Ahaz, the son of Jotham, was the twelfth king of Judah, reigning from approximately 732 to 716 BC. His reign is documented in the biblical books of 2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28, and Isaiah 7-8. Ahaz's rule is marked by significant religious and political challenges, and he is often remembered for his departure from the ways of his righteous predecessors.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Ahaz was the son of Jotham, a king noted for his faithfulness to God, and the grandson of Uzziah, another righteous king. Despite this lineage, Ahaz's reign was characterized by a stark contrast to the piety of his forebears. He ascended to the throne at the age of 20 and reigned for 16 years in Jerusalem (2 Kings 16:2).

Religious Practices and Idolatry

Ahaz is notably criticized for his idolatrous practices, which were in direct violation of the covenantal laws given to Israel. He is described as having walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, even making his son pass through the fire, a reference to the detestable practice of child sacrifice associated with the worship of Molech (2 Kings 16:3). Ahaz's reign saw the proliferation of high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles, which were used in pagan worship (2 Chronicles 28:2-4).

Political Alliances and Challenges

During Ahaz's reign, Judah faced significant external threats, particularly from the northern kingdom of Israel and Aram (Syria). In response to these threats, Ahaz sought assistance from Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria, rather than relying on the Lord. This alliance came at a great cost, as Ahaz stripped the temple of its treasures to pay tribute to Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-8). This political maneuvering is seen as a lack of faith in God's protection and a reliance on foreign powers.

Interaction with the Prophet Isaiah

The prophet Isaiah played a crucial role during Ahaz's reign, offering counsel and warning. In Isaiah 7, the prophet famously delivered the Immanuel prophecy, assuring Ahaz of God's presence and urging him to trust in the Lord rather than fear the threats from Israel and Aram. Despite this divine assurance, Ahaz's lack of faith led him to ignore Isaiah's counsel.

Religious Reforms and Temple Alterations

Ahaz's reign also saw significant alterations to the temple in Jerusalem. Influenced by the Assyrian model, he ordered changes to the altar and other temple furnishings, further demonstrating his departure from traditional worship practices (2 Kings 16:10-16). These actions reflected his syncretistic approach to religion, blending elements of pagan worship with the worship of Yahweh.

Death and Legacy

Ahaz died at the age of 36 and was succeeded by his son Hezekiah, who would go on to implement significant religious reforms and restore the worship of Yahweh in Judah (2 Kings 16:20). Ahaz's reign is often viewed as a period of spiritual decline, marked by idolatry and a failure to trust in God's promises. His legacy serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of forsaking the covenantal relationship with God.2 Kings 16:1-20
In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 28:1-27
Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Divided Kingdom.
... Reigned IS years and died. ... During this time the kings of Judah cherished the
hope that they would regain their control over the ten tribes. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... strengthened to gain a great victory over the Ethiopians ... kingdom during his lifetime,
and afterwards reigned alone till ... and most idolatrous of the Kings of Judah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

The Prophet Hosea.
... Menahem reigned ten years at Samaria ... ver.27), and, by his alliance with the kings
of Syria ... xxv., gave a survey of what he had prophesied over Judah during twenty ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet hosea.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... When He Had Taken Jezebel To Wife Became More Wicked Than All The Kings That Had ...
How Jotham, The Son Of Uzziah Reigned Over The Tribe Of Judah; And What ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Questions.
... 14. Who reigned over the rest of Israel? 15. ... 29. Who reigned after Hezekiah? 30. ... 7.
What prophecy did Josiah exactly fulfil?"1 Kings, xiii.2.31, 32,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Nineveh.
... triumphs, and all the scenes in the kings' histories, nay ... the best King of Samaria
that had yet reigned, for he ... but the free days of Judah were over, and they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ix nineveh.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... over Moab for thirty years, and I reigned after my ... Menahem of Samaria as one of the
kings whose tribute he ... king, they slew, Hoshea to rule over them appointed. ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... the "Song of Hannah," David's exquisite lament over Saul and ... began to reign in Israel
(2 Kings 15:30 ... reached a twentieth year, but only reigned sixteen years (xv ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

Deliverance from Assyria
... back by the way by which thou camest." 2 Kings 19:20 ... of his own home, "and Esarhaddon
his son reigned in his ... The God of the Hebrews had prevailed over the proud ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 30 deliverance from assyria.htm

The Ambassadors from Babylon
... Since the days of David there had reigned no king ... remaining days in willing service
to the King of kings. ... in Jehovah could he hope to triumph over the powers ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 29 the ambassadors from.htm

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