2 Chronicles 28:25

In every city of Judah he built high places to offer incense to other gods, and so he provoked the LORD, the God of his fathers.

Study Bible

In every city of Judah
This phrase underscores the widespread nature of King Ahaz's apostasy. The Hebrew word for "city" (עִיר, 'ir) indicates not just major urban centers but also smaller towns, suggesting that the corruption of worship was pervasive throughout the land. Historically, Judah was a region that had been set apart for the worship of Yahweh, and the establishment of idolatrous practices in every city signifies a complete departure from the covenantal faithfulness expected of the people. This widespread idolatry reflects a national crisis of faith and identity.

he built high places
The "high places" (בָּמוֹת, bamot) were elevated sites often used for pagan worship. These locations were typically chosen for their height, symbolizing a closer proximity to the divine. In the context of Israelite history, high places were frequently associated with idolatry and syncretism, where the worship of Yahweh was mixed with the practices of surrounding nations. The construction of these sites by Ahaz represents a deliberate choice to reject the centralized worship in Jerusalem, which was ordained by God, and to embrace the religious customs of the nations around them.

to burn sacrifices to other gods
The act of burning sacrifices (קָטַר, qatar) was a central element of worship, intended to honor and appease deities. In the Hebrew tradition, sacrifices were meant to be offered exclusively to Yahweh, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. Ahaz's decision to offer sacrifices to "other gods" (אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים, elohim acherim) signifies a profound betrayal of the covenant. This phrase highlights the spiritual adultery of Judah, as they turned from their exclusive devotion to the one true God to embrace the deities of surrounding nations, which often included morally corrupt practices.

and provoked the LORD
The word "provoked" (כָּעַס, ka'as) conveys a sense of inciting anger or wrath. In the biblical narrative, God's anger is not arbitrary but is a response to covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry. The provocation here is not merely about breaking rules but about a relational breach with Yahweh, who had chosen Israel as His people. This phrase emphasizes the seriousness of Ahaz's actions, as they were not just political or cultural missteps but spiritual offenses that grieved the heart of God.

the God of his fathers
This phrase serves as a reminder of the ancestral faith that Ahaz was abandoning. The "God of his fathers" (אֱלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתָיו, Elohei Avotav) refers to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who had established a covenant with Israel. This covenant was meant to be passed down through generations, and Ahaz's actions represent a break from this sacred tradition. The mention of "fathers" underscores the continuity of faith that was expected to be maintained and highlights the gravity of Ahaz's departure from the path of his forebears.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ahaz
The king of Judah during this time, known for his idolatrous practices and turning away from the worship of Yahweh.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Ahaz reigned and led the people into idolatry.

3. High Places
Elevated sites where sacrifices and worship were offered, often associated with pagan rituals and idolatry.

4. Other gods
Refers to the deities of surrounding nations that Ahaz and the people of Judah worshipped, contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

5. The LORD, the God of his fathers
Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, whom Ahaz provoked by his actions.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual decline and separation from God. Ahaz's actions serve as a warning against placing anything above God in our lives.

Leadership and Influence
Leaders have a profound impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Ahaz's idolatry led Judah astray, reminding us of the responsibility leaders have to guide others toward God.

Provoking God
Deliberate disobedience and turning away from God provoke His righteous anger. We must strive to live in obedience and reverence to God.

The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness
Ahaz's actions violated the covenant relationship with God. As believers, we are called to remain faithful to our covenant with God through Christ.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite Ahaz's failures, God's grace offers a path to repentance and restoration. We should seek God's forgiveness and turn back to Him when we stray.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the example of Ahaz challenge us to examine the "high places" in our own lives where we might be prioritizing other things over God?

2. In what ways can we, as leaders in our families or communities, ensure that we are guiding others toward God rather than away from Him?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take, or can you take, to restore that relationship?

4. How does understanding the historical context of Israel's idolatry help us better appreciate the call to faithfulness in our own spiritual journey?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our worship remains focused on God alone, avoiding modern forms of idolatry?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12:2-4
This passage commands the Israelites to destroy all high places and not worship other gods, highlighting the direct disobedience of Ahaz.

1 Kings 11:7-8
Solomon's building of high places for foreign gods, showing a historical pattern of Israelite kings leading the nation into idolatry.

Isaiah 1:4
Isaiah's condemnation of Judah's sinful nation, which aligns with the idolatrous actions of Ahaz.

2 Kings 16:3-4
Provides additional context on Ahaz's practices, including child sacrifice, which further provoked the LORD.