1 Kings 15:23

All his might. — This phrase, not used of Rehoboam or Abijah, is significant, indicating the increased power of Judah under Asa.

The cities which he built. — Fortification of cities (see 2 Chronicles 11:5; 2 Chronicles 14:6) was naturally the traditional policy of the kingdom of Judah — small in extent, menaced by more powerful neighbours, but having an exceedingly strong country and central position.

Diseased in his feet. — In the Chronicles it is added significantly, “in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians” (2 Chronicles 16:7); and from the same records it appears that in his last days Asa ventured to defy the prophetic authority by the imprisonment of Hanani the seer. Prosperity, it is implied, had somewhat deteriorated his character, though he still continued faithful to the worship of God. Certainly, Jehoshaphat on his accession still found much to do for the religious condition of his people.