Israel fortified Ramah, Asa sent Temple and palace treasures to Ben-hadad of Aram for military help. The seer Hanani rebuked him for relying on Aram rather than the Lord, and Asa imprisoned the prophet. In his final years he suffered a severe foot disease.
Biblical Significance
Asa demonstrates the blessing of determined reform and reliance on God, while his later choices warn that past faithfulness does not eliminate the need for continuing trust and responsiveness to correction.