II Kings 16: The Reign of Ahaz - A Study in Apostasy and Influence
In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.
Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord his God, like David his father.
But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel.
And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.
At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.
So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath–pileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.
And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the king’s house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.
And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.
And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath–pileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof.
And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.
And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon.
And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the altar.
And he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the Lord, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the Lord, and put it on the north side of the altar.
And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king’s burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by.
Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded.
And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones.
And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king’s entry without, turned he from the house of the Lord for the king of Assyria.
Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
II Kings 16 details the reign of Ahaz, one of the most ungodly kings of Judah. This chapter serves as a stark warning against the dangers of apostasy and the devastating consequences of prioritizing political expediency over faithfulness to God. It also provides a glimmer of hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest of family legacies, individuals can choose a different path.
Ahaz's Wickedness (II Kings 16:1-4)
Ahaz, the son of Jotham, ascended to the throne of Judah and immediately distinguished himself as a king who "did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God, as his father David had done" (II Kings 16:1-2). His reign was characterized by a blatant disregard for God's laws and a descent into pagan practices. He followed the ways of the kings of Israel, a criticism laden with condemnation, and tragically, he went even further. Ahaz engaged in the abhorrent practice of sacrificing his own son in the fire (II Kings 16:3).
This act was a direct violation of God's explicit commands given through Moses, who warned the Israelites against imitating the detestable customs of the nations they were displacing, specifically mentioning the sacrifice of children (Deuteronomy 18:9-10). This act of sacrificing his son, a being created in God's image (Genesis 1:26), highlights the depth of Ahaz's wickedness. Furthermore, Ahaz embraced idolatry, offering sacrifices and burning incense at high places, on hills, and under every green tree (II Kings 16:4). This wholesale embrace of false gods reveals a complete abandonment of the covenant God had made with Israel.
Political Expediency and Spiritual Compromise (II Kings 16:5-9)
During Ahaz's reign, Judah faced military pressure from a coalition of Aram and Israel (II Kings 16:5). Instead of seeking God's help through prayer and repentance, Ahaz chose a path of political expediency. He appealed to Tiglath-Pileser, the king of Assyria, for help, offering him silver and gold from the temple and the royal treasury as a bribe (II Kings 16:7-8).
This decision highlights Ahaz's lack of faith in God's ability to deliver Judah. By seeking help from a foreign power and depleting the temple's resources, he demonstrated a profound spiritual compromise. Tiglath-Pileser responded by attacking and capturing Damascus, the capital of Aram, and killing King Rezin (II Kings 16:9). While this provided temporary relief for Judah, it came at a great spiritual cost. Ahaz had effectively placed Judah under Assyrian control, sacrificing its independence and its relationship with God for short-term security.
Embracing Pagan Worship (II Kings 16:10-16)
Ahaz's spiritual decline continued after his encounter with Tiglath-Pileser in Damascus (II Kings 16:10). Impressed by an altar he saw there, Ahaz sent its design to Uriah, the priest, instructing him to build a replica in Jerusalem (II Kings 16:11). This indicates a complete disregard for the divinely ordained worship practices established by God.
Upon his return, Ahaz boldly replaced the bronze altar made by Solomon with the new Assyrian-style altar, relegating the original altar to a secondary position (II Kings 16:14). He then commanded Uriah to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings on the foreign altar, further desecrating the temple and its sacred rituals (II Kings 16:15). These actions demonstrate Ahaz's complete submission to Assyrian influence and his willingness to abandon the worship of the true God in favor of pagan practices.
Further Acts of Apostasy (II Kings 16:17-18)
Ahaz continued his dismantling of traditional worship practices by removing the panels from the stands and taking down the basins (II Kings 16:17). He also removed the Sabbath canopy that had been built at the temple and blocked the king's personal entrance, likely to appease his Assyrian overlords (II Kings 16:18). These acts reveal a deliberate attempt to dismantle the religious and cultural identity of Judah, replacing it with the customs and practices of a foreign power.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Legacy of Hezekiah (II Kings 16:19-20)
Despite the pervasive wickedness of Ahaz's reign, the chapter concludes with a note of hope. Ahaz's son, Hezekiah, would succeed him as king (II Kings 16:20). Hezekiah is remembered as one of Judah's most righteous kings, a stark contrast to his father.
Hezekiah's story serves as a powerful reminder that our futures are not predetermined by the choices of our parents. Even in the face of a negative family legacy, we have the power to choose a different path – a path that honors God and reflects His character. By God's grace and our willingness to make a change, we can break free from the patterns of the past and create a new future for ourselves and for generations to come.
II Kings 16 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of apostasy and the importance of remaining faithful to God, even in the face of adversity. It also offers a message of hope, reminding us that God's grace is available to all who seek Him, regardless of their background or circumstances.
