Asa King of Judah

15:9–22pp—2Ch 14:2–3; 15:16–16:6
15:23–24pp—2Ch 16:11–17:1

9 In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Asa became king of Judah, 10 and he reigned in Jerusalem forty-one years. His grandmother’s name was Maakahl daughter of Abishalom.

11 Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father Davidm had done. 12 He expelled the male shrine prostitutesn from the land and got rid of all the idolso his ancestors had made. 13 He even deposed his grandmother Maakahp from her position as queen mother,q because she had made a repulsive image for the worship of Asherah. Asa cut it downr and burned it in the Kidron Valley. 14 Although he did not removes the high places, Asa’s heart was fully committedt to the Lord all his life. 15 He brought into the temple of the Lord the silver and gold and the articles that he and his father had dedicated.u

16 There was warv between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their reigns. 17 Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramahw to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah.

18 Asa then took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the Lord’s templex and of his own palace. He entrusted it to his officials and senty them to Ben-Hadadz son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus. 19 “Let there be a treatya between me and you,” he said, “as there was between my father and your father. See, I am sending you a gift of silver and gold. Now break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel so he will withdraw from me.”

20 Ben-Hadad agreed with King Asa and sent the commanders of his forces against the towns of Israel. He conqueredb Ijon, Dan, Abel Beth Maakah and all Kinnereth in addition to Naphtali. 21 When Baasha heard this, he stopped building Ramahc and withdrew to Tirzah.d 22 Then King Asa issued an order to all Judah—no one was exempt—and they carried away from Ramahe the stones and timber Baasha had been using there. With them King Asaf built up Gebag in Benjamin, and also Mizpah.h