2 Kings 16:1-4

Ahaz King of Judah

1 In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah, Ahaz son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.

2 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 his God.

3 He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

4 He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree.

2 Kings 16:1-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS 16

This chapter contains the reign of Ahaz only, relates his idolatry, 2Ki 16:1-4 his hiring the king of Assyria with the treasure of the temple, and his own, to assist him against the kings of Israel and Syria, who besieged him, 2Ki 16:5-9, his seeing the altar of an idol at Damascus, the fashion of which he took, and ordered one like it to be built at Jerusalem, 2Ki 16:10-16, his defacing and removing some things in the temple, 2Ki 16:17,18, and the chapter is concluded with his death and burial, 2Ki 16:19,20.

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 7:1; Isaiah 14:28; Hosea 1:1; Micah 1:1
• 2. S 1 Kings 14:8
• 3. 2 Kings 17:19
• 4. S Leviticus 18:21; S 2 Kings 3:27; 2 Kings 21:6
• 5. S Leviticus 18:3; S Deuteronomy 9:4; Deuteronomy 12:31
• 6. 2 Kings 22:17; 2 Kings 23:5
• 7. Deuteronomy 12:2; Ezekiel 6:13