◄ 2 Chronicles 28 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Idolatry of Ahaz 2 Chronicles 28 serves as a potent reminder that a departure from God's laws can lead to dire consequences. It emphasizes that disobedience, idolatry, and refusal to repent can lead nations into turmoil and individuals into despair. Yet, it also shows that God's mercy can intervene in the darkest times, and that repentance and a return to righteousness can still rebuild bridges with the divine. Ahaz's Wicked Reign (Verses 1-4) Ahaz becomes king at a young age, and unlike his forefathers, he doesn't follow God's ways. He indulges in idolatry, constructing idols and offering his own sons as sacrifices, thereby instigating God's anger. Judah's Defeat (Verses 5-15) Ahaz's disobedience leads to Judah's defeat by Syria and Israel. The Israelites, led by Pekah, take many captives, intending to bring them to Samaria as slaves. But the prophet Oded, standing up against this injustice, admonishes the Israelites. Heeding Oded's advice, the Ephraimite leaders provide the captives with food, clothing, and assistance, returning them safely to Jericho. Ahaz's Unrepentant Apostasy (Verses 16-27) Despite these trials, Ahaz fails to recognize his mistakes and continues his wayward path, seeking help from Assyria's king, Tiglath-Pileser. However, this only brings further trouble rather than assistance. Ahaz further plunges into idol worship, desecrating the temple and setting up idols throughout Judah, before his death and burial in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 28 narrates the story of King Ahaz of Judah, his departure from God's laws, and the subsequent ramifications of his disobedience. The chapter reflects a time of profound turmoil and devastation, offering a vivid illustration of the inevitable consequences of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. Teaching Points Ahaz's Idolatry Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD (2 Chronicles 28:1). Ahaz's reign was marked by idolatry and a departure from the ways of his ancestor David. Consequences of Disobedience Therefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Aram (2 Chronicles 28:5). Ahaz's unfaithfulness led to military defeat and suffering for Judah, illustrating the consequences of disobedience to God. False Reliance In his time of distress, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD (2 Chronicles 28:22). Instead of turning to God, Ahaz sought help from foreign gods and nations, which only compounded his problems. God's Mercy and Prophetic Intervention Despite Ahaz's unfaithfulness, God sent the prophet Oded to prevent further bloodshed and to remind the people of Judah of His mercy (2 Chronicles 28:9-11). Practical Applications Evaluate Leadership Consider the impact of leadership in your community and nation. Pray for leaders who will seek God's guidance and lead with integrity. Personal Faithfulness Reflect on areas in your life where you may be tempted to rely on worldly solutions instead of trusting in God. Commit to seeking His will in all circumstances. Responding to Correction Be open to God's correction and guidance through His Word and His people. Recognize that His discipline is an expression of His love and desire for our growth. Intercede for Others Just as the prophet Oded intervened, we are called to intercede for those who are straying from God, praying for their repentance and restoration. People 1. Ahaz Ahaz was the king of Judah and the central figure in 2 Chronicles 28. He is described as having done evil in the sight of the LORD, following the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. His name in Hebrew is אָחָז (Achaz), meaning "he has grasped." 2. Pekah son of Remaliah Pekah was the king of Israel who attacked Judah during the reign of Ahaz. His actions are part of the judgment against Ahaz for his unfaithfulness. The Hebrew name פֶּקַח (Pekach) means "open-eyed." 3. Tiglath-Pileser Tiglath-Pileser was the king of Assyria to whom Ahaz sent for help against the kings of Aram and Israel. His involvement signifies the political alliances and dependencies of the time. 4. Rezin Rezin was the king of Aram (Syria) who allied with Pekah against Judah. His name in Hebrew is רְצִין (Retzin), which means "firm" or "stable." 5. Oded Oded was a prophet of the LORD who confronted the returning Israelite army with captives from Judah, urging them to release their captives. His name in Hebrew is עוֹדֵד (Oded), meaning "restorer" or "encourager." 6. Azariah son of Johanan Azariah was one of the leaders of Ephraim who supported the prophet Oded in persuading the Israelites to release the captives. His name in Hebrew, עֲזַרְיָה (Azaryah), means "Yahweh has helped." 7. Berechiah son of Meshillemoth Berechiah was another leader of Ephraim who supported Oded. His name in Hebrew, בֶּרֶכְיָה (Berekyah), means "Yahweh blesses." 8. Jehizkiah son of Shallum Jehizkiah was also among the leaders of Ephraim who advocated for the release of the captives. His name in Hebrew, יְחִזְקִיָּה (Yechizkiyah), means "Yahweh strengthens." 9. Amasa son of Hadlai Amasa was another leader of Ephraim who joined in the plea to release the captives. His name in Hebrew, עֲמָשָׂא (Amasa), means "burden." Places 1. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the capital city of Judah, where King Ahaz reigned. It is central to the events of 2 Chronicles 28, as Ahaz's idolatrous practices and the subsequent invasion by foreign powers impact the city. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim). 2. Judah The kingdom of Judah, where Ahaz was king, is repeatedly mentioned as the primary setting of the chapter. The Hebrew root for Judah is "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah). 