2 Kings 16:1-9
Ahaz Appeals to Assyria
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1In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah, Ahaz son of Jotham became king of Judah.
2Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. And unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God.
3Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.
4And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree.
5Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to wage war against Jerusalem. They besieged Ahaz but could not overcome him.
6At that time Rezin king of Aram recovered Elath for Aram, drove out the men of Judah, and sent the Edomites into Elath, where they live to this day.
7So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hands of the kings of Aram and Israel, who are rising up against me.”
8Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria.
9So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Ahaz becomes king of Judah and reigns sixteen years in Jerusalem. Unlike David, he does not do what is right in the sight of the LORD. He walks in the way of the kings of Israel and even sacrifices his son in the fire, following detestable practices of the nations.
Ahaz sacrifices and burns incense at the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree. The list shows worship spread throughout the land rather than confined to one private mistake. A king's choices teach a whole people what can be treated as normal.
Rezin king of Aram and Pekah king of Israel come up to fight Jerusalem, but they cannot conquer it. Rezin also recovers Elath for Aram and drives out the men of Judah.
Ahaz sends messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria with silver and gold from the temple and palace treasuries. He calls himself the Assyrian king's servant and son and asks for rescue. Tiglath-pileser responds: he captures Damascus, deports its people to Kir, and kills Rezin. The immediate danger creates a new dependence, but it does not address the spiritual choices that have weakened Judah.
Questions
1 How does Ahaz compare with David?
AnswerAhaz does not do what is right in the sight of the LORD as David his father had done.
2 What practices does Ahaz adopt?
AnswerHe walks in Israel's ways, sacrifices at high places, burns incense, and sacrifices his son in the fire.
3 Who attacks Judah?
AnswerRezin king of Aram and Pekah king of Israel come up with their armies to fight Jerusalem.
4 Whom does Ahaz ask for help?
AnswerAhaz asks Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria to rescue him from the attacking kings of Aram and Israel.
What This Means for Us
Fear can make a dangerous alliance appear like the only available rescue. Ahaz responds to pressure by surrendering treasure and identity to a stronger ruler while his own worship grows more destructive.
When fear drives a decision, slow down long enough to ask what the proposed rescue will require from you and whom it may harm. A short-term escape can create a deeper bondage.
Prayer
Lord, meet us when fear makes harmful bargains look necessary. Give us wise counsel, protect children from adult choices, and help us seek rescue without surrendering our worship, integrity, or responsibility. Amen.
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