2 Chronicles 14

Chapter Summary

2 Chronicles 14 summarizes the reign of King Asa, who ruled Judah from 910 to 869 BC. The chapter begins by describing Asa's initial faithfulness to God, including his removal of idols and his gathering of the people to seek God (2 Chronicles 14:2-5). Asa's trust in God is rewarded when he defeats the Ethiopian army, which had invaded Judah with a vast army (2 Chronicles 14:8-15). The chapter also notes Asa's later struggles with the king of Israel and his reliance on the king of Syria for help, rather than trusting in God (2 Chronicles 14:6-7, 16:1-6). Despite this, Asa's overall faithfulness to God is emphasized, and his reign is seen as a time of peace and prosperity for Judah.

Context for the Chapter

2 Chronicles 14 is part of the larger narrative of 1 and 2 Chronicles, which describes the history of the Israelites from the creation of the world to the exile. The chapter is situated in the context of the divided kingdom, with Judah in the south and Israel in the north. Asa's reign is seen as a time of relative peace and prosperity for Judah, but it is also marked by struggles with the surrounding nations and internal conflicts.

Heart Application

The chapter encourages believers to trust in God and seek Him with all their hearts. Asa's faithfulness to God is a model for believers, who must reject idolatry and follow God's commands in order to receive His blessings. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity, as seen in Asa's later struggles with the king of Israel.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of King Asa, who trusted in God and experienced victory and prosperity as a result. Asa removed idols and gathered the people to seek God, and God rewarded him with rest and prosperity (2 Chronicles 14:2-7). The chapter encourages believers to trust in God and seek Him with all their hearts, rejecting idolatry and following His commands.

Voices from the Church

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Asa's faith in God was the substance of his hope for victory and prosperity.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The removal of idols is an essential aspect of true worship, for it is only when we reject false gods that we can truly seek and follow the one true God.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Asa's Reign (14:1-2) — Asa becomes king of Judah and removes the idols from the land.
2. Asa's Faithfulness to God (14:2-5) — Asa gathers the people to seek God and builds up the cities of Judah.
3. The Invasion of the Ethiopian Army (14:8-12) — Asa's trust in God is rewarded with victory over the Ethiopian army.
4. Asa's Later Struggles (14:6-7, 16:1-6) — Asa's reliance on the king of Syria for help, rather than trusting in God, leads to conflict with the king of Israel.
5. Conclusion (14:13-15) — Asa's overall faithfulness to God is emphasized, and his reign is seen as a time of peace and prosperity for Judah.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Seeking God

The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God and following His commands in order to receive His blessings.

The Consequences of Idolatry

The chapter highlights the consequences of idolatry and disobedience, as seen in the surrounding nations.

The Power of Faith and Obedience

Asa's trust in God and his obedience to God's commands are rewarded with victory and prosperity.

The Necessity of Perseverance

The chapter emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity, as seen in Asa's later struggles with the king of Israel.

Lessons from 2 Chronicles 14

1. The Importance of Seeking God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God and following His commands in order to receive His blessings.
2. The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter highlights the consequences of idolatry and disobedience, as seen in the surrounding nations.
3. The Power of Faith and Obedience — Asa's trust in God and his obedience to God's commands are rewarded with victory and prosperity.
4. The Necessity of Perseverance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity, as seen in Asa's later struggles with the king of Israel.
5. The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God and seek Him with all their hearts, rejecting idolatry and following His commands.

Themes from 2 Chronicles 14

1. Trust in God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and seeking Him with all our hearts.
2. Faith and Obedience — Asa's trust in God and his obedience to God's commands are rewarded with victory and prosperity.
3. Idolatry and Disobedience — The chapter highlights the consequences of idolatry and disobedience, as seen in the surrounding nations.
4. Perseverance and Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity, as seen in Asa's later struggles with the king of Israel.
5. God's Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him, as seen in Asa's victory over the Ethiopian army.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from Asa's initial faithfulness to God, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
2. How does the chapter describe the consequences of idolatry and disobedience, and what warnings can we take from this?
3. What role does trust in God play in the chapter, and how can we cultivate this kind of trust in our own lives?
4. How does the chapter describe Asa's later struggles with the king of Israel, and what can we learn from his mistakes?
5. What is the overall message of the chapter, and how can we apply it to our own lives and circumstances?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 14

	Sermon	Description
	When a Man of God Loses His Faith by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of King Asa from the book of 2 Chronicles. King Asa was initially a godly and righteous man who sought the Lord and experienced God
	2014 a Warning by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, genuine surrender to God, and the need to listen to His voice. It warns against relying on human strength, strategies, and defend
	(Revival) Highlights of Past Revivals - Part 1 by Michael L. Brown	Michael L. Brown discusses the historical context of biblical revivals, emphasizing the Hebrew concept of 'Chaya,' which means to revive or bring to life. He highlights the story o
	Through the Bible - 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Chronicles, specifically the first nine chapters. The speaker mentions that these chapters provide a list of people who were take
	Seek My Face by Richard Owen Roberts	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking and surrendering to the Lord, highlighting the need for continuous seeking of God's face, repentance, and faith. It warns against c
	Have You Ever Heard of Asa? by Russell Kelfer	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Asa from the Bible. He emphasizes that God is looking for obedience, not talent or intellect. The preacher asks the audience if
	I Press On by Bob Jennings	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the past dedication and fervor of believers in their pursuit of God's kingdom. They emphasize the importance of constantly seeking God throu
	Seeking Gods Face by Richard Owen Roberts	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's face in times of trouble and spiritual decline. It recounts stories of individuals and communities who experienced revival an
	12. Ventures of Faith by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of stepping out in faith to discover God's will, illustrating that God can work through anyone willing to venture forth. He warns against pr
	Pull Down the High Places by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Pull Down the High Places,' addressing the critical role of fathers and spiritual leaders in the family and society. He emphasizes

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14

Matthew Henry's commentary on 2 Chronicles 14 emphasizes the importance of seeking God and following His commands in order to receive His blessings. Asa's faithfulness to God is a model for believers, who must reject idolatry and follow God's commands in order to receive His blessings (2 Chronicles 14:2-5). The commentary also highlights the consequences of idolatry and disobedience, as seen in the surrounding nations (2 Chronicles 14:8-15). Henry notes that Asa's trust in God is rewarded with victory and prosperity, and that his faithfulness to God is a model for believers (2 Chronicles 14:7). The commentary concludes by emphasizing the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity, as seen in Asa's later struggles with the king of Israel. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?