3. Aram (Syria) Aram, also known as Syria, is mentioned as one of the nations that attacked Judah during Ahaz's reign. The Hebrew root is "אֲרָם" (Aram). 4. Damascus Damascus is the capital of Aram (Syria) and is mentioned in the context of the Arameans defeating Ahaz and taking captives. The Hebrew root is "דַּמֶּשֶׂק" (Dammeseq). 5. Ephraim Ephraim refers to the northern kingdom of Israel, which also attacked Judah. The Hebrew root is "אֶפְרַיִם" (Ephrayim). 6. Samaria Samaria is the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. It is mentioned when captives from Judah are brought there. The Hebrew root is "שֹׁמְרוֹן" (Shomron). 7. Edom Edom is mentioned as a nation that invaded Judah during Ahaz's reign. The Hebrew root is "אֱדוֹם" (Edom). 8. Philistia The Philistines, from the region of Philistia, are mentioned as raiding towns in Judah. The Hebrew root is "פְּלֶשֶׁת" (Peleshet). Events 1. Ahaz Becomes King Ahaz, the son of Jotham, becomes king of Judah at the age of twenty and reigns for sixteen years in Jerusalem. Unlike his ancestor David, he does not do what is right in the eyes of the LORD (2 Chronicles 28:1). 2. Idolatry and Pagan Practices Ahaz follows the ways of the kings of Israel and even makes cast images for the Baals. He burns sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrifices his children in the fire, engaging in detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites (2 Chronicles 28:2-3). 3. Judah Defeated by Aram and Israel The LORD delivers Ahaz into the hands of the king of Aram, who defeats him and takes many captives to Damascus. He is also given into the hands of the king of Israel, who inflicts heavy casualties on Judah (2 Chronicles 28:5). 4. Massacre by Pekah Pekah, the son of Remaliah, kills 120,000 warriors in Judah in one day because they had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers (2 Chronicles 28:6). 5. Captives Taken to Samaria The Israelites capture 200,000 women, sons, and daughters from Judah and take much spoil to Samaria (2 Chronicles 28:8). 6. Prophet Oded's Intervention A prophet of the LORD named Oded confronts the returning army in Samaria, warning them that their actions against Judah are excessive and that they are also guilty before the LORD. He urges them to release the captives (2 Chronicles 28:9-11). 7. Release of the Captives Some leaders of Ephraim, moved by Oded's words, take the captives, clothe them, provide them with food and drink, and return them to Jericho, the city of palms, to their fellow Israelites (2 Chronicles 28:12-15). 8. Further Defeats and Distress The Edomites and Philistines also attack Judah, capturing towns and villages. The LORD humbles Judah because of Ahaz's unfaithfulness, and he becomes increasingly distressed (2 Chronicles 28:16-19). 9. Ahaz Seeks Help from Assyria In his distress, Ahaz seeks help from the king of Assyria, but instead of helping, the Assyrians oppress him further (2 Chronicles 28:20-21). 10. Continued Idolatry and Apostasy Despite his troubles, Ahaz continues in his unfaithfulness to the LORD. He sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, thinking they will help him, but they become his downfall and the downfall of all Israel (2 Chronicles 28:22-23). 11. Desecration of the Temple Ahaz gathers the furnishings of the house of God, cuts them into pieces, shuts the doors of the LORD's temple, and sets up altars at every street corner in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 28:24). 12. Death of Ahaz Ahaz dies and is buried in the city of Jerusalem, but not in the tombs of the kings of Israel. His son Hezekiah succeeds him as king (2 Chronicles 28:27). Connections to Additional Scriptures Deuteronomy 28:15-68 The blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience to God's commands. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trusting in the Lord rather than leaning on our own understanding. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 The call to pray for leaders and those in authority. Hebrews 12:5-11 Understanding God's discipline as a sign of His love and a means of growth. Prayer Points Pray for wisdom and discernment for leaders in your church, community, and nation. Ask God to reveal any areas of idolatry or misplaced trust in your life and to help you turn back to Him. Pray for those who are far from God, that they may experience His mercy and return to Him. Thank God for His faithfulness and for the ways He intervenes in our lives to guide us back to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Ahaz's disobedience to God and his ultimate fate? 2. How did the actions of King Ahaz affect the nation of Judah? 3. Discuss the significance of Oded's intervention. How does it underscore the role of prophets? 4. How do you see the themes of divine retribution and mercy playing out in this chapter? 5. In what ways can we apply the lessons from this chapter to today's world, particularly to leadership roles? 6. Ahaz sought assistance from the Assyrian king instead of turning to God. What does this say about his faith and understanding of God? 7. How can we ensure that we don't fall into the trap of idolatry in our modern lives? 8. In what ways did Ahaz's actions exacerbate the crisis for Judah instead of mitigating it? 9. How does the response of the leaders of Ephraim to Oded's words demonstrate the power of prophecy? 10. Why do you think Ahaz continued his idolatrous practices even after witnessing the dire consequences? 11. What are some contemporary examples of leaders who faced significant challenges due to their unrighteous actions? 12. How can we ensure that we heed the warnings in our lives and change our course of action accordingly? 