READ: 2 Kin. 16:1–26: … Ahaz … walked in the way of the kings of Israel; indeed he even made his son pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations …
While it goes from bad to worse in Israel, the two-tribe kingdom of Judah is still to some extent faithful to the LORD. There is decline, but the LORD is still served. But that changes under King Ahaz, the son of Jotham, from the house of David. In him no good is found.
He introduces pagan idolatry as Jezebel had done. 2 Chron. 28:2 says that he makes molded images for the Baals. He also burns his sons in the fire in the idolatrous service of Molech. Thus he commits the same abominations as the nations whom the LORD had driven out. Everywhere sacrifices are brought to idols.
Therefore war with Syria comes again . Elath is taken. There is also war with the Edomites and Philistines. Ahaz decides, in view of the threat of Rezin of Syria together with Israel, to seek help from Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria.
In that time Isaiah had spoken to the terrified king that he must seek his help from the LORD and not from earthly powers (Isa. 7). But Ahaz refuses to listen (Isa. 7:12).
As a sign of God’s power Isaiah points to a child to be born of a virgin, Immanuel (Isa. 7:14). He also warns that Assyria will attack Judah.
Yet Ahaz sends silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the LORD to Tiglath-Pileser. He conquers Damascus and kills Rezin. Ahaz is so impressed by the altar in Damascus that he has a copy made for use in the temple.
Terrible how the LORD is provoked.
Why must we also know all this?
Sing : Ps. 9:6,8