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Ahaz the Wicked - 2Chron 28
Ahaz the Wicked - 2Chron 28
“The Chronicler’s account of Ahaz’s reign (735–715 b.c.) incorporates the introduction and conclusion from 2 Kings 16, and follows the same topics, but otherwise the details are different. The Chronicler amplifies the negative assessment of Ahaz in 2 Kings, showing how his apostasy led Judah astray and brought it to ruin. The charge that Ahaz was “very unfaithful” (Hb. ma‘ol ma‘al, 2 Chron. 28:19; see v. 21) exceeds even that made against Saul (1 Chron. 10:13). Yet the dark picture of Judah’s decline is mitigated somewhat by the action of its northern kinsmen, who show a measure of repentance and responsiveness to the prophetic word (2 Chron. 28:8–15).” (ESV Study Bible, pg. 779).
· Assyrian Captivity of Israel, the northern 10 tribes – 721/722.
· Ahaz (735-715) ruled in Judah during this time – was extremely corrupt and unfaithful.
· Syria and Israel Attacked Judah - c. 740–732 b.c.
How would Judah respond? It is interesting that even at this late stage of their nation (Israel), they responded to the prophets message with repentance -- 28:12-15.
Yet Ahaz, the king of Judah, aligns with ASSYRIA for protection instead of trusting the LORD.
Ahaz’s appeal here to Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria for help against the Edomites and Philistines encroaching on Judah’s southern borders (see 2 Kings 16:6–7a) misfired. Although Judah received relief from its enemies (including the Syro-Ephraimite coalition, 2 Kings 16:9), it would end up as vassal to Assyria for 30 years (see Isa. 7:17; 8:7–8). Ahaz’s misstep was in seeking help from the ungodly, rather than from God (see 1 Chron. 5:20; 12:18; 2 Chron. 25:8). (ESVsb, pg. 780).
NOT only was he unfaithful to the LORD, he was given to idolatry!
THEN, not surprisingly, he turns to ASSYRIA for help instead turning to the LORD
WHEN he was then subjugated and made a vassal to Assyria, he turns to THEIR gods as if THEY had achieved the victory.
The warning against such apostasy was still ‘in the books’ (read again Deuteronomy 28-30) and the LORD would be true to His word! Like unfaithful Israel, unfaithful Judah was heading towards destruction and captivity (by Babylon).
YET ALL IS NOT LOST for his son Hezekiah follows and reforms Judah. Thus the destruction was averted for at least one generation!
One important lesson is the mercy of the LORD. WHEN people repent and return, they can find mercy. The DANGER is that there comes a point in our character where we can NOT find repentance in our heart. The heart can become so calloused and scarred that repentance can not be found! There’s a line that is drawn by rejecting the LORD… If you are still touched by such message that your conscience is pricked, NOW is the time to repent and return! Each moment of procrastination brings one closer to eternal doom and judgment. The very fact that you are reading this shows that hope is not lost at this point. What will your answer be?
Hugh DeLong
