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2 Chronicles 28

27 verses

TL;DR

Ahaz’s reign is characterized by idolatry, warfare, and humiliation, leading to his capture by Israel and Assyria and his eventual death.

Summary

King Ahaz, who began ruling at twenty, reigned sixteen years but pursued wicked practices contrary to his father David’s example. He adopted the idolatrous ways of Israel, built altars to Baal, burned incense, and even performed child sacrifice, which led to divine judgment. As a result, Judah was attacked by the kings of Syria and Israel, suffering great losses and the capture of many, while the people of Israel enslaved 200,000 Judeans. A prophet named Oded warned the conquering Philistines to return the captives, and leaders of Ephraim interceded, returning the captives to Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Ahaz sought aid from Assyria, yet it failed to relieve him; instead, he further defiled the temple, dismantled its vessels, and erected altars for foreign gods. He died and was buried in Jerusalem, with his son Hezekiah succeeding him.

Outline
  1. Ahaz’s idolatrous reign and the ensuing wars with Syria and Israel
  2. The Philistine conquest, the prophet Oded’s warning, and the return of captives by Ephraim leaders
  3. Ahaz’s failed alliance with Assyria, temple desecration, and his death and succession
Themes
Idolatry and its consequencesWarfare and foreign alliancesDivine judgment and national humiliation
Keywords
idolatrywarAssyriacaptivitydivine judgmentchild sacrificealtars
People
AhazPekahZichriOdedAzariahBerechiahJehizkiahAmasaTilgathpilneserHezekiahking of Syriaking of Israelking of Assyria
Places
Jerusalemvalley of the son of HinnomDamascusSamariaJerichoBethshemeshAjalonGederothShochoTimnahGimzoEdomSyriaIsraelAssyria
Things
molten imagesincensechild sacrificehigh placescaptivesspoilsvessels of the house of Godaltarsassaulted cities
Key Verses
  • 2 Chronicles 28:1: Introduces Ahaz’s reign and his disobedience.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:3: Details the horrific child sacrifice that exemplifies Judah’s idolatry.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:21: Shows Ahaz’s surrender of temple property to Assyria and his continued defiance.
Questions
  • How does Ahaz’s idolatry directly lead to Judah’s military defeats?
  • What does the return of captives by Ephraim leaders reveal about inter-tribal relations?
  • In what ways does the chapter portray divine judgment against national sin?
  • Why might Ahaz have chosen to ally with Assyria despite previous setbacks?
  • What lessons does this account offer about the consequences of ignoring divine instructions?
Sentiment

negative
The passage condemns Ahaz’s disobedience and highlights the resulting national downfall.