2 Chronicles 16:14 – “They buried him in the tomb that he had cut out for himself in the City of David. They laid him on a bier covered with spices and various blended perfumes, and they made a huge fire in his honor.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse describes the burial of King Asa, highlighting the honor and respect he received at his death. Even though Asa’s later years were marked by a lack of reliance on God, he was still given a burial fitting for a king. He was buried in a tomb he had prepared for himself in the City of David, the burial site for kings in Judah. Asa’s body was placed on a bier (a platform for carrying the body), and various spices and perfumes were used, likely to honor him and preserve his body, a common practice for honoring the dead in ancient times. The verse also notes that a “huge fire” was made in his honor, a ceremonial act to express mourning and respect.
This verse underscores that despite Asa’s spiritual struggles at the end of his life, he was still regarded as a significant figure in Judah’s history, and his people showed him the proper respect in death.
Historical Context
King Asa ruled over Judah for 41 years, during which he implemented reforms and sought to bring the nation back to worshiping the true God, especially during the early years of his reign. Asa’s leadership marked a positive shift from the idolatry and unfaithfulness of previous kings, and he led with a heart initially devoted to God.
However, in the latter part of his reign, Asa’s reliance on human strategies instead of God weakened his spiritual leadership. He made an alliance with the king of Aram, relying on foreign military assistance instead of trusting in God. When confronted by the prophet Hanani, Asa’s pride led him to imprison the prophet rather than repent. His last years were further marked by a severe illness, yet even in that condition, he refused to seek God’s help, relying solely on physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12).
Despite these spiritual failings, Asa’s overall contributions as a reformer and leader were acknowledged by his people, and they honored him with a royal burial in the City of David.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse invites us to reflect on the concept of legacy. Asa was given a royal burial because of his overall contributions to Judah, even though he didn’t finish his life as faithfully as he began. This reminds us that people are often remembered for the broader impact of their lives, not just their final years. Asa’s early faithfulness and reforms still marked him as a significant king in Judah’s history, and his people recognized that.
At the same time, the verse subtly reminds us that human honors, such as a grand burial or a huge fire in one’s honor, do not change the state of a person’s relationship with God. Asa’s later years showed a drift away from the faithfulness he had earlier in his life, and no amount of honor or ceremony can substitute for a life of continued trust in God. This serves as a reminder that what truly matters is not just how we start, but how we live and finish our lives before God.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses vivid imagery to describe Asa’s burial—specifically the spices, perfumes, and the “huge fire” made in his honor. The fire likely represents a large funeral pyre or a ceremonial burning of valuable items as part of the mourning process. This was a common cultural practice in ancient times, symbolizing respect, mourning, and sometimes the transition from life to death.
The mention of the tomb Asa “had cut out for himself” indicates that Asa had planned for his own burial, reflecting the ancient practice of preparing one’s resting place ahead of time. The attention to detail in this verse emphasizes the respect given to Asa in death, even though the previous verses highlight his spiritual struggles.
This verse serves as the closing note on Asa’s life, marking the end of a complex and significant reign in Judah’s history.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Samuel 7:12-13 – God’s promise to David about establishing a lasting dynasty. Asa, as a king of Judah, was part of the fulfillment of this promise, and his burial in the City of David connects him to this broader biblical story.
- Ecclesiastes 7:1 – “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.” This verse highlights the importance of the legacy we leave behind, similar to how Asa was honored in death despite his later failings.
- Hebrews 11:39-40 – The “heroes of faith” in Hebrews are celebrated for their overall faithfulness, though none were perfect. Asa’s burial shows that, despite his imperfections, his early faithfulness was remembered.
- Luke 23:50-53 – The burial of Jesus in a tomb prepared by Joseph of Arimathea reflects the significance of how someone’s death and burial were handled in ancient culture, similar to Asa’s royal burial.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us of the importance of how we live our lives and the legacy we leave behind. Asa’s burial shows that even though he faltered spiritually toward the end, his overall life and leadership were still respected by his people. However, it also serves as a reminder that earthly honors, such as a grand funeral, are not the ultimate measure of success in life. What matters most is how we live in relationship with God, trusting Him through both the good times and the challenging moments.
Asa’s life encourages us to reflect on our own faithfulness—are we maintaining our reliance on God, or have we allowed pride or self-reliance to lead us away from trusting Him?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love for Asa is evident throughout his life, even when Asa made mistakes. God provided Asa with guidance, victory in battle, and opportunities to repent through the prophetic rebuke of Hanani. Even in his later years, when Asa refused to seek God, the Lord’s love was still available. Asa’s story reminds us that God’s love is persistent, always inviting us back into a relationship with Him, even when we falter.
This verse also reflects God’s grace in allowing Asa to have a lasting legacy despite his failings. Though Asa’s later life was marked by pride and stubbornness, his early reforms and faithfulness were not forgotten by his people. God’s love extends beyond our mistakes, and He often remembers and honors the good we do, even when we fall short in other areas.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Asa’s royal burial and the honor he received in death can be contrasted with the burial of Jesus Christ. While Asa was laid to rest with spices and perfumes in a royal tomb, Jesus, the King of Kings, was buried in a borrowed tomb after His crucifixion. Yet, Jesus’ death and resurrection bring life and salvation to all who trust in Him, showing that true honor comes from God, not from human ceremonies.
Through Jesus, we also see the ultimate example of finishing life well. Unlike Asa, who drifted from God in his later years, Jesus remained faithful to the Father’s will, even to the point of death on the cross. Jesus’ perfect faithfulness allows us to come to God, even when we have made mistakes, knowing that through Him, we can finish well and be welcomed into eternal life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Asa was given an honorable burial, but his life ended in spiritual decline. How can we avoid drifting away from God as we go through different seasons of life?
- What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind? Are there areas in your life where you need to refocus on trusting God more fully?
- How does Asa’s story encourage you to reflect on how you handle correction or challenges in your relationship with God?
- Jesus’ burial and resurrection show us the true path to honor and life. How can you look to Jesus as your example of finishing well in your walk with God?
- Asa’s people honored him with spices and a fire in death. How does this reflect human ways of showing honor, and how does it contrast with the way God views a life well-lived?
This verse encourages us to focus on living a life of faithfulness to God, reminding us that earthly honors are temporary, but the legacy of a life lived for God is eternal. Through Christ, we find the strength and example to remain faithful until the end.