Ahaz
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incense ascend on high at the time of the morning and the evening
sacrifice. Deserting the courts of the house of God and locking fast its
doors, the inhabitants of the godless city boldly set up altars for the
worship of heathen deities on the street corners throughout Jerusalem.
Heathenism had seemingly triumphed; the powers of darkness had
well-nigh prevailed.
But in Judah there dwelt some who maintained their allegiance to
Jehovah, steadfastly refusing to be led into idolatry. It was to these that
Isaiah and Micah and their associates looked in hope as they surveyed
the ruin wrought during the last years of Ahaz. Their sanctuary was
closed, but the faithful ones were assured: “God is with us.” “Sanctify
the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be
your dread. And He shall be for a sanctuary.”
Isaiah 8:10, 13, 14
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