2 Kings 16:15

Then King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest, "Offer on the great altar the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering, and the king's burnt offering and grain offering, as well as the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings of all the people of the land. Sprinkle on the altar all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices. But I will use the bronze altar to seek guidance."

Study Bible

Then King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest
King Ahaz, the twelfth king of Judah, is noted for his unfaithfulness to God, as he adopted pagan practices and sought alliances with foreign powers. Uriah the priest, mentioned here, was complicit in Ahaz's reforms, which included altering the temple worship to align with Assyrian customs. This reflects a period of spiritual decline in Judah, where the king's authority over religious practices overshadowed the priestly duty to uphold God's commandments.

Offer on the great altar the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering
The "great altar" refers to the new altar Ahaz had constructed, modeled after one he saw in Damascus. The morning and evening offerings were part of the daily sacrifices commanded by God in Exodus 29:38-42, symbolizing continual dedication and reliance on God. Ahaz's use of a foreign altar for these offerings indicates a departure from the prescribed worship, showing a blending of pagan and Hebrew practices.

and the king’s burnt offering and grain offering
These offerings were likely personal sacrifices made by the king, which were not part of the regular temple service. The inclusion of the king's offerings on the new altar suggests Ahaz's desire to integrate his personal religious practices with the national worship, further indicating his influence over religious matters in Judah.

as well as the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings of all the people of the land
This phrase shows that Ahaz's changes affected not only the royal offerings but also those of the entire nation. The burnt, grain, and drink offerings were integral to Israelite worship, representing atonement, dedication, and fellowship with God. By altering the place and manner of these offerings, Ahaz led the people away from the covenantal worship established by God.

Splatter on the altar all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices
The splattering of blood was a significant part of the sacrificial system, symbolizing atonement and purification (Leviticus 17:11). By commanding this act on the new altar, Ahaz was attempting to legitimize his changes by maintaining some elements of the traditional worship, despite the underlying disobedience to God's instructions.

But I will use the bronze altar to seek guidance
The bronze altar, originally built by Solomon, was the legitimate altar for sacrifices in the temple. Ahaz's decision to use it for seeking guidance, possibly through divination or other unauthorized means, further illustrates his departure from true worship. This act reflects a syncretism that compromised the distinctiveness of Israel's faith, contrasting with the biblical call to exclusive worship of Yahweh (Deuteronomy 6:13-14).

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Ahaz
The king of Judah who is known for his unfaithfulness to God, including adopting pagan practices and altering the temple worship.

2. Uriah the Priest
A priest who complied with King Ahaz's orders, demonstrating a lack of resistance to the king's unfaithful commands.

3. The Great Altar
A new altar built by King Ahaz, modeled after one he saw in Damascus, which he prioritized over the original bronze altar.

4. The Bronze Altar
The original altar in the temple, which Ahaz relegated to a secondary role for his personal use in seeking guidance.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where these events took place, under the rule of King Ahaz.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Worship
Ahaz's actions remind us of the importance of adhering to God's instructions for worship. Altering God's commands to suit personal preferences leads to spiritual decline.

Leadership and Influence
Leaders have a profound impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Ahaz's unfaithfulness led Judah away from God, highlighting the responsibility of leaders to guide others in righteousness.

The Danger of Compromise
Ahaz's decision to adopt pagan practices illustrates the danger of compromising one's faith to align with worldly influences. Believers are called to remain steadfast in their commitment to God.

The Role of Priests and Spiritual Leaders
Uriah's compliance with Ahaz's orders shows the need for spiritual leaders to stand firm in their convictions, even when pressured by authority figures.

Seeking Guidance from God
Ahaz's misuse of the bronze altar for personal guidance underscores the importance of seeking God's will through His established means, rather than creating our own methods.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does King Ahaz's alteration of the temple worship reflect his spiritual state, and what can we learn from this about the importance of maintaining purity in worship?

2. In what ways can leaders today ensure they are guiding their communities in accordance with God's Word, rather than personal or cultural preferences?

3. How does the account of Ahaz challenge us to examine areas in our lives where we might be compromising our faith?

4. What role should spiritual leaders play in resisting ungodly influences, and how can they effectively stand firm in their convictions?

5. How can we ensure that we are seeking guidance from God in the ways He has prescribed, rather than relying on our own understanding or methods?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1-7
These chapters outline the proper procedures for offerings and sacrifices, which Ahaz disregarded by altering the temple practices.

2 Chronicles 28
Provides a parallel account of Ahaz's reign, highlighting his idolatry and the consequences for Judah.

Isaiah 7
The prophet Isaiah's interactions with Ahaz, offering him a sign from God, which Ahaz rejects, showing his lack of faith.

Exodus 27:1-8
Describes the original design and purpose of the bronze altar, emphasizing its significance in Israelite worship.