Second Chronicles 16–17 places two very different spiritual pictures beside one another.

Chapter 16 shows the later years of King Asa. Earlier, Asa had cried out to God when facing an army of one million men, and God gave him victory.

But later, when King Baasha of Israel threatened Judah, Asa chose a different approach.

Instead of seeking the Lord, he relied on a political alliance with Ben-Hadad king of Syria.

The plan appeared to work—but God was displeased because Asa had stopped depending upon Him.

When the prophet Hanani confronted Asa, the king did not humble himself. He became angry, imprisoned the prophet, and oppressed some of the people.

Chapter 17 then introduces Asa’s son Jehoshaphat.

Jehoshaphat strengthened Judah, sought God, removed idolatry, and did something especially important:

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