Topical Encyclopedia The Altars of Ahaz refer to the idolatrous structures erected by King Ahaz of Judah, as described in the Old Testament. Ahaz, the son of Jotham, reigned over Judah during the 8th century BC and is noted for his departure from the religious practices established by his forefathers, particularly in his adoption of pagan worship.Biblical Account The primary biblical account of the Altars of Ahaz is found in 2 Kings 16:10-16. During his reign, Ahaz visited Damascus to meet with Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria. While there, he saw an altar that impressed him greatly. The Berean Standard Bible records: "When King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, he saw the altar in Damascus and sent to Uriah the priest a model of the altar and a detailed design of its construction." (2 Kings 16:10) Upon his return, Ahaz ordered Uriah the priest to construct an altar in Jerusalem based on the design he had seen in Damascus. This new altar was placed in the temple, replacing the bronze altar that had been used for sacrifices to Yahweh. Ahaz's actions are further detailed: "And King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest, 'On the great altar offer the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering, the king’s burnt offering and grain offering, and the burnt offering of all the people of the land, their grain offering, and their drink offerings. Sprinkle on it all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices. The bronze altar will be for me to seek guidance.'" (2 Kings 16:15) Religious and Cultural Context Ahaz's decision to replicate the altar from Damascus signifies a significant shift in the religious practices of Judah. The altar from Damascus was likely associated with the worship of foreign deities, reflecting the syncretism that Ahaz embraced. This act of incorporating Assyrian religious elements into the worship of Yahweh was a direct violation of the covenantal laws given to Israel, which strictly prohibited idolatry and the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3-5). Ahaz's actions were indicative of his broader political and religious policies. By aligning himself with Assyria, Ahaz sought protection against the threats posed by neighboring kingdoms. However, this alliance came at the cost of religious purity and fidelity to the God of Israel. The introduction of the Damascus altar into the temple precincts symbolized a compromise of the distinctiveness of Israel's worship. Theological Implications The Altars of Ahaz serve as a poignant example of the dangers of compromising faith for political expediency. Ahaz's actions are consistently condemned in the biblical narrative, as they represent a turning away from the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The prophet Isaiah, who ministered during Ahaz's reign, frequently warned against such alliances and the resultant idolatry (Isaiah 7:10-13). Ahaz's reign is marked by a decline in spiritual fidelity, setting a precedent that would have lasting consequences for the kingdom of Judah. His actions underscore the biblical theme that true worship must remain pure and untainted by foreign influences, a principle that is reiterated throughout the Scriptures. Historical Impact The legacy of Ahaz's altars continued to influence the religious landscape of Judah. His son, Hezekiah, would later undertake significant religious reforms to restore proper worship and remove the high places and altars that Ahaz had established (2 Kings 18:1-4). These reforms highlight the enduring impact of Ahaz's decisions and the ongoing struggle to maintain the purity of worship in Israel. In summary, the Altars of Ahaz represent a significant departure from the covenantal faithfulness expected of the kings of Judah. They serve as a cautionary tale of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of maintaining the integrity of worship according to the commands of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 16:10-12And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Upon the Death of Jotham, Ahaz Reigned in his Stead; against ... Ahaz Costly and Fatal Help A Godly Reformation Sacrifice Renewed The Kingdom of Judah. The Earlier Hebrew Histories. Hezekiah On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man. The Greater Prophets. Resources What is an altar? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Manasseh in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altars for Idolatrous Worship, often Erected on Roofs of Houses Altars for Idolatrous Worship, to be Destroyed Altars of Brick, Hateful to God Altars of Reubenites East of Jordan Altars of the People of Israel Altars of the Temple of Solomon Altars were not to Have Steps up to Them Altars: Afforded No Protection to Murderers Altars: Designed for Sacrifice Altars: Idolaters Planted Groves Near Altars: Natural Rocks Sometimes Used As Altars: Probable Origin of Inscriptions On Altars: Protection Afforded By Altars: The Jews not to Plant Groves Near Altars: To be Made of Earth, or Unhewn Stone Related Terms |
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