13. What are some modern forms of idolatry, and how can we guard ourselves against them? 14. How can we use the lessons from this chapter to guide our decisions in times of crisis? 15. What does this chapter teach us about personal and societal responsibility? 16. How do the actions of the Ephraimite leaders illustrate the importance of repentance and restoration? 17. How can the principles in this chapter be applied to promote justice and equality in today's society? 18. How does this chapter underscore the importance of obeying God's commandments? 19. In today's context, how can we identify and correct our missteps before they lead to severe consequences? 20. How can we reconcile the wrathful depiction of God in this chapter with the concept of a loving, merciful God? Topics 1. Reign of Ahaz Ahaz becomes king of Judah and is described as doing evil in the sight of the LORD. He follows the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "evil" (רַע, ra) indicates actions that are morally wrong and displeasing to God. 2. Idolatry and Child Sacrifice Ahaz engages in idolatry, making molten images for the Baals and sacrificing his children in the fire. This act is a direct violation of God's commandments and reflects the influence of surrounding pagan cultures. The term "Baals" (בַּעַל, ba'al) refers to various local deities worshiped in Canaan. 3. Defeat by Aram and Israel The LORD allows Aram and Israel to defeat Judah as a consequence of Ahaz's unfaithfulness. The text highlights the divine judgment that comes upon Judah due to their king's actions. 4. Massacre and Captivity The Israelites kill 120,000 soldiers of Judah in one day and take 200,000 women, sons, and daughters captive. This event underscores the severity of the consequences of turning away from God. 5. Prophetic Intervention by Oded The prophet Oded confronts the returning Israelite army, urging them to release the captives from Judah. He warns them of God's wrath if they do not act mercifully. The Hebrew word for "prophet" (נָבִיא, nabi) signifies one who speaks on behalf of God. 6. Release and Care for the Captives The leaders of Ephraim heed Oded's warning, providing for the captives and returning them to Jericho. This act of compassion reflects a return to obedience to God's will. 7. Further Unfaithfulness of Ahaz Despite the calamities, Ahaz continues in his unfaithfulness, seeking help from the king of Assyria rather than turning to the LORD. His actions further demonstrate a lack of trust in God. 8. Destruction of the Temple Articles Ahaz desecrates the temple by cutting its furnishings into pieces and shutting its doors. This act symbolizes a complete rejection of the worship of the LORD. 9. Death of Ahaz Ahaz dies and is buried in Jerusalem, but not in the tombs of the kings of Israel, indicating a lack of honor due to his unfaithfulness. The narrative concludes with the transition to his son Hezekiah, who will bring reform. Themes 1. Idolatry and Apostasy In 2 Chronicles 28, King Ahaz of Judah is depicted as engaging in idolatry, turning away from the worship of Yahweh to follow the practices of the surrounding nations. The text states, "He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even made cast images for the Baals" (2 Chronicles 28:2). The Hebrew term for "Baals" (בַּעֲלִים, ba'alim) refers to various local deities, indicating a departure from monotheistic worship. 2. Divine Judgment and Consequences The chapter highlights the consequences of Ahaz's unfaithfulness, as God allows Judah to suffer military defeats. "Therefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Aram" (2 Chronicles 28:5). The Hebrew word for "delivered" (נָתַן, natan) implies a handing over, signifying divine judgment. 3. Mercy and Prophetic Intervention Despite Judah's unfaithfulness, God shows mercy through prophetic intervention. The prophet Oded confronts the Israelites, urging them to release the captives from Judah, saying, "But you must not bring the captives here, for you are proposing to do something that will bring guilt upon us before the LORD" (2 Chronicles 28:13). This theme underscores God's willingness to offer mercy and correction. 4. Repentance and Restoration The narrative includes a call to repentance and the potential for restoration. The leaders of Ephraim heed Oded's warning and release the captives, providing them with clothing and food (2 Chronicles 28:15). This act of compassion reflects a return to covenantal values and the possibility of restoration through repentance. 5. Political Alliances and Reliance on Human Strength Ahaz's reliance on foreign alliances rather than trusting in God is a recurring theme. He seeks help from the king of Assyria, which ultimately proves futile: "But he did not help him" (2 Chronicles 28:21). This highlights the futility of relying on human strength instead of divine support, as the Hebrew root for "help" (עָזַר, azar) emphasizes assistance that is lacking. 6. Religious Corruption and Desecration Ahaz's reign is marked by religious corruption, including the desecration of the temple. He "shut the doors of the house of the LORD and made for himself altars in every corner of Jerusalem" (2 Chronicles 28:24). The Hebrew word for "shut" (סָגַר, sagar) indicates a closing off, symbolizing the spiritual decline and neglect of true worship. 7. Legacy and Impact of Leadership The chapter concludes with a reflection on the legacy of Ahaz's leadership. His actions lead to further decline and suffering for Judah, illustrating the profound impact a leader's faithfulness or unfaithfulness can have on a nation. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the long-term consequences of turning away from God. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions