prudent precaution to avoid danger, as in the diligent performance of duty in the fear of the Lord. A kingdom well defended is in the best state for lasting peace. A soul that watches and prays not to be led into temptation, is most likely to be kept from the snares of the enemy. Ought not all Christians to attend to these things? Are there none that watch for your halting? Have you not an evil heart? Is not the world full of peril? Does not Satan seek whom he may deceive, ensnare, or devour? Can there be any room for a heedless spirit, or an unwatchful course? Look at Asa, and learn wisdom. He acted for God. He put away sin. He destroyed idolatry. He taught the people to seek and serve the Lord. The Lord prospered and gave him

rest.

But he neglected no proper means for safety. Seasons of rest are as much times for activity, as the greatest trials. He is the wise man who employs all times, and all seasons, for the glory of God, and the safety of his soul (v. 6, 7).

The chief thing here to be noted is Asa's prayer. He felt danger at home. He found peril from abroad. He built towers and fenced cities for safety. But an enemy invades his land. Zerah, the Ethiopian, brings an army of one million of soldiers against him. What shall he do against such a tremendous array? He cried unto the Lord his God (v. 9-12). Observe the faith that pervades this prayer. "Lord" says he, "it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee" (v. 11). This is the prayer of faith. It is not only a fervent prayer, but a believing prayer. Indeed, there can be no real fervour, unless there be much real faith. He believed that the Lord could save him. Numbers are nothing with God. A few can be mighty with him. Multitudes are nothing without him. So is it with the soul. Jesus can pardon millions of sins, and save millions of souls, with as much ease as he can pardon one sin, or save one soul. Believe this blessed truth, and you will never despond.

Believe this, and you will always be encouraged to cast all your burdens upon the Lord. He that heard Asa will hear and deliver you. He will bring you out of your troubles, and crown you with his tender mercies.

CHAPTER XV.

1 Asa with Judah and many of Israel, moved by the prophecy of Azariah the son of Oded, make a solemn covenant with God. 16 He putteth down Mauchah his mother for her idolatry. 18 He bringeth dedicate things into the house of God, and enjoyeth a long peace.

ND the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:

2 And he went out 'to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

3 Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.

4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.

5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries.

6 And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity.

7 Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.

8 And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD.

9 And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they and the strangers with them out of Ephraim fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.

10 So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.

11 And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.

12 And they entered into a covenant to

14 And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.

15 And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.

16 And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.

17 But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

18 ¶ And he brought into the house of God the things that his father had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels.

19 And there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa.

(1) Heb. before Asa.

(2) Heb. beaten in pieces. (3) Heb. abominations.

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(4) Heb. in that day.

(5) That is, grandmother. (6) Heb. horror.

IN the last chapter we reviewed Asa's character and conduct as a pious and godly king. He destroyed idolatry, and taught his people to fear the Lord. We heard, also, his prayer, and the answer given to that prayer in the overthrow of his enemies. We are now informed of what took place after that victory was obtained. The Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: and he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you" (v. 1, 2).

Three things are contained in this address; namely, instruction, caution, and encourage

ment.

First, here is a word of instruction. "The Lord is with you, while ye be with him." The way to ensure the continuance of the Lord's merciful favour and protection, is to continue in dependence on his help, and

a course.

doing that which is agreeable to his heavenly will. There is nothing meritorious in such It is the appointed order of divine communication and blessing; and it is only as we are found in the appointed way, we may expect to realise that which is promised to them that walk therein. You see this doctrine pervading the whole body of divine truth. When shall the wicked man save his soul alive? When he turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right. (Ezek. xviii. 27.) Who are they who are really blessed by the salvation of God's dear Son? They who are "turned every one from his iniquities." (Acts iii. 26.) Who is he that experiences the gracious reception which Christ gives to his people? Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out. (John vi. 37.) Who is he that obtains mercy? Who finds grace? To whom is the door of life opened? He that asks, shall have; he that seeks, shall find; to him that knocketh at mercy's door, is that door opened. (Matt. vii. 7.) Now, you must know this truth, in order that you may practise it; and so realise the blessing that is thus promised. What this man of God said to Asa, we say to you. Hear me, and attend to it. "The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of yor" (v. 2).

Secondly, here is a word of caution. Asa had gained a great victory: but he was just as helpless in himself and his nation, as he was before. Should he be now so elated with his success as to forget his dependence on the Lord, or become so self-willed as to neglect or forsake him, God would soon make him feel the consequences of his sin. If you seek him, he will be found of you. If you forsake him, he will forsake you (v.2). Is not this, also, the nature of the Lord's general dealings with men ? What mercy

shall not he find, who truly seeks the Lord? What good can that man expect, who forsakes him? If the one be attended with a promised blessing; is not the other equally connected with a denounced curse? they that forsake the Lord be blessed? Is there not great danger of doing so, when the heart is not right upon some signal mercy

Can

granted, or deliverance obtained? Then it was the Lord thus addressed Asa. Thus it was, by the lips of his dying father, the Lord addressed Solomon. And thus it is the Lord speaks to us all. Be not high-minded; but fear. Walk humbly with your God in the faith of Christ the Lord; for he that walketh uprightly, walketh surely. (Prov. x. 9.)

Thirdly, here is also a word of encouragement. This address was not intended to damp the ardour of the pious king; but to add to his strength and increase his comfort. Be strong, therefore, and let not your hands be weak; for your work shall be rewarded (v. 7). In like manner speaks the truth of Christ to us. All cautions imply encouragement; and they lay the foundation for true and sold comfort. Holy fear, earnest prayer, pardon, mercy and peace, are some of their happy results. In whatever way they may be given, they speak to us in this wise: "Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." "Be ye stedfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Peter i. 13; 1 Cor. xv. 58.)

