Asa, the third king of Judah, reigned 41 years, about 957-916 B. C. He was the son and successor of Abijam, and great-grandson of Solomon. He distinguished himself by his opposition to the forms of idolatry which had become prevalent in the preceding reigns. Being assailed by Zerah, an Ethiopian king, with an immense army, Asa won a complete victory, and for ten years enjoyed peace. Then he became involved in a war with Baasha, king of Israel, and, at the cost of the accumulated treasures of the temple, induced the king of Damascus to enter into alliance with him. His reign was upon the whole a prosperous one. He was succeeded by his son Jehoshaphat.