2 Chronicles 16: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Chronicles 16 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In 2 Chronicles chapter 16, King Asa of Judah continues his reign but faces a critical moment when the kingdom of Israel, led by King Baasha, threatens to invade Judah. Instead of trusting in God as he had done in earlier conflicts, Asa seeks an alliance with Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, offering him silver and gold from the treasuries of the Temple. This decision enables Asa to successfully repel Baasha's threat, but it leads to a prophetic rebuke from Hanani the seer, who chastises the king for relying on human alliances rather than God.

Key verse

“For Yahweh’s eyes run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. You have done foolishly in this; for from now on you will have wars.”
2 Chronicles 16:9 (WEB)

Outline

2 Chronicles 16:1–2 Threat from Baasha
2 Chronicles 16:3–5 Alliance with Ben Hadad
2 Chronicles 16:6–7 Prophetic Rebuke from Hanani
2 Chronicles 16:8–10 Consequences of Asa's Actions
2 Chronicles 16:11 Record of Asa's Reign
2 Chronicles 16:12–14 Asa's Decline and Death

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Asa take from 'Yahweh’s house' to send to Ben Hadad?
What action does Baasha take in v1 against Judah?
Hanani's warning in vv. 7-9: what does it imply about Asa's faith journey?
In v10, why does Asa react with anger towards Hanani the seer?
When have you relied on someone or something else instead of trusting in God, like Asa?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Chronicles 16: Ezra 8, 1 Peter 3, Proverbs 15.

Before next time: read 2 Chronicles 17.