In the shadowy corridors of power, where the mighty often lose their way, the prophet Hanani’s brief yet significant rebuke of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 16:7–10 serves as a reminder of the costs and challenges of faithfully and fearlessly delivering God’s truth to those in authority.
In 2 Chronicles 16, Hanani confronts Judah’s King Asa for relying on foreign military alliances instead of on God. For his bold rebuke, Hanani faces the wrath of the king and persecution.
Asa ascended Judah’s throne at a time of great turmoil. The nation had endured years of idolatry and spiritual decay under his father’s rule. Asa wasted no time in initiating spiritual revival: he removed the idols and foreign altars, urged the people to seek the Lord and obey His commandments, and “did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God” (2 Chronicles 14).
He also sought the Lord’s help and guidance. For example, when the Cushites and King Baasha of Israel challenged him, he turned to God for assistance rather than relying on his neighbours or on his own military strength. As a result, Asa enjoyed success in domestic and foreign affairs.
But in his later years, Asa’s faith wavered. In his thirty-sixth year of reign, he abandoned reliance on God’s strength. Instead, to resist the northern kingdom of Israel, he allied with the military support of Ben-Hadad, King of Aram (2 Chronicles 16:2–4).
Hanani, a prophet of Yahweh, fearlessly confronted this action and boldly rebuked Asa for relying on a foreign power instead of trusting in the Lord:
“Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you. 8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the Lord, he gave them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.” (16:7 – 9).
Rather than humility, Asa’s message was met with swift and severe hostility: Asa imprisoned Hanani in stocks for his willingness to speak truth to power (2 Chronicles 16:10).
Hanani’s confrontation demonstrates the challenges to those who must speak truth to power. Since the time of Asa – and even in our present day – those who challenge authority, speak out against injustice, or simply express their beliefs must often do so at great risk. Asa’s act of repression was intended not only to silence Hanani, but to suppress Hanani’s message of truth – and to send a clear warning to anyone who might dare question the King’s actions.
Hanani’s treatment also illustrates the great personal cost God’s servants must sometimes bear. Hanani was willing to risk his freedom, and potentially his life, to deliver God’s message to King Asa. Yet, despite Asa’s efforts to silence him, the truth of his message echoed beyond the prison walls.
Finally, the story of Hanani’s commitment and courage serve as a call to action. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward human authority and God’s authority. It encourages us to stand up, humbly and graciously, for our faith, for justice, and for truth – even when doing so is uncomfortable or risky.
Are we, like Hanani, willing to stand up for our beliefs, even when we face opposition? Are we willing to risk our liberty and even (potentially) our lives to deliver God’s message? Will we graciously and humbly confront injustice? Will we, in turn, humbly listen to those who may challenge us with God’s truth, even when doing so brings conviction?
If we’re honest, we must admit we cannot find this commitment and courage inside ourselves.
But Hanani’s story reminds us, most importantly, we do not have to. It encourages us to remember God is with us to strengthen us, that our faithful obedience holds eternal significance – and that His Word will not be silenced.
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