2 Chronicles 16:12
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.
2 Chronicles 16:12 · King James Version
Meaning
Asa, a king in the Old Testament, fell ill with a serious foot disease in the thirty-ninth year of his reign. Despite the severity of his condition, he did not turn to the Lord for help; instead, he sought medical treatment. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking spiritual guidance in times of trouble, rather than relying solely on human intervention. It highlights the potential dangers of prioritizing worldly solutions over divine intervention. While medical treatment is important, this verse suggests that a balance between seeking medical help and trusting in the Lord is crucial. Asa's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting one's spiritual relationship and relying solely on human efforts in times of distress. It encourages readers to turn to the Lord for guidance and healing, even amidst difficult circumstances.
Theological Overview
In this passage, we see King Asa of Judah falling ill with a severe foot disease. The verse highlights an important theological concept about seeking healing and help. Despite his illness, King Asa did not turn to the Lord for assistance but instead relied solely on the physicians of the time. This lack of seeking divine intervention can be seen as a sign of misplaced trust and reliance on human capabilities rather than on the healing power of God. The verse raises questions about the importance of faith and prayer in times of sickness and adversity. It serves as a reminder to believers to always seek God's guidance and healing in all circumstances, recognizing that true healing comes from the Lord. This passage can also lead to further word study on the significance of seeking the Lord in times of trouble and the consequences of putting trust in human solutions over divine intervention.
2 Chronicles 16:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
And in the thirty and ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet; his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to Jehovah, but to the physicians.
World English Bible
In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet; his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he didn’t seek Yahweh, but to the physicians.
Douay-Rheims
And Asa fell sick in the nine and thirtieth year of his reign, of a most violent pain in his feet, and yet in his illness he did not seek the Lord, but rather trusted in the skill of physicians.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Asa in the nine and thirtieth yeere of his reigne was diseased in his feete, and his disease was extreme: yet he sought not the Lord in his disease, but to the Phisicions.