2 Chronicles 28:5

So the LORD his God delivered Ahaz into the hand of the king of Aram, who attacked him and took many captives to Damascus. Ahaz was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who struck him with great force.

Study Bible

So the LORD his God
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and personal relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew term for "LORD" is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal presence and faithfulness. Despite Ahaz's unfaithfulness, God remains the ultimate authority. This highlights the biblical principle that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals, guiding history according to His divine purposes.

delivered him into the hand
The Hebrew word for "delivered" is "nathan," meaning to give or allow. This indicates a divine judgment where God permits consequences for disobedience. It reflects the biblical theme of divine retribution, where God allows adversities as a means of correction and a call to repentance. This serves as a reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God's commandments.

the king of Aram
Aram, known today as Syria, was a significant power in the ancient Near East. The historical context reveals frequent conflicts between Aram and Israel. The mention of the "king of Aram" underscores the geopolitical realities of the time, where God used neighboring nations as instruments of His judgment against Israel and Judah for their idolatry and unfaithfulness.

who defeated him
The defeat signifies the tangible outcome of Ahaz's spiritual failures. The Hebrew root "nakah" implies a decisive strike or blow, indicating a complete and humiliating defeat. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of forsaking God’s protection and guidance, emphasizing the need for reliance on God rather than political alliances or military strength.

and carried away a great number of his people as captives
The phrase highlights the severe consequences of Ahaz's actions, resulting in the loss of freedom for many. The practice of taking captives was common in ancient warfare, serving both as a means of weakening the enemy and as a source of labor. This reflects the biblical theme of exile as a consequence of sin, paralleling the later Babylonian captivity.

bringing them to Damascus
Damascus, the capital of Aram, was a significant cultural and economic center. The captives' relocation to Damascus symbolizes the loss of national identity and autonomy. This serves as a metaphor for spiritual exile, where turning away from God leads to a loss of spiritual freedom and identity.

He was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel
This phrase indicates a dual judgment, where Ahaz faces defeat not only from external enemies but also from his own kin, the northern kingdom of Israel. The internal strife between Judah and Israel reflects the divided heart of God’s people and serves as a warning against disunity and infighting among believers.

who inflicted heavy casualties on him
The phrase "inflicted heavy casualties" underscores the severity of the defeat. The Hebrew term "harag" implies a slaughter or massacre, indicating a devastating loss. This serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God’s protection and guidance in all aspects of life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ahaz
The king of Judah during this time, known for his unfaithfulness to God and idolatrous practices.

2. The LORD
The God of Israel, who allowed Ahaz to be defeated due to his disobedience.

3. King of Aram
The ruler of Aram (Syria), who defeated Ahaz and took captives to Damascus.

4. Damascus
The capital of Aram, where the captives were taken.

5. King of Israel
The ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, who also defeated Ahaz and inflicted heavy casualties.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Ahaz's defeat serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Disobedience leads to vulnerability and defeat.

The Importance of Faithfulness
Ahaz's account contrasts with the blessings promised to those who remain faithful to God. Faithfulness brings protection and favor.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Even in judgment, God remains sovereign. He uses nations and events to fulfill His purposes and discipline His people.

The Danger of Idolatry
Ahaz's idolatry led to his downfall. We must guard against modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from God.

Seeking God in Times of Trouble
Instead of seeking alliances with foreign powers, Ahaz should have sought the Lord. In our troubles, we should turn to God first.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ahaz's defeat illustrate the principle of reaping what we sow, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8?

2. In what ways can we identify and avoid modern forms of idolatry in our lives?

3. How does the account of Ahaz challenge us to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire?

4. What lessons can we learn from Ahaz's failure to seek God in times of trouble, and how can we apply them to our own lives?

5. How does the account of Ahaz's defeat encourage us to remain faithful to God, as seen in the promises of Deuteronomy 28?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 16
Provides a parallel account of Ahaz's reign and his alliances with foreign powers, highlighting his lack of faith in God.

Isaiah 7
Discusses the prophecy given to Ahaz during the Syro-Ephraimite War, emphasizing God's offer of deliverance if Ahaz would trust Him.

Deuteronomy 28
Outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, which contextualizes the consequences Ahaz faced.

Hosea 5:13
Illustrates the futility of seeking help from foreign nations instead of relying on God, similar to Ahaz's actions.