2 Kings 16:7

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."

Study Bible

So Ahaz sent messengers
Ahaz, the king of Judah, is depicted here as taking a significant political step. The Hebrew root for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) often implies a deliberate action, indicating Ahaz's intentional decision to reach out for help. Historically, this reflects a period of great turmoil and threat for Judah, as the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Aram (Syria) were formidable adversaries. The act of sending messengers underscores the urgency and desperation of Ahaz's situation.

to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria
Tiglath-pileser III was a powerful Assyrian ruler known for his military conquests and expansion of the Assyrian Empire. The mention of his name here is significant, as it highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the time. Assyria was a dominant force, and aligning with such a power was both a strategic and risky move. This decision by Ahaz reflects a lack of faith in God's protection, choosing instead to rely on human alliances.

saying, 'I am your servant and your vassal.'
The phrase "I am your servant and your vassal" indicates a formal submission to Assyrian authority. The Hebrew word for "servant" (עֶבֶד, ebed) conveys a sense of subjugation and loyalty. By declaring himself a vassal, Ahaz acknowledges Assyria's supremacy and agrees to pay tribute. This act of submission is a pivotal moment, as it marks a shift in Judah's political and spiritual allegiance, moving away from reliance on God.

Come up and save me
Ahaz's plea for salvation from Tiglath-pileser is a cry for military intervention. The Hebrew root for "save" (יָשַׁע, yasha) is often used in the context of divine deliverance, yet here it is directed towards a pagan king. This highlights Ahaz's misplaced trust and the spiritual decline of Judah, as they seek salvation from earthly powers rather than the Lord.

out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel
The "hand" symbolizes power and control, and Ahaz is seeking deliverance from the oppressive forces of Aram and Israel. Historically, this alliance between Aram and Israel was a significant threat to Judah, as they sought to overthrow Ahaz and install a puppet king. This context underscores the political instability and fear that drove Ahaz to seek Assyrian assistance.

who are rising up against me
The phrase "rising up" conveys a sense of rebellion and aggression. The Hebrew root (קוּם, qum) suggests an active and hostile movement against Ahaz. This reflects the immediate danger faced by Judah and the pressure on Ahaz to secure his kingdom. Spiritually, it also illustrates the consequences of turning away from God, as internal and external threats arise when divine protection is forsaken.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ahaz
King of Judah, known for his unfaithfulness to God and reliance on foreign powers for security.

2. Tiglath-pileser
King of Assyria, a powerful ruler who expanded the Assyrian Empire and was often involved in the politics of the region.

3. Aram
A kingdom located in modern-day Syria, often at odds with Israel and Judah.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom, distinct from Judah, often in conflict with its southern neighbor.

5. Messengers
Representatives sent by Ahaz to communicate his plea for help to the Assyrian king.

Teaching Points

Reliance on God vs. Human Alliances
Ahaz's decision to seek help from Assyria rather than trusting in God serves as a cautionary tale about where we place our trust. Believers are encouraged to rely on God's strength and guidance rather than worldly powers.

Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Ahaz's actions led to negative consequences for Judah, demonstrating that turning away from God's commands can lead to spiritual and physical downfall.

The Role of Fear in Decision-Making
Ahaz acted out of fear of his enemies, which led him to make poor decisions. Christians are reminded to seek God's peace and wisdom in times of fear and uncertainty.

The Importance of Godly Counsel
Ahaz ignored the counsel of prophets like Isaiah. This highlights the importance of seeking and heeding godly advice in our lives.

The Dangers of Idolatry
Ahaz's reign was marked by idolatry, which ultimately weakened Judah. Believers are called to examine their lives for modern forms of idolatry and to remain faithful to God.

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 Ahaz's alliance with Assyria compare to other biblical examples of reliance on foreign powers instead of God?

3. In what ways can fear influence our decisions, and how can we ensure our choices align with God's will?

4. What are some modern-day "Assyrias" that people might turn to instead of trusting in God, and how can we avoid these pitfalls?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Ahaz's account to ensure we seek and follow godly counsel in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 7
This chapter provides a prophetic context to Ahaz's reign, where Isaiah offers a sign from God, which Ahaz rejects, choosing instead to rely on Assyria.

2 Chronicles 28
Offers a parallel account of Ahaz's reign, highlighting his idolatry and the consequences of his alliances.

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