Asa's Treaty with Syria's King
2 Chronicles 16, verse 1. In the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and built Ramah, so that no one could go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 16, verse 2. Then Asa brought silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the Lord and the king's house. He sent them to the son of Hadad the king of Syria, who dwelt in Damascus, saying, 2 Chronicles 16, verse 3. “Let there be a treaty between you and me, as there was between my father and your father. Here, I have sent you silver and gold. Come and drive away Baasha king of Israel so that he will withdraw from me.” 2 Chronicles 16, verse 4. So the son of Hadad heeded King Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel. They attacked Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim, and all the areas around Naphtali. 2 Chronicles 16, verse 5. Now when Baasha heard it, he stopped building Ramah and ceased his work. 2 Chronicles 16, verse 6. Then King Asa took all of Judah, and they carried away the stones and timber of Ramah which Baasha had used for building. With them he built Geba and Mizpah.
Hanani's Prophecy to Asa
2 Chronicles 16, verse 7. And at that time, Hanani the prophet came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because you relied on the king of Syria and did not rely on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria escaped from your hand. 2 Chronicles 16, verse 8. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim a large and courageous army with a great many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you relied on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand. 2 Chronicles 16, verse 9. For the eyes of the Lord look over the whole earth and strengthen every heart that is loyal to Him. In this you did foolishly, and from now on you shall have wars.” 2 Chronicles 16, verse 10. Asa was angry at the prophet and he put him in prison, for because of this he was enraged at him. And at that time Asa oppressed some of the people.
Sickness and Death of Asa
2 Chronicles 16, verse 11. Now the acts of Asa, first and last, are written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. 2 Chronicles 16, verse 12. In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe. And in his disease he sought physicians rather than the Lord. 2 Chronicles 16, verse 13. So Asa rested with his fathers. He died in the thirty-ninth year of his reign. 2 Chronicles 16, verse 14. They buried him in the tomb he had made for himself in the City of David. And they laid him in a bed filled with spices and various ingredients prepared in a mixture of ointments. They made a very great funeral for him.