1)
What is the significance of "Nered v'Charkom"?
1.
Seforno: So it was in the days of Asa, who strove to teach Da'as to the nation - "Asher Lo Yidrosh la'Shem Elokei Yisrael Yumas" (Divrei ha'Yamim II, 15:13). Also Shelachav and his afflictions - wars with the Kushim - were wealth and honor for him.