As you have read this chapter, you may have wondered how it is possible that a king who rules over Judah, the chosen kingdom of God would rebel against God whom they first followed. The chapter explicitly tells us in verse one that Ahaz, king of Judah did not do what was right in the eyes of God. The second phrase, “as his father David had done” refers to how Judah has been chosen to be God’s people that comes from the line of David. However, instead of following the ways of God, Ahaz chose to walk in the ways of the kingdom Israel, Judah sister in the north who rebelled against God from the beginning of the nation’s division.

The ways of Israel were evil at its core which king Ahaz of Judah followed. First, worship of Baal was escalated to making its idol in metal images. Second, other gods of the other pagan nations such as Molech which practiced child sacrifice was also being worshipped. In addition, offerings were made on the high places and hills and under every green tree. Verse five onwards describe the consequence of their rebellion against God. God gave Judah first into the hands of Syria and then Israel. Eventually, Ahaz’s son, army commander and the second in command were all killed in the battle. The Chronicler attributed this sad fate of Judah to the fact that it was God who punished them.

Interestingly in v8-15, the tribe of Ephraim which was part of the northern Israel spoke against its own kingdom. Ephraim questioned Israel for doing injustice against Judah. Israel had already incurred the wrath of God; why was Israel doing such thing to Judah? By so doing, Israel would be compiling God’s displeasure against it. In a twist of events, Israel repented, provided for the captives and returned them to Jerusalem.

But even though this was a glimpse of hope (though short-lived) for Israel, Judah declined further and strayed even more from God (v16-25). Instead of returning to God, Ahaz looked to Assyria for help when Judah was being attacked by the Edomites and the Philistines. But Assyria betrayed Judah and used the pretext of helping Ahaz to also attack Judah. The Chronicler attributes this downfall of Judah because of Ahaz who was evil and led the kingdom astray.

As though these were enough and Ahaz would be awakened by all these calamites and returned to God. He did not. He went on further to worship the gods of Damascus and the gods of Syria. He thought that since these gods had helped these nations, Judah should also worship these gods too. The Chronicler narrates these final acts of Ahaz who led Judah into great spiritual decline of apostasy and Ahaz made himself to be one of the evilest kings of Judah.

Israel and Judah were punished for their sins against God and were exiled into Assyria and Babylon, respectively. But God who is all merciful and kind, raised up Zerubbabel, Ezra (which was our church’s recent pulpit series) and later Nehemiah to bring back the exiles. Dear brothers and sisters, take a moment to recall any name of a believer whom you know has strayed away from God. Take this time to pray for God to bring this person back to Him and into a community of His people.

PRAYER : Our Almighty God and our loving heavenly Father, our hearts bow before you. You are the creator of heaven and the earth. Thank you also for the atonement of Jesus Christ that I could come before your holy presence. I take this time to pray for ____________ (name of believer) who has stopped attending church. Dear God, I ask you to please convict and touch the heart of your child that he or she can return to your embrace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.