1 In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.
2 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.
3 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.
4 And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
5 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].
6 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.
7 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser 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.
8 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.
9 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.
10 And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser 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.
11 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.
12 And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon.
13 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.
14 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.
15 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 inquire [by].
16 Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded.
17 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.
18 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.
19 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?
20 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.
Overview of 2 Kings Chapter 16
2 Kings Chapter 16 details the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, his actions, and the political and religious implications of his decisions. The chapter highlights the challenges faced by Judah during his reign, including threats from neighboring nations and the internal consequences of Ahaz’s choices.
Key Characters
- Ahaz: The king of Judah, known for his idolatrous practices and alliances with foreign nations.
- Rezin: The king of Aram (Syria), who allied with Israel against Judah.
- Pekah: The king of Israel, who also poses a threat to Judah.
- Isaiah: The prophet who advises Ahaz during his reign.
Historical Context
This chapter takes place during a tumultuous period in the history of Judah, characterized by political instability and military threats. Ahaz’s reign is marked by the invasion of Judah by the combined forces of Israel and Aram, which leads to significant decisions regarding alliances and worship practices.
Major Themes
- Idolatry and Apostasy: Ahaz’s actions reflect a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh, as he adopts practices from surrounding nations.
- Political Alliances: The chapter illustrates the reliance on foreign powers for security rather than trusting in God.
- Prophetic Warning: The presence of the prophet Isaiah highlights the tension between divine guidance and human decisions.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-4: The Reign of Ahaz
Ahaz ascends to the throne at a young age and is described as having done evil in the sight of the Lord, following the practices of the kings of Israel. His actions include sacrificing his son and engaging in idol worship, which signifies a deep spiritual decline in Judah.
Verses 5-7: The Threat from Israel and Aram
Judah faces military aggression from the combined forces of Israel and Aram. In response, Ahaz seeks help from Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria, indicating a shift towards dependence on foreign powers for protection.
Verses 8-9: The Assyrian Alliance
Ahaz sends treasures from the temple and the royal palace to Assyria to secure military assistance. This act not only demonstrates a lack of faith in God but also leads to the eventual subjugation of Judah under Assyrian influence.
Verses 10-16: The Alter of Damascus
Upon visiting Damascus, Ahaz is influenced by the altar he sees there and orders a replica to be built in Jerusalem. This decision symbolizes a significant shift in worship practices, as he prioritizes foreign customs over the worship of Yahweh.
Verses 17-18: The Temple’s Alter and Worship Changes
Ahaz’s alterations to the temple and its practices reflect a complete abandonment of traditional worship and a move towards syncretism. This change not only affects the religious landscape of Judah but also has long-lasting implications for its people.
Verses 19-20: The End of Ahaz’s Reign
The chapter concludes with a brief mention of Ahaz’s death and his burial, emphasizing the negative legacy he leaves behind. His reign is characterized by disobedience to God and a failure to lead the people in righteousness.
Conclusion
2 Kings Chapter 16 serves as a critical reflection on the consequences of turning away from God and the dangers of seeking security through alliances with foreign nations. Ahaz’s reign illustrates the complexities of leadership in times of crisis and the profound impact of individual choices on the spiritual and political health of a nation.
