1 Kings 15:23
The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.
1 Kings 15:23
This verse provides a biographical note on King Asa, recounting his public achievements and leadership, including wars and city-building projects, while simultaneously mentioning that in his old age he suffered from a disease in his feet. The “book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah” is invoked, acknowledging a historical register that records acts of kings, their military campaigns, and their building programs. The foot disease juxtaposed with a tenure of vigorous leadership reveals a humanizing contrast: even strong leaders face frailty. The verse thus places Asa in the broader pattern of post-ex-alt kings, whose legacies include both notable accomplishments and personal vulnerability.
Culturally, such summaries clarified a king’s overall righteousness or failure by combining public deeds with private vulnerabilities. The Bible often frames a leader’s end, not just their rise, to caution readers about the limits of human strength and the necessity of depending on God.
- The verse foregrounds human frailty and the reality that physical ailment can accompany even important, industrious leadership.
- It emphasizes the need for faithful memory: the matters in God’s register are more than ceremonial; they are accountable to divine judgment and mercy.
- The juxtaposition invites reflection on whether a king’s legacy rests on achievements alone or on a trustful relationship with God.
- Leaders today are urged to reflect on the whole arc of their service: successes and weaknesses alike. Acknowledging frailty can foster humility and dependence on God.
- For individuals, it’s a reminder that health and vitality are gifts; when they wane, prayer, support, and wise medical care become essential.
- In communities, this verse invites us to create legacies that go beyond buildings and battles—cultivating compassion, justice, and faith that outlast personal health.
Cross-References
- 2 Samuel 24:24 (choosing righteousness over costly offerings)
- Psalm 38:3-8 (confronting physical illness as part of life’s realities)
- 2 Chronicles 16:12 (Asa’s feet disease linked with his later life)
- Ecclesiastes 7:14 (both good and bad days come from God)
- James 4:14 (life is a mist)