Topical Bible: Rulers: Wicked: Ahaz, Burning his own Children in Idolatrous Sacrifice

◄ Rulers: Wicked: Ahaz, Burning his own Children in Idolatrous Sacrifice ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Ahaz, the twelfth king of Judah, is often remembered for his egregious departure from the ways of his forefathers and his embrace of idolatry, which included the horrific practice of child sacrifice. His reign is documented in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, where his actions are depicted as a significant turning point in the spiritual decline of Judah.

Background and Reign

Ahaz was the son of Jotham and the father of Hezekiah, ascending to the throne of Judah around 735 BC. His reign lasted for sixteen years, during which he led the nation into practices that were detestable in the sight of the LORD. Unlike his father and his son, who were considered righteous kings, Ahaz's reign was marked by a stark departure from the worship of Yahweh.

Idolatrous Practices

Ahaz's idolatry is highlighted by his adoption of the religious customs of the surrounding nations, particularly those of the Canaanites. He is noted for constructing high places, making sacrifices on the hills, and worshiping the Baals. The most grievous of his actions was the sacrifice of his own children, a practice explicitly condemned in the Mosaic Law.

Scriptural Account

The account of Ahaz's idolatry and child sacrifice is recorded in 2 Kings 16:3 : "Instead, he walked in the way 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." This verse underscores the severity of Ahaz's actions, aligning him with the pagan practices that God had previously judged and expelled from the land.

2 Chronicles 28:3 further elaborates on his transgressions: "Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites." The Valley of Hinnom, later associated with the concept of Gehenna or hell, became a symbol of the abominable practices that Ahaz embraced.

Prophetic Rebuke and Consequences

The prophet Isaiah, who ministered during Ahaz's reign, delivered messages of warning and judgment. Isaiah 7 records the prophet's encounter with Ahaz, urging him to trust in the LORD rather than seeking alliances with foreign powers. Despite these warnings, Ahaz's reliance on Assyria for military aid further entrenched Judah in idolatrous practices, as he adopted the gods of the Assyrians.

Ahaz's reign brought about significant consequences for Judah. His idolatry weakened the nation's spiritual foundation, leading to increased instability and vulnerability to foreign powers. The spiritual and moral decline set the stage for the eventual judgment and exile of Judah.

Legacy

Ahaz's legacy is one of infamy, as his actions are consistently condemned in the biblical narrative. His willingness to sacrifice his own children in the fire is a stark reminder of the depths of idolatry and the severe consequences of turning away from the LORD. His reign serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of forsaking God's commandments and embracing the practices of the surrounding nations.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 16:3
But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yes, 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.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 28:2-4
For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... prophesied "in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah ... preserve Zerubbabel from all
the assaults of the wicked. ... rapacious character of the Jewish rulers at that ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... thanks to the good government of its rulers and the ... The valley of Hinnom, where Ahaz
had already burnt one ... sea, and the stumbling-blocks with the wicked; and I ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm