The Chronicler featured Azariah's sermon (vv. 1-7), Asa's reformation (vv. 8-15), and Maacah's removal (vv. 16-19) during the middle part of Asa's reign.
A message from the prophet Azariah was the spark that ignited revival in Asa's day.36Asa responded to Azariah's challenge by rededicating the temple, himself, and his people to the Mosaic Covenant. He even executed those who refused to submit to that covenant (Exod. 22:20; Deut. 13:6-9). His removal of the powerful dowager queen (v. 16) shows that he put spiritual purity above family loyalty.37Unfortunately Asa's revival did not result in the removal of the high places in Israel (v. 17) even though Asa destroyed them in Judah (cf. 14:3). Asa's heart was not sinless but it was blameless all his days (v. 17). Zeal for the house and worship of the Lord marked him as a true son of David.
The writer counted Simeon among the northern tribes because many of the Simeonites, although some lived within the tribe of Judah, allied with their northern brothers in their religion (cf. 34:6).38Many Simeonites had apparently moved north into Israel.
