Definition: And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease [was] exceeding [great]: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 16:12. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unsettling passage about Asa, King of Israel during a difficult time. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Asa was sick: In the thirty-ninth and ninth year of his reign (roughly around 760 BC), King Asa began to experience a very serious illness – he was seriously ill. His sickness worsened: The illness didn’t get better; it actually became much worse. It progressed to a point where he was in great pain and discomfort. He wasn't praying to God: This is the crucial part. Instead of seeking help from God, Asa was focusing his energy on doctors – people who treated illnesses with medicine. He wasn’t asking for divine intervention or healing. What it Means – A Deeper Look: This verse speaks to a few things: A Lack of Faith & Dependence: It suggests that Asa was perhaps lacking in faith and relying too much on human solutions instead of trusting in God’s plan. He wasn't actively seeking God’s help, which could be seen as a vulnerability. A Focus on Material Solutions: The verse highlights a shift away from spiritual matters to physical ones. It was prioritizing comfort and remedies over the deeper spiritual guidance and protection offered by God. A Moment of Weakness & Doubt: The verse also hints at a moment of weakness, perhaps even doubt about his own faith or the path he was taking as king. Possible Interpretations (It’s not always clear what the author intended): A Warning: It could be interpreted as a warning to the people of Israel – a reminder that they needed to turn away from seeking only physical remedies and instead focus on God's guidance and protection. A Reflection on Leadership: It might also reflect on Asa’s leadership style - was he prioritizing his own comfort over the well-being of his kingdom? Important Note: The exact context and meaning of this verse are debated among scholars, but it’s a powerful one that highlights a potential challenge in a time of crisis. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of 2 Chronicles 16? Discuss the possible interpretations of this verse in more detail?