2 Chronicles 28:23

Since Damascus had defeated him, he sacrificed to their gods and said, "Because the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me." But these gods were the downfall of Ahaz and of all Israel.

Study Bible

He sacrificed
The act of sacrificing in ancient Israel was a deeply religious and covenantal practice, typically reserved for Yahweh, the God of Israel. The Hebrew root for "sacrificed" is "זָבַח" (zabach), which implies offering something valuable to a deity. In this context, King Ahaz's decision to sacrifice to foreign gods represents a significant departure from the covenantal faithfulness expected of a king of Judah. This act symbolizes a profound spiritual and political misstep, as it indicates a reliance on foreign powers and deities rather than on the God of Israel.

to the gods of Damascus
Damascus was the capital of Aram, a nation often in conflict with Israel and Judah. The "gods of Damascus" refers to the deities worshiped by the Arameans, such as Hadad, the storm god. Historically, the worship of these gods was associated with fertility and military success. Ahaz's turn to these gods suggests a desperation and a lack of faith in Yahweh's power and protection. This act of syncretism, blending the worship of Yahweh with that of foreign gods, was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law and often led to Israel's downfall.

which had defeated him
This phrase highlights the irony and futility of Ahaz's actions. The gods of Damascus had not truly defeated him; rather, it was the will of Yahweh allowing Aram to triumph as a consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness. The Hebrew understanding of divine sovereignty meant that victories and defeats were ultimately in the hands of Yahweh, not foreign deities. Ahaz's failure to recognize this underscores his spiritual blindness and lack of discernment.

for he thought
This phrase reveals Ahaz's reasoning and the flawed logic behind his actions. The Hebrew word "אָמַר" (amar) means "to say" or "to think," indicating an internal dialogue or rationale. Ahaz's thought process reflects a pragmatic but misguided approach to religion, treating it as a means to an end rather than a covenantal relationship with the one true God. His reasoning is based on human wisdom rather than divine revelation.

Since the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them
Ahaz observes the apparent success of Aram and attributes it to their gods. This reflects a common ancient Near Eastern belief that military success was a sign of divine favor. However, from a biblical perspective, this is a misunderstanding of the true source of power and victory. The success of Aram was not due to their gods but was allowed by Yahweh as part of His sovereign plan and as a judgment against Judah's unfaithfulness.

I will sacrifice to them that they may help me
This statement reveals Ahaz's desperation and his attempt to manipulate the divine for personal gain. The Hebrew concept of "help" (עָזַר, azar) implies seeking assistance or deliverance. Ahaz's actions demonstrate a transactional view of religion, where sacrifices are made to curry favor with deities. This contrasts sharply with the biblical understanding of a covenant relationship with Yahweh, based on faithfulness and obedience rather than manipulation.

But they were the downfall of him and of all Israel
The phrase "downfall" (מִכְשׁוֹל, mikshol) signifies a stumbling block or ruin. Ahaz's reliance on foreign gods not only led to his personal ruin but also had disastrous consequences for the nation of Israel. This serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of idolatry and unfaithfulness. The historical context shows that such actions often led to political instability, military defeat, and spiritual decay. Theologically, it underscores the biblical principle that turning away from God leads to destruction, while faithfulness brings blessing and life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ahaz
The king of Judah who turned away from the Lord and sought help from foreign gods.

2. Damascus
The capital of Aram (Syria), whose gods Ahaz worshipped after being defeated by them.

3. Aram (Syria)
A nation that defeated Judah, leading Ahaz to mistakenly believe their gods were powerful.

4. Gods of Damascus
The deities worshipped by the Arameans, which Ahaz foolishly turned to for help.

5. Judah and Israel
The southern kingdom of Judah, led by Ahaz, and the broader nation of Israel, both affected by Ahaz's idolatry.

Teaching Points

The Folly of Idolatry
Ahaz's decision to worship the gods of his enemies highlights the futility and danger of idolatry. Believers are reminded to trust in the one true God rather than seeking help from false sources.

Consequences of Disobedience
Ahaz's actions led to his downfall and negatively impacted the entire nation. This serves as a warning that our choices can have far-reaching consequences.

Misplaced Trust
Ahaz's belief that the gods of Damascus could help him shows the danger of placing trust in anything other than God. Christians are encouraged to examine where they place their trust and ensure it aligns with God's will.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Ahaz lacked discernment, leading him to make poor spiritual decisions. Believers are called to seek wisdom and discernment through prayer and Scripture.

Leadership and Influence
As a leader, Ahaz's actions influenced the entire nation. This underscores the responsibility of leaders to guide others toward righteousness and faithfulness to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated Ahaz to turn to the gods of Damascus, and how can we avoid similar pitfalls in our own lives?

2. How does Ahaz's account illustrate the consequences of idolatry, and what modern "idols" might we be tempted to worship today?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our trust remains in God, especially during times of defeat or difficulty?

4. How can we develop spiritual discernment to recognize and reject false sources of help or guidance?

5. What lessons can we learn from Ahaz's leadership that apply to our roles and responsibilities within our families, churches, and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 16
Provides a parallel account of Ahaz's reign and his idolatrous practices.

Isaiah 7
Describes the political and spiritual context of Ahaz's reign, including the prophet Isaiah's warnings.

Deuteronomy 12
Warns against idolatry and the worship of foreign gods, which Ahaz violated.

Psalm 115
Contrasts the powerlessness of idols with the sovereignty of the true God.

Romans 1
Discusses the folly of exchanging the truth of God for a lie, similar to Ahaz's actions.