2 Chronicles 28:20

Then Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came to Ahaz but afflicted him rather than strengthening him.

Study Bible

Then Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria
The mention of Tiglath-pileser III, a prominent Assyrian king, is significant in understanding the geopolitical landscape of the 8th century BC. His reign marked the expansion of the Assyrian Empire, and he was known for his military prowess and administrative reforms. In the Hebrew text, his name is "Tiglath-pileser," which reflects his historical identity as a powerful ruler. This highlights the desperation of King Ahaz of Judah, who sought help from a foreign power rather than relying on God. The historical context underscores the futility of seeking alliances with pagan nations, a recurring theme in the Old Testament.

came to him
This phrase indicates the physical arrival of Tiglath-pileser to King Ahaz. In the broader scriptural context, it symbolizes the consequences of Ahaz's lack of faith. Instead of turning to God, Ahaz turned to a foreign king, which is a direct violation of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The Hebrew verb used here can also imply an aggressive or forceful approach, suggesting that Tiglath-pileser's arrival was not entirely welcome or beneficial.

but he brought him distress
The word "distress" in Hebrew is "tsarah," which conveys a sense of trouble, adversity, or anguish. This is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it reveals the outcome of Ahaz's misplaced trust. Instead of receiving the help he anticipated, Ahaz found himself in a worse situation. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on human strength and wisdom over divine guidance. Theologically, it reflects the principle that turning away from God leads to turmoil and hardship.

instead of strength
The contrast between "distress" and "strength" is stark. The Hebrew word for "strength" is "oz," which often denotes might, power, or security. Ahaz's expectation was that an alliance with Assyria would fortify his kingdom against threats. However, the outcome was the opposite, illustrating the biblical truth that true strength and security come from God alone. This phrase serves as a reminder of the futility of seeking strength outside of God's provision and the inevitable disappointment that follows.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tiglath-pileser III
The king of Assyria during the reign of Ahaz. Known for his military campaigns and expansion of the Assyrian Empire, he played a significant role in the political landscape of the Near East during this period.

2. Ahaz
The king of Judah who reigned from approximately 732 to 716 BC. He is noted for his unfaithfulness to God, including idolatry and seeking help from foreign powers rather than relying on the Lord.

3. Assyria
A powerful empire in the ancient Near East, known for its military prowess and expansionist policies. Assyria was a dominant force during the time of Ahaz.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of the Israelites, which Ahaz ruled. During his reign, Judah faced significant threats from neighboring nations.

5. Trouble Instead of Help
This phrase highlights the outcome of Ahaz's alliance with Assyria, which brought more harm than benefit to Judah.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Misplaced Trust
Ahaz's decision to seek help from Assyria rather than God serves as a cautionary tale about placing trust in worldly powers instead of divine providence.

Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Ahaz's unfaithfulness to God led to negative consequences for Judah, reminding us of the importance of remaining faithful to God's commands.

The Illusion of Worldly Alliances
Alliances with worldly powers may seem beneficial but can lead to unforeseen troubles, as seen in Ahaz's experience with Assyria.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Despite human actions and alliances, God's sovereignty remains supreme, and His plans will ultimately prevail.

The Call to Repentance and Faith
Ahaz's account encourages believers to repent from unfaithfulness and place their faith in God, who is the true source of help and security.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated Ahaz to seek help from Tiglath-pileser, and how does this reflect on his faith in God?

2. How does the outcome of Ahaz's alliance with Assyria serve as a warning for us today regarding where we place our trust?

3. In what ways can we identify and avoid the temptation to rely on worldly solutions instead of seeking God's guidance?

4. How do the actions of Ahaz contrast with the teachings of the prophets, such as Isaiah and Hosea, regarding trust in God?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How can Ahaz's account inform your approach to seeking help and guidance in the future?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 16
Provides a parallel account of Ahaz's reign and his alliance with Assyria, offering additional context to his actions and their consequences.

Isaiah 7
Describes the prophet Isaiah's interactions with Ahaz, including the prophecy of Immanuel, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God rather than foreign alliances.

Hosea 5:13
Illustrates the futility of seeking help from Assyria, as the prophet Hosea warns Israel and Judah about relying on foreign powers instead of God.