When the king of Judah, Asa, sought the help of Benhadad, king of Syria, to fight against king Baasha, the king of Israel, instead of relying on the LORD as he did once earlier, when the Ethiopian Zerah came against him, Hanani was the seer that brought the rebuke of the LORD to king Asa (2 Chronicles 14). Hanani reminded Asa that he should have relied on the LORD and then stated that the eyes of the LORD are searching the entire earth to find out if there is one, even one, whose heart is perfect toward God. He then tells Asa that since the king had acted foolishly to rely on man (the king of Syria) instead of God (the King of all kings), that Judah will have wars and the peace that prevailed would be taken away. When king Asa hears of this rebuke through Hanani, he is angered and he imprisons Hanani (2 Chronicles 16:1-10).
What can we learning from Hanani?
Like Hanani, we must rebuke those who rely on man instead of relying on God. We must remind all those who act foolishly in trusting in others besides God, that God is searching for one with a perfect heart, even if the outcome of our rebuke and reminder may not be in our favor.
2 Chronicles 16:7-10 (KJV)
7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.
9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
10 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.
