2 Chronicles 28:22
New International Version
In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD.

New Living Translation
Even during this time of trouble, King Ahaz continued to reject the LORD.

English Standard Version
In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the LORD—this same King Ahaz.

Berean Standard Bible
In the time of his distress, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD.

Berean Literal Bible
And in the time of distress to him he added to act faithlessly against YHWH (this was King Ahaz).

King James Bible
And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.

New King James Version
Now in the time of his distress King Ahaz became increasingly unfaithful to the LORD. This is that King Ahaz.

New American Standard Bible
Now during the time of his distress, this same King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD.

NASB 1995
Now in the time of his distress this same King Ahaz became yet more unfaithful to the LORD.

NASB 1977
Now in the time of his distress this same King Ahaz became yet more unfaithful to the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now in the time of his distress this same King Ahaz became yet more unfaithful to Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
In the time of his distress, this same King Ahaz became yet more unfaithful to the LORD.

Berean Annotated Bible
In the time of his distress, King Ahaz (he has grasped) became even more unfaithful to the LORD {YHWH}.

Christian Standard Bible
At the time of his distress, King Ahaz himself became more unfaithful to the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
At the time of his distress, King Ahaz himself became more unfaithful to the LORD.

American Standard Version
And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against Jehovah, this same king Ahaz.

Contemporary English Version
Even after all these terrible things happened to Ahaz, he sinned against the LORD even worse than before.

English Revised Version
And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD, this same king Ahaz.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he had this trouble, King Ahaz became more unfaithful to the LORD.

Good News Translation
When his troubles were at their worst, that man Ahaz sinned against the LORD more than ever.

International Standard Version
In the midst of his troubles, King Ahaz became more and more unfaithful to the LORD.

NET Bible
During his time of trouble King Ahaz was even more unfaithful to the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
In the time of his distress, he trespassed yet more against the LORD, this same king Ahaz.

Webster's Bible Translation
And in the time of his distress he trespassed yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
In the time of his distress, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD.

World English Bible
In the time of his distress, he trespassed yet more against Yahweh, this same King Ahaz.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And in the time of his distress—he adds to trespass against YHWH (this King Ahaz),

Berean Literal Bible
And in the time of distress to him he added to act faithlessly against YHWH (this was King Ahaz).

Young's Literal Translation
And in the time of his distress -- he addeth to trespass against Jehovah, (this king Ahaz),

Smith's Literal Translation
And in the time of straits to him and he will add to transgress against Jehovah: this the king Ahaz.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Moreover also in the time of his distress he increased contempt against the Lord: king Achaz himself by himself,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Moreover, in the time of his anguish, he also added to his contempt against the Lord. King Ahaz himself, by himself,

New American Bible
While he was already in distress, the same King Ahaz increased his treachery to the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the LORD—this same King Ahaz.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But they transgressed still more against the LORD: this same King Ahaz.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they continued to deny LORD JEHOVAH in a breach of faith, which was King Akhaz.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And in the time of his distress did he act even more treacherously against the LORD, this same king Ahaz.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
but only troubled him in his affliction: and he departed yet more from the Lord, and king Achaz said,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Idolatry of Ahaz
21Although Ahaz had taken a portion from the house of the LORD, from the royal palace, and from the princes and had presented it to the king of Assyria, it did not help him. 22In the time of his distress, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD. 23Since 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.…

Cross References
In the time of his distress,

2 Kings 16:7-8
So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hands of the kings of Aram and Israel, who are rising up against me.” / Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria.

Isaiah 7:1-2
Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. / When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind.

Hosea 5:13-15
When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. / For I am like a lion to Ephraim and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and then go away. I will carry them off where no one can rescue them. / Then I will return to My place until they admit their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.”
King Ahaz

2 Kings 16:1-2
In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah, Ahaz son of Jotham became king of Judah. / Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. And unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God.

Isaiah 7:1
Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city.

Micah 1:1
This is the word of the LORD that came to Micah the Moreshite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah—what he saw regarding Samaria and Jerusalem:
became even more unfaithful

2 Kings 16:3-4
Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. / And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree.

2 Kings 16:10-16
Then King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria. On seeing the altar in Damascus, King Ahaz sent Uriah the priest a model of the altar and complete plans for its construction. / And Uriah the priest built the altar according to all the instructions King Ahaz had sent from Damascus, and he completed it before King Ahaz returned. / When the king came back from Damascus and saw the altar, he approached it and presented offerings on it. …

2 Kings 16:17-18
King Ahaz also cut off the frames of the movable stands and removed the bronze basin from each of them. He took down the Sea from the bronze oxen that were under it and put it on a stone base. / And on account of the king of Assyria, he removed the Sabbath canopy they had built in the temple and closed the royal entryway outside the house of the LORD.
to the LORD.

