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Ahaz Almost Ruins the Kingdom
151
of the king of Israel, who rise up against me.”
2 Kings 16:7
. With
the request he sent a rich present from the king’s treasure and the
temple storehouse.
The help came and King Ahaz had temporary relief, but at what a
cost to Judah! The large gift awakened Assyria’s greed, and soon that
nation threatened to overflow Judah and take all her wealth. Ahaz
and his unhappy subjects were now haunted by the fear of falling
completely into the hands of the cruel Assyrians. “The Lord brought
Judah low” (
2 Chronicles 28:19
) because of continued transgression.
In this time of affliction, instead of repenting, Ahaz “became
increasingly unfaithful to the Lord. ... For he sacrificed to the gods
of Damascus.” “Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them,”
he said, “I will sacrifice to them that they may help me.”
2 Chronicles
28:22, 23
.
As the apostate king neared the end of his reign, he ordered the
doors of the temple to be closed. No longer were offerings made
for the sins of the people. Deserting the house of God and locking
its doors, the people of the godless city boldly worshiped heathen
deities on the street corners throughout Jerusalem. Heathenism
seemed to have triumphed.
But some people in Judah maintained their allegiance to Jehovah.
Isaiah and Micah looked to these in hope as they surveyed the ruin
brought about during the last years of Ahaz. Their sanctuary was
closed, but the faithful ones were assured, “God is with us.” “The
Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear. ... He
will be as a sanctuary.”
Isaiah 8:10, 13, 14
.
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