CHAPTER XVI.

1 Asa, by the aid of the Syrians, diverteth Baasha from building of Ramah. 7 Being reproved thereof by Hanani, he putteth him in prison. 11 Among his other acts in his disease he seeketh not to God, but to the physicians. 13 His death and burial.

IN

N the 'six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

2 Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,

3 There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.

4 And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote

Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

5 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease.

6 Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah.

7¶ And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.

8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims 'a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.

9 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.

10 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.

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11 ¶ And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his discase he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.

13 ¶ And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign. 14 And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which

was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries' art: and they made a very great burning for him.

(1) 940, viz. From the rending of | (4) Heb. in abundance. the ten tribes from Judah, (5) Or, strongly to hold with them, over which Asa was now king. &c. (2) Heb. Darmesek. (6) Heb. crushed. (3) Heb. which were his. (7) Heb. digged.

IN reading the records of these chronicles of the kings of Judah and Israel, there are some things which ought never to be forgotten; such as the corruption of human nature, the deceitfulness of sin, the mercy and grace of God, and the discoveries which are constantly made of the proneness of man to forsake the

Lord. Keeping these things in view, we shall not be surprised at any startling facts which may be continually brought to light; and we shall never feel disposed to cast the stone at another when we consider what we are, and what we are liable to do at any time, if left to ourselves, under the power of temptation. Happy is he who is afraid of his own evil heart, and who truly fears the Lord.

These remarks will prepare the way for the further notice to be taken of the reign of Asa.

Here is an awakening rebuke. In a time of danger he looked to man for aid, and not to the Lord (v. 1-3). How strange was this! Did not the Lord hear him in the day of his previous distress? Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host? yet, because he relied on the Lord, were they not delivered into his hand? Here, then, was his sin. He relied on the king of Syria; and not on the Lord his God. He looked to man for help; and not to the Lord (v. 8, 9). Was Asa singular in this fatal step? Do not many act in the same manner? Sometimes they look to the Lord; and then it is well with them. At other times they look to man for aid; and then they fall under the divine rebuke. This is not right. This is not a state of mind acceptable to God. The province of faith is, always to look to the Lord; always to trust in him; always to rely on him; for all mercies, all blessings, all aid, all deliverances, and at all times whatsoever. Whenever you depart from that simple faith and continued reliance on the Lord, you fall into the sin of creature-confidence; and will, sooner or later, meet with rebukes and chastisements.

Here are, also, a humiliating discovery and a heart-searching appeal. The God with whom we have to do, is a being not to be trifled with. His eyes pervade the whole earth. All that trust in him will find how mighty he is to save. In this act Asa had done foolishly; and wars would henceforth be the fruit of his sin (v. 9). Now, there is nothing that will more try any man's spirit than the way in which he receives a rebuke. A humble mind will humbly submit. But when

the heart is once drawn aside, it will shew its corruptions more and more. Asa, instead of confessing his fault, was angry. Instead of crying for mercy, he put the prophet into prison. Instead of submitting to the timely warning, he fell into a rage of passion. Instead of amending his ways, he oppressed some of the people at the same time. Nay, more; being visited with a very painful disease, he committed another fault. He asked not of the Lord; he is not humbled; there is no submission; no sense of sin; no cry for mercy. He sought to the physicians. Man was his help; and not the Lord (v. 10-12). And, however the former part of his life was excellent and commendable, his latter days are greatly obscured; and he goes down to his grave under a dark cloud. His sin was creature-confidence. Oh, beware of putting your trust in man, and permitting your heart to depart from the Lord. It will blast your prospects. It will ruin your peace. It will impair your usefulness. It will darken your path, and obscure your latter end. Trust in the Lord always. Never look to man. Always rely on the Lord.

Learn wisdom also in another respect. Are you greatly troubled, or afflicted? Consider the cause. Why was Asa to have wars all his future days? It was because he had forsaken the Lord, and sought to man for help? May you not have done the same thing? If you have, repent of your sin, and return to the Lord; and ask him to heal your transgressions, and to pardon your sin; that you may walk before him, the rest of your days, in comfort and peace.

his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;

4 But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.

5 Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.

6 And his heart was lifted 3 up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.

7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Ben-hail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.

8 And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.

9 And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.

10 And the fear of the LORD 'fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.

12 ¶ And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.

13 And he had much business in the cities of Judah and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem.

14 And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.

15 And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand.

16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.

17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty

man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.

18 And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.

ANOTHER very pleasing character is here introduced to our notice. The successor of Asa was Jehoshaphat, who was a wise, pious, and godly prince. He stands with peculiar commendation in the Word of God: and, although there were faults in his path, there were but few like him after all. The best of characters are the best patterns for our imitation. Get all the good you can from every person, and every event brought under your eye. But never take a low standard. Always aim high. Through the most exemplary characters, look up to the Author and Giver of all blessings; and pray for wisdom and grace that you may excel in his ways.

We notice, first, the character of Jehoshaphat's piety. "The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; but sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand; and his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord" (v. 3-6). Now, observe this testimony. Is it not pleasing and delightful? Do you not see, what is the nature of that piety which the Lord approves and delights in? And do you not see, what that religion will always produce? His heart was lifted up in the Lord's ways. That is, he became a truly spiritual and heavenlyminded man. Divine things were his element, his pleasure, and delight. The more he was occupied therein, the greater was his happiness; and the more stable were his comfort Do you

and peace. Are you like him?

follow the Lord as he did? Is your heart lifted up in his ways, as his was? To be spiritually-minded is life and peace. (Rom.

viii. 6.)

We observe, secondly, the pleasure he felt in the Word of God; and the great desire he entertained for making it known among all