INTRODUCTION: The northern kingdom of Israel has been rebellious for quite some time, but now the southern kingdom of Judah sinks to a new low. Under the reign of Ahaz, the Lord sends Syria and Israel against Judah. Instead of turning to the Lord, Ahaz turns to Assyria and the gods of Damascus for help.

1. THE BEGINNING OF AHAZ’S REIGN (2 Kings 16:1-4 [1] In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. [2] Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father. [3] But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel. [4] And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:1-4 [1] Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father: [2] For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim. [3] Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. [4] He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
   See All...)
1. The Details of His Reign (2 Kings 16:1-2 [1] In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. [2] Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:1Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
   See All...)
1. He began in the 17th year of Pekah (2 Kings 16:1In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.
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2. He was 20 years old when he began to reign (2 Kings 16:2Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:1Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
   See All...).
3. He reigned 16 years in Jerusalem (2 Kings 16:2Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:1Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
   See All...).
2. The Character of His Reign (2 Kings 16:2-4 [2] Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father. [3] But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel. [4] And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:1-4 [1] Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father: [2] For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim. [3] Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. [4] He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
   See All...)
1. He did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 16:2Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:1Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
   See All...).
2. He walked in the way of the kings of Israel (2 Kings 16:3But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:2For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.
   See All...).
3. He made molten images for Baalim (2 Chronicles 28:2For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.
   See All...).
4. He burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom (2 Chronicles 28:3Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.
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5. He made his children pass through the fire (2 Kings 16:3But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:3Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.
   See All...).
6. He sacrificed and burnt incense (2 Kings 16:4And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:4He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
   See All...).
1. In the high places
2. On the hills
3. Under every green tree
2. TROUBLE WITH SYRIA AND ISRAEL (2 Kings 16:5-6 [5] Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him. [6] At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:5-15 [5] Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter. [6] For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. [7] And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king. [8] And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria. [9] But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven. [10] And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God? [11] Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you. [12] Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war, [13] And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the LORD already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel. [14] So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation. [15] And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.
   See All...)
1. The Nature of the Trouble (2 Kings 16:5Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:5Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
   See All...)
1. The trouble was sent by the Lord as judgment (2 Chronicles 28:5Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
   See All...).
2. The trouble was great (2 Kings 16:5Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:5Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
   See All...).
1. Syria smote Judah and carried away a great multitude to Damascus.
2. Israel smote Judah with a great slaughter.
2. The Accomplishments of Syria (2 Kings 16:6At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.
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1. They drave the Jews from Elath.
2. They dwelt in Elath in the stead of the Jews.
3. The Accomplishments of Israel (2 Chronicles 28:6-15 [6] For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. [7] And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king. [8] And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria. [9] But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven. [10] And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God? [11] Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you. [12] Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war, [13] And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the LORD already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel. [14] So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation. [15] And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.
   See All...)
1. The destruction of Judah (2 Chronicles 28:6-7 [6] For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. [7] And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.
   See All...)
1. Israel slew in Judah 120,000 valiant men in one day (2 Chronicles 28:6For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.
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2. Israel slew three key men in Judah (2 Chronicles 28:7And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.
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1. Maaseiah, the king’s son
2. Azrikam, the governor of the house
3. Elkanah, the second in command
2. The sin of Israel (2 Chronicles 28:8-14 [8] And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria. [9] But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven. [10] And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God? [11] Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you. [12] Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war, [13] And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the LORD already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel. [14] So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation.
   See All...)
1. Israel carried away 200,000 from Judah (2 Chronicles 28:8And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.
   See All...).
2. Oded, a prophet of the Lord warned Israel (2 Chronicles 28:9-11 [9] But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven. [10] And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God? [11] Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you.
   See All...).
1. The Lord sent Israel against Judah because He was wroth with Judah (2 Chronicles 28:9But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.
   See All...).
2. The Lord did not intend for Israel to take Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen (2 Chronicles 28:10And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God?
   See All...).
3. They needed to deliver the captives back to their brethren (2 Chronicles 28:11Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you.
   See All...).
4. The fierce wrath of the Lord was upon them (2 Chronicles 28:11Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you.
   See All...).
3. The heads of Ephraim refused to accept the captives of Judah (2 Chronicles 28:12-14 [12] Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war, [13] And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the LORD already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel. [14] So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation.
   See All...).
3. The heads of Ephraim returned the captives (2 Chronicles 28:15And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.
   See All...).
1. They clothed the captives with the spoil.
2. They gave the captives food and drink.
3. They anointed the captives.
4. They led the captives to Jericho, carrying the feeble upon asses.
3. THE RUIN OF JUDAH (2 Kings 16:7-18 [7] So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me. [8] And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria. [9] And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin. [10] And 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. [11] And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus. [12] And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon. [13] And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the altar. [14] And he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the LORD, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the LORD, and put it on the north side of the altar. [15] And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by. [16] Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded. [17] And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon the pavement of stones. [18] And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:16-25 [16] At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him. [17] For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives. [18] The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there. [19] For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD. [20] And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not. [21] For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not. [22] And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz. [23] For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. [24] And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem. [25] And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.
