Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasuries of the house of the Lord.
The folly of bribery
Trust in man, not in God--
I. Led to sacrilege in religious things. Gifts bestowed or promised with a view to prevent judgment or corrupt morals abominable. Bribery a canker in constitutional governments, a disgrace in all departments of life.
II. Brought down Divine reproof.
III. Defeated its own ends.
1. Asa missed the opportunity of adouble victory. Possible by unnecessary and improper alliances to hinder our good and prevent God from granting deliverance.
2. Asa exposed himself to greater danger. Those who bribe and those bribed not to be depended upon. For gold men will sell their votes, their conscience, and themselves. Cato complained that M. Coelius the Tribune “might be hired for a piece of bread to speak or to hold his peace.” (J. Wolfendale.)
