Commentary on 2 Chronicles 16:12
Verse (ESV): "In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet. His disease became severe, yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but sought help from physicians."
Introduction
This verse stands as a pivotal moment in the life of King Asa of Judah, highlighting his moral and spiritual decline despite years of faithfulness to the Lord. This commentary seeks to explore the implications of Asa’s reliance on physicians rather than seeking divine intervention, aiming to provide insights valuable for pastors, students, and theologians.
Contextual Background
King Asa reigned for 41 years, with the initial part of his reign marked by reforms and a strong commitment to God. His successes in battle and political maneuvering were attributed to his dependence on divine support. However, the passage reveals the deterioration of his faith toward the end of his life.
Matthew Henry emphasizes Asa’s earlier reforms: "Asa made a covenant to seek the Lord and removed foreign idols" (2 Chronicles 15:12–13). His initial zeal for Yahweh is juxtaposed starkly against his later choices, framing his life as a warning to believers about the dangers of self-sufficiency and faithlessness.
Analysis of the Verse
Asa's Disease: The Bible states that Asa became diseased in his feet, a condition that could represent a deeper spiritual malaise. Adam Clarke suggests that the nature of his disease metaphorically indicates a failure to walk rightly before the Lord: “His feet could not take him to the house of God, where he ought to be.”
His Response: The latter part of the verse is particularly telling: "yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD." Albert Barnes notes that despite his affliction, Asa turned to human physicians instead of God. This reflects a critical failure to uphold his faith in the face of adversity, symbolizing a continuous journey toward self-reliance and away from divine trust.
Seeking Help from Physicians: While the act of seeking medical help is not inherently wrong, Asa’s choice raises questions about priorities in times of trouble. Matthew Henry remarks, "It is lawful to seek help from men, but it is a great folly to seek it without seeking help from God." This sentiment challenges readers to examine the balance they strike between trusting divine providence and human intervention.
Theological Implications
Asa's narrative underscores crucial theological themes, including the tension between human agency and divine sovereignty. This tension remains relevant for contemporary believers who may find themselves making similar choices during crises.
- Faith vs. Self-Reliance: The decline in Asa's faithfulness can serve as a cautionary tale for modern believers about the ease with which one can shift from reliance on God to trust in human solutions.
- The Role of Suffering: Asa's affliction may encourage discussions on the purpose of suffering within the Christian life. Adam Clarke posits that trials serve not only as tests of character but as opportunities to draw closer to God.
Lessons for Pastors and Theologians
This verse can serve as an important point of reflection for pastors and theologians. Asa's story is a reminder to nurture one’s relationship with God and to encourage congregants to seek divine guidance in all aspects of life, especially in times of crisis. It also prompts an examination of how modern Christianity perceives and practices faith in relation to medicine:
- Encouragement to Pray: Pastors should call their congregations to prayer, ensuring that prayer is prioritized even when other forms of aid are available.
- Integrating Faith with Medicine: When discussing illness and health, it’s essential to teach that seeking medical help should never replace placing faith in God's sovereign power to heal.
Conclusion
2 Chronicles 16:12 paints a vivid picture of the consequences of failing to seek the Lord. Asa’s life illustrates the importance of maintaining a steadfast faith, particularly in times of trouble. His declining reliance on God serves as a poignant reminder of the human tendency to drift away from divine support when faced with life's challenges. Believers today are similarly called to examine their own lives, ensuring they always seek the Lord in both prosperity and adversity.