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1. Ahaz’s Dependency upon Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-9 [7] So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me. [8] And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria. [9] And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:16-21 [16] At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him. [17] For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives. [18] The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there. [19] For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD. [20] And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not. [21] For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.
   See All...)
1. Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser requesting help (2 Kings 16:7So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:16-18 [16] At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him. [17] For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives. [18] The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.
   See All...).
1. Ahaz presented himself to Assyria as a servant (2 Kings 16:7So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.
   See All...).
2. He requested help because of his enemies (2 Kings 16:7So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:16-18 [16] At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him. [17] For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives. [18] The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.
   See All...).
1. Syria (2 Kings 16:7So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.
   See All...)
2. Israel (2 Kings 16:7So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.
   See All...)
3. The Edomites (2 Chronicles 28:17For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives.
   See All...)
4. The Philistines (2 Chronicles 28:18The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.
   See All...)
2. Ahaz cannot find relief (2 Chronicles 28:19-20 [19] For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD. [20] And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.
   See All...).
1. The Lord brought Judah low because of Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:19For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD.
   See All...).
2. In the end, Tiglathpileser’s help does not help (2 Chronicles 28:20And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.
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3. Ahaz gave gifts unto Tiglathpileser (2 Kings 16:8And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:21For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.
   See All...).
1. Silver and gold from the house of the Lord
2. Treasures of the houses of the princes and king
4. Tiglathpileser offers assistance to Ahaz (2 Kings 16:9And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.
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1. He went up against Damascus.
2. He took it, and carried the people captive to Kir.
3. He slew Rezin.
4. Note: In the end, Tiglathpileser was more of a problem for Ahaz than he was a help (see 2 Chronicles 28:20And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.
   See All..., 21).
2. Ahaz’s Introduction of Idolatry (2 Kings 16:10-18 [10] And 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. [11] And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus. [12] And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon. [13] And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the altar. [14] And he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the LORD, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the LORD, and put it on the north side of the altar. [15] And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by. [16] Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded. [17] And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon the pavement of stones. [18] And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:22-25 [22] And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz. [23] For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. [24] And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem. [25] And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.
   See All...)
1. His appreciation for the gods of Damascus (2 Kings 16:10-13 [10] And 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. [11] And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus. [12] And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon. [13] And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the altar.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:22-23 [22] And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz. [23] For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.
   See All...)
1. In the time of his distress, he trespassed more against the Lord (2 Chronicles 28:22And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
   See All...).
2. When meeting Tiglathpileser in Damascus, Ahaz saw an altar for the gods of Damascus (2 Kings 16:10And 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.
   See All...).
3. He sent to Urijah the priest requesting that a replica be made in Judah (2 Kings 16:10-11 [10] And 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. [11] And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.
   See All...).
4. When Ahaz returned home, he offered sacrifices upon the pagan altar (2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 28:23For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.
   See All...).
1. His burnt offering
2. His meat offering
3. His drink offering
4. His peace offering
2. His corruption of holy things (2 Kings 16:14-18 [14] And he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the LORD, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the LORD, and put it on the north side of the altar. [15] And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by. [16] Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded. [17] And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon the pavement of stones. [18] And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:24And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.
   See All...)
1. He moved the brasen altar (2 Kings 16:14And he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the LORD, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the LORD, and put it on the north side of the altar.
   See All...).
2. He changed the purpose of the brasen altar (2 Kings 16:15And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by.
   See All...).
3. He broke down the molten sea (2 Kings 16:17And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon the pavement of stones.
   See All...).
4. He cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God (2 Chronicles 28:24And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.
   See All...).
5. He shut the doors of the house of the Lord (2 Chronicles 28:24And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.
   See All...).
6. He gave a covert for the sabbath unto Tiglathpileser (2 Kings 16:18And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.
   See All...).
3. His multiplication of altars and high places (2 Chronicles 28:24-25 [24] And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem. [25] And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.
   See All...)
4. THE END OF AHAZ’S REIGN (2 Kings 16:19-20 [19] Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? [20] And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:26-27 [26] Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. [27] And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
   See All...)
1. The Rest of His Acts (2 Kings 16:19Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:26Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
   See All...)
2. His Death and Burial (2 Kings 16:20And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 28:27And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
   See All...)

CONCLUSION: The Lord is no respecter of persons, and He demonstrates this in His judgment of the favoured southern kingdom. The Lord is just in His judgment regardless of the identity of the guilty.