1 Kings 15:18 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Then Asa took all the silver and the gold, &c.— In cases of extreme danger, it was always held lawful to employ sacred things in the service of one's country; but there was no such necessity in this case. God had appeared wonderfully in Asa's defence against an enemy much more powerful than Baasha was; nay, he had promised him his protection at all times, and success in all his undertakings, if he would but adhere to his service; and yet, forgetting all this, he strips the temple of its treasure, and bribes a heathen prince to come to his assistance, and break his league to another to whom he stood engaged; so that here were three offences in this one act of Asa. 1. He alienated things consecrated to God without necessity. 2. He did this out of a carnal fear, and a distrust of that God whose power and goodness he had lately experienced; and 3. He did it with an ill intent to hire Benhadad, in breach of his league and covenant with Baasha.