1 Kings 15:11-12
And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as David his father had done. He put away the male cult prostitutes out of the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to skim over "as David his father had done," but this comparison to David, not just any righteous king, is significant. It sets a high bar, highlighting Asa's devotion as being in the same league as the king considered Israel's greatest, a standard few rulers, even good ones, met. This isn't just saying he was "okay"; it's placing him in a specific, esteemed lineage of faith.
King Asa has just successfully defended Judah against a massive invasion, and now he's focused on reforming the kingdom. This verse kicks off a section detailing his efforts to purge idolatry and re-establish true worship of God, directly contrasting his reign with that of his predecessors who often strayed. His actions are explicitly measured against the standard set by King David, highlighting Asa's commitment to God's commands.
What does it truly mean to do 'what is right in the eyes of the LORD'? This verse sets a high bar by comparing Asa to King David.
A Legacy of Faith
1 Kings 15:11 declares that King Asa 'did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as David his father had done.' This isn't just a simple statement of approval; it's a profound benchmark. David, despite his significant failures, was known as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). This means David consistently, though imperfectly, sought God, repented, and walked in obedience.
More Than Just Absence of Evil
Doing 'right' in God's eyes goes beyond simply not doing evil. It involves actively pursuing God, living by His commands, and leading others toward Him. Asa's reign is marked by reforms that aligned with this standard – he removed idols, promoted true worship, and strengthened Judah's defenses based on faith.
The Davidic Covenant as Context
The comparison to David is especially significant because David was promised an everlasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7:11-16). For future kings of Judah to be considered righteous, they needed to uphold the spiritual legacy tied to David's covenant. Asa's actions were measured against this foundational standard for kingship.
It's one thing to have a good heart, but another to lead a nation. How did Asa translate his faith into tangible, kingdom-changing actions?
Reforming a Nation
Asa's reign (detailed in 1 Kings 15:11-15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16) wasn't just passively 'right.' He actively worked to purge Judah of the religious corruption that had taken root. This included:
Understand the original words
yashar · Hebrew Adjective
In biblical usage, 'right' refers to moral rectitude or actions that align with God's revealed will and law. It signifies an objective standard of conduct established by God's character.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
Referring to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel who revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush. It is the personal, proper name of the God of the Bible.
qadesh · Hebrew Noun
Men dedicated to pagan temple service, often involving ritualistic sexual acts associated with fertility cults; they were strictly forbidden by the Law of Moses.
gillulim · Hebrew Noun
Any object, image, or representation that is worshipped in place of or alongside the true God. Idolatry is defined as a violation of the first and second commandments.
Asa's righteousness is highlighted against the backdrop of a divided kingdom and the pervasive idolatry that plagued both Israel and Judah. His actions stand in stark contrast to the general trend of spiritual decline that followed Solomon's reign.
c. 975 BC
Death of King Solomon
Solomon's reign ends, leading to the division of the united Israelite kingdom.
c. 975 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the northern ten tribes secede under Jeroboam, forming the Kingdom of Israel. The southern kingdom, Judah, remains under Solomon's son Rehoboam.
c. 950 BC
Reign of King Abijam (Abijah)
Abijah, son of Rehoboam, rules Judah for a short and largely unrighteous period, marked by continued conflict with the northern kingdom.
c. 947 BC— this verse
Reign of King Asa Begins
Asa begins his long and generally righteous reign over the Kingdom of Judah.
c. 940s-930s BC
This passage immediately precedes our verse and explains that Asa's father, Abijam, did not walk faithfully with God. It highlights Asa's distinction and righteousness by contrasting him with his father's lineage.
1 Kings 15:14This verse clarifies that while Asa removed the high places, he did not fully eradicate the unauthorized places of worship. It adds a layer of nuance to his 'doing what was right,' showing that even good kings had areas of imperfection.
2 Chronicles 14:2-5This parallel account emphasizes Asa's positive reforms, including removing idols and commanding Judah to seek the Lord. It reinforces the theme of his commitment to God's ways, similar to David's leadership.
2 Chronicles 15:16-17This passage shows that despite Asa's reforms, he still had to deal with internal strife and a rebellion led by his own mother. It demonstrates the ongoing challenges of maintaining faithfulness, even for kings who start strong.
It's easy to skim over "as David his father had done," but this comparison to David, not just any righteous king, is significant. It sets a high bar, highlighting Asa's devotion as being in the same league as the king considered Israel's greatest, a standard few rulers, even good ones, met. This isn't just saying he was "okay"; it's placing him in a specific, esteemed lineage of faith.
King Asa has just successfully defended Judah against a massive invasion, and now he's focused on reforming the kingdom. This verse kicks off a section detailing his efforts to purge idolatry and re-establish true worship of God, directly contrasting his reign with that of his predecessors who often strayed. His actions are explicitly measured against the standard set by King David, highlighting Asa's commitment to God's commands.
King Asa has just successfully defended Judah against a massive invasion, and now he's focused on reforming the kingdom. This verse kicks off a section detailing his efforts to purge idolatry and re-establish true worship of God, directly contrasting his reign with that of his predecessors who often strayed. His actions are explicitly measured against the standard set by King David, highlighting Asa's commitment to God's commands.
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The Challenge of Leading Others
Asa’s example reminds us that leadership, whether in a family, a church, or a workplace, involves more than personal piety. It requires courage to confront sin and apathy, to actively champion what is true and good, and to direct people toward God's ways, even when it's difficult.
Asa's Reforms
Asa initiates significant religious reforms, removing idolatrous practices and restoring true worship of the LORD.
c. 930s BC
War with Israel
Asa faces military conflict with Baasha, king of the northern Kingdom of Israel, which he ultimately overcomes with strategic alliances.
"And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as David his father had done. He put away the male cult prostitutes out of the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made." — It's easy to skim over "as David his father had done," but this comparison to David, not just any righteous king, is significant. It sets a high bar, highlighting Asa's devotion as being in the sam…