2 Kings 17:7-12
All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods / and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel. / The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. …

Judges 2:11-13
And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. / Thus they forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and they followed after various gods of the peoples around them. They bowed down to them and provoked the LORD to anger, / for they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.

Deuteronomy 6:14-15
Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you. / For the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. Otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth.
2 Chronicles 29:6-9
For our fathers were unfaithful and did evil in the sight of the LORD our God. They abandoned Him, turned their faces away from the dwelling place of the LORD, and turned their backs on Him. / They also shut the doors of the portico and extinguished the lamps. They did not burn incense or present burnt offerings in the Holy Place of the God of Israel. / Therefore, the wrath of the LORD has fallen upon Judah and Jerusalem, and He has made them an object of terror, horror, and scorn, as you can see with your own eyes. …

2 Chronicles 26:16-21
But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. / Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. / They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” …

2 Kings 15:37-38
(In those days the LORD began to send Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah against Judah.) / And Jotham rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David his father. And his son Ahaz reigned in his place.

2 Kings 17:1-6
In the twelfth year of the reign of Ahaz over Judah, Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria nine years. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him. / Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute. …


Treasury of Scripture

And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.

in the

2 Chronicles 33:12
And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

Psalm 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Isaiah 1:5
Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

this is

Esther 7:6
And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

Psalm 52:7
Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Jump to Previous
Act Ahaz Distress Evil Faithless Time Transgressed Treacherously Trespass Trespassed Trouble Unfaithful
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Act Ahaz Distress Evil Faithless Time Transgressed Treacherously Trespass Trespassed Trouble Unfaithful
2 Chronicles 28
1. Ahaz, reigning wickedly, is greatly afflicted by the Syrians.
6. Judah, being captivated by the Israelites, is sent home by the counsel of Oded.
16. Ahaz sending for aid to Assyria, is not helped thereby,
22. In his distress he grows more idolatrous
26. He dying, Hezekiah succeeds him












In the time of his distress
This phrase refers to a period of significant trouble and pressure for King Ahaz. Historically, Ahaz faced military threats from the Arameans and Israelites, as well as the Edomites and Philistines. This distress was a consequence of his earlier decisions to forsake the ways of the LORD, leading to divine judgment. Theologically, distress often serves as a test of faith, revealing the true character of individuals. In the Bible, distress can lead to repentance and turning back to God, as seen in the lives of other kings like Hezekiah, but Ahaz's response was different.

King Ahaz
Ahaz was the king of Judah, reigning from approximately 732 to 716 BC. He is noted for his idolatry and alliance with Assyria, which was contrary to God's commands. His reign is documented in 2 Kings 16 and Isaiah 7-8, where his lack of faith and reliance on foreign powers rather than God is criticized. Ahaz's actions had long-term negative effects on Judah, including the introduction of Assyrian religious practices.

became even more unfaithful
This indicates a progression in Ahaz's spiritual decline. Instead of turning to God in his distress, Ahaz further distanced himself from the LORD. His unfaithfulness included sacrificing to the gods of Damascus, which he believed had helped the Arameans. This reflects a common ancient Near Eastern belief that military success was tied to the favor of specific deities. Ahaz's actions demonstrate a lack of understanding of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, which required exclusive worship of the LORD.

to the LORD
The use of "the LORD" emphasizes the covenant name of God, Yahweh, highlighting the personal and relational aspect of Israel's God. Ahaz's unfaithfulness was not just a political or cultural failure but a breach of the covenant relationship established at Sinai. This phrase underscores the gravity of Ahaz's actions, as they were not merely against a generic deity but against the God who had chosen and delivered Israel. Theologically, this points to the importance of faithfulness in the covenant relationship, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect faithfulness to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Ahaz
The king of Judah who reigned during a time of great distress and turmoil. Known for his unfaithfulness to God, he sought help from foreign powers rather than relying on the LORD.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which Ahaz ruled. During his reign, Judah faced significant threats from surrounding nations.

3. Distress
The period of crisis and hardship faced by Ahaz, including military defeats and political instability.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who desired faithfulness and trust from His people, including their leaders.

5. Unfaithfulness
Ahaz's actions that demonstrated a lack of trust in God, including idolatry and alliances with pagan nations.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Ahaz's unfaithfulness led to further distress and turmoil. Trusting in God is essential, especially in difficult times.

The Danger of Idolatry
Ahaz's turn to idols and foreign alliances serves as a warning against placing our trust in anything other than God.

God's Desire for Faithfulness
Despite Ahaz's unfaithfulness, God continually calls His people to return to Him and trust in His provision and protection.

The Importance of Seeking God in Distress
In times of trouble, believers are encouraged to seek God first, rather than relying on worldly solutions.

Learning from Past Mistakes
Ahaz's account is a reminder to learn from the mistakes of others and to remain faithful to God in all circumstances.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 28:22?

