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2 Kings 16

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Easy Bible・2 Kings 16

Ahaz, a wicked king who followed the ways of the nations

Commentary
Passages

Key Passages

2 Kings 16:2
Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God.

About this Chapter

In this chapter, we learn about Ahaz, who became the king of Judah at the age of twenty. He reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, Ahaz did not follow the ways of the Lord like his ancestor David. Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even made his son pass through the fire, following the detestable practices of the nations. Ahaz also sought help from the king of Assyria, Tiglath-Pileser, by sending him silver and gold from the treasuries of the temple and the royal palace. Tiglath-Pileser agreed to help Ahaz, and together they attacked the king of Aram and captured Damascus. Despite Ahaz's alliance with Assyria, he did not find true security. The king of Assyria became a thorn in his side, as Ahaz was forced to adopt Assyrian religious practices and idols. Ahaz even ordered the altar of the Lord to be replaced with a pagan altar, which he placed in front of the temple. This act of desecration further angered God and caused the people of Judah to turn away from the Lord.

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