Baasha, king of Israel, and Asa, king of Judah, go to war against one another. There is a stalemate between the two, or perhaps the progress of Asa's forces is too slow for his liking. Whatever the case, Asa enlists the help of an ally, Ben-Hadad, king of Aram.
Asa empties the treasuries of both the temple and the royal palace in order to "sweeten the deal" between himself and Ben-Hadad. HE TOOK WHAT BELONGED TO GOD AND WHAT BELONGED TO THE ROYAL HOUSEHOLD. With proceeds from the two treasuries Asa buys superior forces with which to settle the border dispute between his kingdom, Judah, and Baasha's kingdom, Israel.
God is not pleased thereby, and God sends Hannai the seer to Asa with a message to that effect.
God, please help me to respect what belongs to You--always to employ it according to Your purposes and never to apply it for my selfish gain. Amen.
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