13. He even deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made an obscene Asherah pole. He cut down her obscene pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley.
14. Although the pagan shrines were not removed, Asa’s heart remained completely faithful to the lord throughout his life.
15. He brought into the Temple of the lord the silver and gold and the various items that he and his father had dedicated.
16. There was constant war between King Asa of Judah and King Baasha of Israel.
17. King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from entering or leaving King Asa’s territory in Judah.
18. Asa responded by removing all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the Temple of the lord and the royal palace. He sent it with some of his officials to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus, along with this message:
19. “Let there be a treaty between you and me like the one between your father and my father. See, I am sending you a gift of silver and gold. Break your treaty with King Baasha of Israel so that he will leave me alone.”