2 Chronicles 16

In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

In the 36th year of King Asa's rule, Baasha, the King of Israel, attacked Judah. He constructed Ramah as a blockade, intending to isolate King Asa by preventing anyone from leaving or entering Judah.

Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king’s house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,

With a heavy heart, Asa took precious silver and gold from the sacred and royal treasuries. He then sent these treasures to Benhadad, the Syrian king residing in Damascus, with a message.

There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.

We share a bond, just like our fathers did. Look, I've sent you silver and gold. Now, end your alliance with King Baasha of Israel, so he leaves me alone.

And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

Benhadad, moved by King Asa's plea, commanded his army leaders to march against Israel's cities. They fiercely attacked Ijon, Dan, and Abelmaim, along with all the supply cities of Naphtali, leaving them in ruins.

And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease.

When Baasha heard the news, he was so shocked that he immediately stopped the construction of Ramah, leaving his project unfinished.

Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah.

King Asa rallied all of Judah. They seized the stones and timber that Baasha was using to build Ramah. With these, Asa passionately constructed Geba and Mizpah.

And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.

When Hanani the prophet approached King Asa of Judah, he expressed his disappointment, "You've put your trust in the Syrian king instead of the Lord, your God. That's why the Syrian king's army has escaped your grasp."

Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.

Didn't the Ethiopians and Lubims have a massive army, full of chariots and horsemen? But because you trusted in God, He gave you victory over them.

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

God's gaze sweeps across the entire world, demonstrating His power to those who love Him completely. But you've acted unwisely, and because of this, conflict will be your future.

Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.

Asa was furious with the prophet, so he threw him in jail. His anger was because of this incident. At the same time, he also mistreated some of the people.

And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

Look, every action of Asa, from beginning to end, is recorded in the historical books of Judah and Israel.

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.

In the 39th year of his rule, King Asa was plagued with a severe foot ailment. Despite his pain, he didn't turn to God for help, but instead relied solely on his doctors.

And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign.

Asa joined his ancestors in eternal rest, passing away in the 41st year of his rule.

And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries’ art: and they made a very great burning for him.

They laid him to rest in his own tomb, a place he had prepared for himself in the heart of the city of David. His bed was adorned with fragrant scents and a variety of spices, a testament to the skill of the apothecaries. A grand and fiery tribute was held in his honor.