ASA . 1 . The third king of Judah after the disruption, succeeding Ahijah. Since his mother’s name is given as the same with that of Abijah’s mother, some have supposed the two kings to have been brothers. But there may be some mistake in the text. Asa is praised by the Biblical writer for his religious zeal, which led him to reform the worship, and even to depose his mother from her place of influence at court because of her idolatrous practices. Politically he took a mistaken course when he submitted to Benhadad of Damascus to secure his aid against Baasha of Israel, who had captured Ramah. The Temple treasures were sent to Benhadad, who thereupon invaded Israel, and Baasha was compelled to evacuate the threatening fortress ( 1 Kings 15:9 ff.). The Chronicler ( 2 Chronicles 14:9 ff.) credits Asa with a victory over an enormous force of Ethiopians. 2 . A Levite ( 1 Chronicles 9:16 ).

H. P. Smith.