Key Verse:
"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (v. 9)
The LORD himself is speaking here through "Hanani the seer" (v. 7). King Asa had acted faithfully through the first 35 years of his reign, seeking the Lord and keeping his covenant with all his heart (14:2). However, in the 36th year, when Baasha the king of neighbouring Israel came up against him, he made an alliance with the king of Aram (Syria). This kind of action was specifically forbidden by God and a reflection of failure to trust. Hanani is here sent with a message from the Lord. Essentially he is rebuking Asa for his unfaithfulness at this time of crisis.
Asa is charged with acting foolishly. He had previously experienced God's power to deliver from hostile neighbours (v. 8); why hadn't he trusted him to do so again? For, the prophet says, "the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
What wonderful words these are. The thought of God's eyes "ranging throughout the earth" points to his constant alertness. He is ever on the lookout for a heart that is committed to him and that relies on him. He sees, as it were, even the tiniest flicker of faith on the part of one of his people. And where he does so, he is right at hand to "strengthen" the one who looks to him. Words of the Psalmist come to mind: "His [the LORD'S] pleasure is not in the strength of a horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love" (Ps. 147:10, 11).
How often are we like Asa - looking to the strength of our own flesh, or the wisdom, wealth or influence of other people for help instead of looking to the Lord? God's words through his prophet ring down to us through the ages. "You have done a foolish thing!" (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Searching the Heart
Is there some special need that you have at the moment? What are you doing about it? Are you trying to solve your problem yourself (or through others), or have you cast it upon the Lord? He may want to use others to help you through it, but its always a mistake to rely on them without consulting the Lord first.
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