In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.
Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord his God, like David his father.
But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel.
And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.
At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.
So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath–pileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.
And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the king’s house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.
And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.
And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath–pileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof.
And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.
And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon.
And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the altar.
And he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the Lord, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the Lord, and put it on the north side of the altar.
And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king’s burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by.
Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded.
And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones.
And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king’s entry without, turned he from the house of the Lord for the king of Assyria.
Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
II Kings 16 details the reign of Ahaz, one of the most ungodly kings of Judah. This chapter serves as a stark warning against the dangers of apostasy and the devastating consequences of prioritizing political expediency over faithfulness to God. It also provides a glimmer of hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest of family legacies, individuals can choose a different path.
Ahaz's Wickedness (II Kings 16:1-4)
Ahaz, the son of Jotham, ascended to the throne of Judah and immediately distinguished himself as a king who "did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God, as his father David had done" (II Kings 16:1-2). His reign was characterized by a blatant disregard for God's laws and a descent into pagan practices. He followed the ways of the kings of Israel, a criticism laden with condemnation, and tragically, he went even further. Ahaz engaged in the abhorrent practice of sacrificing his own son in the fire (II Kings 16:3).
This act was a direct violation of God's explicit commands given through Moses, who warned the Israelites against imitating the detestable customs of the nations they were displacing, specifically mentioning the sacrifice of children (Deuteronomy 18:9-10). This act of sacrificing his son, a being created in God's image (Genesis 1:26), highlights the depth of Ahaz's wickedness. Furthermore, Ahaz embraced idolatry, offering sacrifices and burning incense at high places, on hills, and under every green tree (II Kings 16:4). This wholesale embrace of false gods reveals a complete abandonment of the covenant God had made with Israel.
Political Expediency and Spiritual Compromise (II Kings 16:5-9)
During Ahaz's reign, Judah faced military pressure from a coalition of Aram and Israel (II Kings 16:5). Instead of seeking God's help through prayer and repentance, Ahaz chose a path of political expediency. He appealed to Tiglath-Pileser, the king of Assyria, for help, offering him silver and gold from the temple and the royal treasury as a bribe (II Kings 16:7-8).
This decision highlights Ahaz's lack of faith in God's ability to deliver Judah. By seeking help from a foreign power and depleting the temple's resources, he demonstrated a profound spiritual compromise. Tiglath-Pileser responded by attacking and capturing Damascus, the capital of Aram, and killing King Rezin (II Kings 16:9). While this provided temporary relief for Judah, it came at a great spiritual cost. Ahaz had effectively placed Judah under Assyrian control, sacrificing its independence and its relationship with God for short-term security.
Embracing Pagan Worship (II Kings 16:10-16)
Ahaz's spiritual decline continued after his encounter with Tiglath-Pileser in Damascus (II Kings 16:10). Impressed by an altar he saw there, Ahaz sent its design to Uriah, the priest, instructing him to build a replica in Jerusalem (II Kings 16:11). This indicates a complete disregard for the divinely ordained worship practices established by God.
Upon his return, Ahaz boldly replaced the bronze altar made by Solomon with the new Assyrian-style altar, relegating the original altar to a secondary position (II Kings 16:14). He then commanded Uriah to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings on the foreign altar, further desecrating the temple and its sacred rituals (II Kings 16:15). These actions demonstrate Ahaz's complete submission to Assyrian influence and his willingness to abandon the worship of the true God in favor of pagan practices.
Further Acts of Apostasy (II Kings 16:17-18)
Ahaz continued his dismantling of traditional worship practices by removing the panels from the stands and taking down the basins (II Kings 16:17). He also removed the Sabbath canopy that had been built at the temple and blocked the king's personal entrance, likely to appease his Assyrian overlords (II Kings 16:18). These acts reveal a deliberate attempt to dismantle the religious and cultural identity of Judah, replacing it with the customs and practices of a foreign power.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Legacy of Hezekiah (II Kings 16:19-20)
Despite the pervasive wickedness of Ahaz's reign, the chapter concludes with a note of hope. Ahaz's son, Hezekiah, would succeed him as king (II Kings 16:20). Hezekiah is remembered as one of Judah's most righteous kings, a stark contrast to his father.
Hezekiah's story serves as a powerful reminder that our futures are not predetermined by the choices of our parents. Even in the face of a negative family legacy, we have the power to choose a different path – a path that honors God and reflects His character. By God's grace and our willingness to make a change, we can break free from the patterns of the past and create a new future for ourselves and for generations to come.
II Kings 16 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of apostasy and the importance of remaining faithful to God, even in the face of adversity. It also offers a message of hope, reminding us that God's grace is available to all who seek Him, regardless of their background or circumstances.