1. The state of war between Asa and Basha, the king of Israel:
- There was a state of war between Asa and Basha, the king of Israel [who was the son of Nadav, and the grandson of Yeravam], throughout all their days.
- Basha, the king of Israel, prevents entry or exit to Jerusalem: Basha, the king of Israel, went up in battle against Judah and built a high tower [by the gates of Jerusalem[1]], to prevent anyone who was faithful to Asa the king of Judah to be able to come or go [as his guards positioned there would throw stones at any person exiting or entering[2]].
- Asa pays tribute to a Gentile king to wage war against the king of Israel: Asa took all of the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the Temple and of the treasuries of the palace, and he entrusted them in the hands of his servants to have them sent to Ben Haddad, the son of Tabrimon the son of Chezyon, the king of Aram who resided in Damascus, with the following message: “There is a treaty between me and you and between my father and your father. Behold, I have sent to you a bribe of silver and gold. Now, go break your treaty with Basha, king of Israel, and antagonize him so that he will leave me alone [and stop terrorizing me and my people from on top of the tower].”
- The Gentile king forces the king of Israel to stop his attacks on Asa: Ben Haddad accepted the bribe from king Asa, and he sent the captains of his armies to wage war against the cities of Israel, and he smote the cities of Iyon, and Dan, and Ave Beis Maachah, and all of the villages of County of Kinereth together with all of the land of Naftali.
- Basha backs down from antagonizing Judah: When Basha the king of Israel heard of this attack, he refrained from building the high tower [and attacking the men of Judah], and he resided in the city of Tirzah [which was the capital of the kingdom of Israel[3]].
- Asa takes down the tower of Basha: King Asa proclaimed to all of Judah that everyone must come without exception [even a groom from his wedding room[4]] to take down the tower built by Basha. They carried the stones of the tower, and its timber, and king Asa used it to build the Geva of Benjamin and Mitzpah.
2. The legacy of Asa:
- His chronicles: The remainder of the history of Asa and all his mighty deeds and accomplishments and the cities which he built, are written in the book of Chronicles of the kings of Judah.
- His foot ailment: In Asa’s old age, he was stricken with a foot ailment.
- His death: King Asa passed away and was buried with his fathers in the city of David.
- His successor: Yehoshafat, his son, reigned after him.
[1] Metzudos Dovid 15:17
[2] Metzudos Dovid 15:17
[3] Metzudos Dovid 15:21
[4] Rashi 15:22
Related Articles
📄 Daily Tanach – Chabakkuk Chapter 1: The Prophet’s Protest and God’s Troubling Answer
Post Views: 38 Chabakkuk’s Cry Over Injustice (Chabakkuk 1:1–4) The book opens with Chabakkuk presenting a deeply personal and anguished complaint to God. He cries out repeatedly about violence, injustice, corruption, and lawlessness, yet feels that God is not responding. Torah has become weakened, justice is distorted, and the wicked
📄 Daily Tanach – Nachum Chapter 3: The Moral Indictment and Final Humiliation of Nineveh
Post Views: 60 Nineveh Condemned as a City of Blood (Nahum 3:1) The chapter opens with a stark declaration of woe against Nineveh, identified as a city built on murder, deception, and robbery. Violence is not incidental but systemic—prey never departs from the city’s grasp. Nineveh’s power and prosperity are
📄 Daily Tanach – Nachum Chapter 2: The Fall of Nineveh and the End of Assyrian Terror
Post Views: 44 The Approaching Attacker (Nahum 2:1–2) Nahum opens the chapter with a dramatic announcement: the destroyer is advancing against Nineveh. The city is warned to strengthen defenses, guard the roads, brace itself, and muster all its strength. The irony is obvious—despite every preparation, resistance will be futile. At
📄 Daily Tanach – Nachum Chapter 1: God’s Justice, Power, and the Doom of Nineveh
Post Views: 59 The Prophet and His Message (Nachum 1:1) The book opens by identifying the prophecy as the vision of Nachum the Elkoshite, concerning Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. Unlike Jonah—who was sent to warn Nineveh to repent—Nachum delivers a message of final judgment. Nineveh’s time for repentance has
📄 Daily Tanach – Micha Chapter 7: Moral Collapse, Confession, and the Triumph of Divine Mercy
Post Views: 50 The Moral Desolation of Society (Micah 7:1–2) Micah opens with a personal lament, comparing himself to someone searching for fruit after the harvest—finding nothing to eat. This imagery reflects complete moral depletion. The righteous and faithful have vanished from the land, and society is consumed by betrayal
📄 Daily Tanach – Micha Chapter 6: God’s Case Against Israel and the Essence of True Service
Post Views: 86 God’s Lawsuit Against His People (Micah 6:1–2) Micah opens the chapter with a dramatic courtroom scene. God summons the mountains and the very foundations of the earth as witnesses in His case against Israel. This imagery emphasizes the seriousness and universality of the charge: God is formally
Leave A Comment?
You must be logged in to post a comment.