2 Chronicles 16

1. Historical Background

**Special Note: Especially when reading the Old Testament it is important for the reader to identify where literary units begin and end.  They do not necessarily correspond with the chapter divisions.  I believe the portion of Asa’s life from chapter 14 to the end of 16 is to be viewed as one single unit, yet with sections that make up a chiastic structure.  The structure highlights the two covenants, the one Asa makes with God and then the one with man.  The point of the chiasm shows us that it is better to trust God than man.

It has been 20 years of peace for Judah because of their reliance on the Lord since the battle with the Cushites. But now the northern kingdom of Israel begins to fortify the city of Ramah in the north to function as a blockade against Judah.  Instead of trusting in God like as before, it seems in the 20 years of peace, King Asa’s heart had turned away from the Lord so as to reach out with money to Ben-hadad, king of Syria.  And with the treasures from the house of the Lord, King Asa established an agreement for Syria to fight for Judah.  The ploy seems to work but also displeasing the Lord for trusting in man rather than God.

2. Discovering God

God Wants His People to Exclusively Rely on Him. 

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew 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. vv9

God is looking for people who will turn their heart towards Him in trust and faith. The “herein” in the verse refers to King Asa’s trusting in Ben-Hadad for deliverance rather than God.   God desires that we reserve the devotion of our heart for Him.  Thinking back to the beginning of the Bible, God is exclusively God, but yet we bear His image.  That alone is reason enough to reserve our hearts for Him, but we could go on about the goodness of God and the joy of intimately knowing Him.

3. Fulfillment in Christ

God wants us to exclusively rely on Him because in the fulfillment of God’s perfect will, Jesus Christ is the only way for men to be saved.  This is an objective truth not based on human reasoning or feelings, but on the spoken word of God.

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Ephesians 1:10

The principle of trusting only in God in the Old Testament is realized in the New Testament by trusting in Jesus Christ only for the remissions of sins.  Trusting in Jesus means to trust in God and to trust in God means to trust in Jesus.

That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

John 5:23

4. Application

God is looking to support those whose heart is perfect toward Him, and we can turn to Him through the work of Jesus on the cross. I will, therefore, surrender my life and all of its components to be used of God and ask Him to bless them for His purpose.  The goodness and love of God has convinced me that there is no better use for my life than to obey Him and let Him use my life in however He guides me.  What is happening in my life today that I could be used to bring glory to God and make Jesus known?