2 Chronicles 16:12

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

ויחלא אסא בשנת שלושים ותשע למלכותו ברגליו עד למעלה חליו וגם בחליו לא דרש את יהוה כי ברפאים:

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that King Asa, after ruling for 39 years, became very sick in his feet. Despite his illness, he did not seek help from God but from doctors. The key message is about the importance of turning to God in times of trouble.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a big scrape on your knee, and your mom or dad tells you to pray for healing. But instead, you only ask for a bandaid. King Asa was like that when he was sick; he only asked for help from doctors and not from God.

Historical Background

2 Chronicles was written by an unknown author in the post-exilic period, likely around the 4th century BCE. It was written to help the returning exiles remember their history and the importance of following God’s commands. The book provides a historical account of the kings of Judah, including Asa.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, if someone is going through a tough time, they might only seek advice from their friends or family but neglect to pray or seek spiritual guidance. This verse reminds us to always turn to God for comfort and healing.

Topics

• Faith
• Sickness
• Healing
• Trust in God
• Human Wisdom vs. Divine Wisdom
• Leadership

Related Verses

• 2 Chronicles 15:12-15
• 2 Kings 20:1-7
• 2 Kings 5:1-19
• Psalm 38:1-22
• James 5:14-16

Recommended Reading

Commentary 2 Chronicles Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Asa's mistake?

Asa's mistake was not seeking help from God when he was sick, but only relying on human doctors. This shows a lack of faith and trust in God’s healing power.

Why is it important to seek God in times of illness?

Seeking God in times of illness is important because it shows trust in His ability to heal and care for us. It also brings spiritual comfort and can lead to a deeper faith.

How does this verse apply to modern Christians?

This verse applies to modern Christians by reminding them to not only seek medical help but also to turn to God in prayer for healing and comfort, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God.

What is the historical context of 2 Chronicles?

2 Chronicles provides historical accounts of the kings of Judah, written to remind the returning exiles of their history and the importance of following God’s commands, emphasizing the spiritual lessons learned from their past.