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Notable Sources
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The Trials of King Asa
TANAKH
King Asa's actions highlight the complexities of leadership, faith, and the consequences of relying on human alliances over divine trust. The narrative in II Chronicles details Asa's religious reforms, his conflict with King Baasha of Israel, and his controversial alliance with King Ben-hadad of Aram.
A Leg to Stand On
CHASIDUT
King Asa suffered an ailment of his legs, which the Talmud interprets as punishment for interrupting the study of Torah scholars. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, in his foundational text Likutei Moharan, adds an extra layer of interpretive depth to the Talmud's understanding of King Asa's condition.
The Dust of Idols
COMMENTARY
The rabbis were concerned about the practical implications of grinding up idols, particularly the issue of the dust becoming fertilizer. The Talmud in Tractate Avodah Zarah discusses King Asa's actions against idolatry and the proper methods for eradicating it.
The Thirty-Sixth Year of Asa
TOSEFTA
The story of Asa, as with many of the monarchs, is told both in the book of Kings and the book of Chronicles, though there are some apparent inconsistencies between the two accounts. The Tosefta, a late 2nd-century compilation of Jewish oral law, here finds deeper meaning in the reconciliation of the discrepancies.
The Downfall of King Asa
COMMENTARY
King Asa's reliance on a foreign king instead of God led to his downfall and the loss of the treasures of the House of God. The Book of Chronicles revisits events from earlier biblical books, providing additional details and perspectives, such as Hanani's rebuke of King Asa for his misplaced trust.
King Asa's Diplomatic Maneuvering
COMMENTARY
King Asa's strategic alliance with Ben-Hadad of Aram showcases the complex political maneuvers in the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This passage from I Kings 15:19 highlights King Asa's attempt to protect his kingdom by offering silver and gold to break an existing covenant.
Divine Intervention vs. Personal Valor
KABBALAH
Subtle variations in language in similar phrases carry significant meaning in Jewish tradition. The Zohar, a central text in Jewish mysticism, compares the approaches of different rulers, in particular King Asa and King David, based on verses used to describe their approaches to war.
The Righteousness of King Asa
COMMENTARY
Despite his failure to remove the Bamot, King Asa is still considered a righteous ruler. This contemporary study of the book of Kings explores the balance between Asa's religious reforms and his overall faithfulness to God.
Divine Justice in the Reign of Asa
SECOND TEMPLE
Themes of God's involvement in human affairs through rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked are explored throughout Jewish literature. Josephus' historical work, 'The Antiquities of the Jews,' provides a detailed account of Jewish history, including the reign of King Asa.
Understanding Jeroboam's Downfall
COMMENTARY
Radak offers different understandings of the biblical description of the reigns that preceded Asa's. Radak, a medieval Jewish commentator, provides historical and textual context to II Chronicles 13:20, exploring various midrashic interpretations.
A Reign of Conflict
TANAKH
The continuous state of war between Asa and King Baasha of Israel highlights the intense and prolonged conflict that shaped their reigns. The Book of Kings I details the reigns of various kings, including the persistent conflict between King Asa of Judah and King Baasha of Israel.
Asa's Stand Against Idolatry
MIDRASH
King Asa took a bold stand against idolatry, even within his own family. The Sifrei Devarim, a midrashic commentary on Deuteronomy, recounts Asa's removal of his grandmother Ma'achah from power due to her idolatrous practices.
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