2. How did Ahaz's actions in 2 Chronicles 28:22 reflect his spiritual condition?

3. What can we learn from Ahaz's response to adversity in 2 Chronicles 28:22?

4. How does Ahaz's behavior compare to Deuteronomy's warnings against idolatry?

5. How can we avoid hardening our hearts like Ahaz in difficult times?

6. What steps can we take to seek God instead of turning away?

7. Why did King Ahaz become more unfaithful during his distress according to 2 Chronicles 28:22?

8. How does 2 Chronicles 28:22 reflect on human nature in times of crisis?

9. What lessons can be learned from Ahaz's actions in 2 Chronicles 28:22?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 28?

11. Does King Ahaz's portrayal in 2 Chronicles 28 conflict with the account in 2 Kings 16?

12. What is the significance of Ahaz's altar in history?

13. Why does 2 Chronicles 28:19 say God directly punishes an entire nation for one king's actions?

14. In 1 Chronicles 28:3, why would a God of peace forbid David from building the temple simply because he had shed blood, yet historically use wars and conquests to establish Israel?
What Does 2 Chronicles 28:22 Mean
In the time of his distress

- Judah’s king was reaping the painful harvest of his own rebellion. Earlier defeats by Syria and Israel had stripped him of soldiers and cities (2 Chronicles 28:5–8).

- Tiglath-pileser of Assyria, whom Ahaz had hired for help, “gave him trouble instead of strength” (2 Chronicles 28:20).

- God’s chastening hand was unmistakable: “The LORD humbled Judah because of Ahaz… for he had encouraged moral decline” (2 Chronicles 28:19).

- Scripture often shows hardship designed to draw people back (Judges 3:7–9; Psalm 119:67; Hebrews 12:6). Ahaz stood at a crossroads—repent or resist.


King Ahaz became even more unfaithful

- Rather than soften, his heart calcified. Sin rarely stays static; it deepens (Romans 1:24–25; James 1:14–15).

- Ahaz escalated:

• Looted the temple and palace treasuries to pay pagan allies (2 Kings 16:7–8).

• Copied Damascus’ altar, replacing the bronze altar of the LORD (2 Kings 16:10–16).

• Closed the temple doors and extinguished its lamps (2 Chronicles 28:24).

- Each act proclaimed distrust in God’s covenant faithfulness and preference for human schemes.


to the LORD

- The covenant name “LORD” (Yahweh) underlines personal relationship. Ahaz’s betrayal was not generic idolatry; it was adultery against the God who had redeemed Judah (Exodus 20:2–3; Hosea 3:1).

- By sacrificing to “the gods of Damascus who had defeated him” (2 Chronicles 28:23), he credited victory to false gods and dismissed the LORD’s sovereignty (Isaiah 42:8).

- The result was national collapse: “These gods were the downfall of Ahaz and of all Israel” (2 Chronicles 28:23). The same pattern appears later when Judah trusts Egypt (Jeremiah 2:18, 36).


summary

Affliction proved no cure because Ahaz refused humble repentance. Instead of seeking the LORD who disciplines to restore, he plunged deeper into idolatry, closing the very temple that offered mercy. 2 Chronicles 28:22 warns that suffering alone never softens a hard heart; only surrender to the covenant God does.

AHAZ ADOPTS THE SYRIAN IDOLATRY, AND CLOSES THE TEMPLE (2Chronicles 28:22-25; comp. 2Kings 16:10-18).

(22) In the time of his distress.--At the time when he (Tiglath) oppressed him, i.e., at the time when Ahaz went to Damascus to do homage to the Assyrian monarch (2Kings 16:10), probably in reluctant obedience to a peremptory mandate.

Did he trespass . . . Ahaz.--He dealt yet more unfaithfully towards Jehovah, he, king Ahaz. The subject is emphatically repeated: "he, king Ahaz," who had already been sorely chastised, sinned yet more. Or "he, king Ahaz," the notorious apostate.

Verse 22. - This is that King Ahaz. Expunge the words in italic type. Revised Version, this same King Ahaz. But the most literal rendering will be the most forcible: He, the King Ahaz.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In the time
וּבְעֵת֙ (ū·ḇə·‘êṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

of his distress,
הָצֵ֣ר (hā·ṣêr)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6887: To bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or cramped

King
הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Ahaz
אָחָֽז׃ (’ā·ḥāz)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 271: Ahaz -- 'he has grasped', two Israelites

became even more
וַיּ֖וֹסֶף (way·yō·w·sep̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3254: To add, augment

unfaithful
לִמְע֣וֹל (lim·‘ō·wl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4603: To cover up, to act covertly, treacherously

to the LORD.
בַּיהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 28:22 In the time of his distress did (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 28:21
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