1 Kings 15:18

Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king’s house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Ben–hadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,

1 Kings 15:18 (KJV)

Context

This verse sits within the account of Asa, king of Judah, a ruler described as doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord and who carried out religious reforms in the land. The immediate setting is a military standoff with Baasha, king of Israel, who fortified Ramah to block movement in and out of Judah (1 Kings 15:16-17). In response, Asa took the remaining silver and gold from the treasuries of the Lord’s house and the king’s house and sent them to Ben-hadad, king of Syria, who ruled in Damascus. The phrase “that were left” suggests these treasuries had already been depleted, likely when Shishak king of Egypt had taken the temple treasures earlier (1 Kings 14:26). Asa’s action was a strategic political move to secure an alliance with Syria against Israel, but it was made without seeking God’s guidance.

Meaning

Asa’s decision to take the silver and gold from the treasuries of the Lord’s house and the king’s house raises moral and spiritual questions. It may seem surprising for a king who sought to follow the Lord to use sacred resources for a political alliance. Yet the text records that Asa’s motive was to establish a defense against Baasha and Israel. He chose human means to secure protection for his kingdom instead of fully relying on God. This action highlights the danger of trusting in worldly alliances and material wealth rather than in God, and it marks a turning point in Asa’s reign where he departed from his earlier faithfulness.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in 2 Chronicles 16:2-3 confirms this event and explicitly notes that Asa relied on the king of Syria rather than on the Lord. Later in his reign, Asa faced rebuke from the prophet Hanani for this reliance, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 16:7-9. This serves as a reminder that even when worldly alliances bring short-term benefits, our ultimate trust should be in God. The verse also connects to the broader biblical theme of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21, for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.

Application

Asa’s action reminds us of the importance of fully relying on God in all circumstances. While it is not inherently wrong to seek alliances or human assistance, our ultimate trust should be in God, who is our protector, provider, and guide. Asa’s failure to seek God’s wisdom in this decision demonstrates the need for us to bring our plans and concerns before the Lord in prayer, seeking His guidance and direction. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and acknowledge Him in all our ways. Although Asa took silver and gold from the treasuries of the Lord’s house, the true treasures lie in our spiritual relationship with God. Our focus should be on nurturing that relationship and living according to His principles rather than placing undue emphasis on worldly possessions.

Reflection

This verse also has historical significance as it highlights the political climate and alliances of that time. The alliance between Asa and Ben-hadad did lead to the weakening of Baasha’s power, but it came at a spiritual cost. Asa’s later rebuke from the prophet Hanani serves as a warning that even when worldly alliances may bring short-term benefits, our ultimate trust should be in God. 1 Kings 15:18 provides lessons on trusting in God, seeking His wisdom, and prioritizing spiritual treasures over worldly alliances. It reminds us to place our complete trust in God and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.