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2 Kings 16

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‹ Chapter 15 2 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 17 ›

1 In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah, Ahaz son of Jotham became king of Judah. 2 Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. And unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God. 3 Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. 4 And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree. 5 Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to wage war against Jerusalem. They besieged Ahaz but could not overcome him. 6 At that time Rezin king of Aram recovered Elath for Aram, drove out the men of Judah, and sent the Edomites into Elath, where they live to this day. 7 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hands of the kings of Aram and Israel, who are rising up against me." 8 Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. 9 So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death. 10 Then King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria. On seeing the altar in Damascus, King Ahaz sent Uriah the priest a model of the altar and complete plans for its construction. 11 And Uriah the priest built the altar according to all the instructions King Ahaz had sent from Damascus, and he completed it by the time King Ahaz had returned. 12 When the king came back from Damascus and saw the altar, he approached it and presented offerings on it. 13 He offered his burnt offering and his grain offering, poured out his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings on the altar. 14 He also took the bronze altar that stood before the LORD from the front of the temple (between the new altar and the house of the LORD) and he put it on the north side of the new altar. 15 Then King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest, “Offer on the great altar the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering, and the king’s burnt offering and grain offering, as well as the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings of all the people of the land. Sprinkle on the altar all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices. But I will use the bronze altar to seek guidance." 16 So Uriah the priest did just as King Ahaz had commanded. 17 King Ahaz also cut off the frames of the movable stands and removed the bronze basin from each of them. He took down the Sea from the bronze oxen that were under it and put it on a stone base. 18 And on account of the king of Assyria, he removed the Sabbath canopy they had built in the temple and closed the royal entryway outside the house of the LORD. 19 As for the rest of the acts of Ahaz, along with his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 20 And Ahaz rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David, and his son Hezekiah reigned in his place.

‹ Chapter 15 2 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 17 ›

Study Notes — 2 Kings 16

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Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the introduction of King Ahaz, who reigned in Judah for 16 years. During his reign, Ahaz walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and introduced idolatrous practices into Judah, including the sacrifice of his son to the god Molech. Ahaz also formed an alliance with the King of Assyria, Tiglath-pileser, and asked for his help against the kings of Aram and Israel. The king of Assyria responded by attacking and defeating the kings of Aram and Israel, but Ahaz's alliance with him led to further idolatry and spiritual decline in Judah. The chapter also describes the changes Ahaz made to the Temple in Jerusalem, including the removal of the bronze altar and the introduction of a new altar patterned after one he saw in Damascus. The chapter concludes with a description of the death of Ahaz and the accession of his son Hezekiah to the throne of Judah. Key verses include 2 Kings 16:3, which describes Ahaz's idolatrous practices, and 2 Kings 16:10, which describes the changes he made to the Temple.

Context for the Chapter

2 Kings 16 is part of the larger narrative of the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah, which began with the reign of King Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12. The chapter follows the reign of King Jotham of Judah, who is described in 2 Kings 15:32-38, and precedes the reign of King Hezekiah, who is described in 2 Kings 18-20. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative, which describes the creation, fall, and redemption of humanity, and the ultimate triumph of God over sin and evil. As seen in 2 Kings 16:1, the reign of Ahaz occurred during the same time period as the prophetic ministries of Isaiah and Hosea, who called the people of Judah and Israel to repentance and faithfulness to God.

Heart Application

The chapter encourages readers to prioritize their relationship with God and to avoid the idolatrous practices that can lead to spiritual decline. It also emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, and the need for leaders who will walk in His ways and obey His commands. As seen in 2 Kings 16:10, the changes made to the Temple by Ahaz demonstrate the dangers of syncretism and the importance of maintaining the purity of worship.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

2 Kings 16 describes the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, who introduced idolatrous practices into Judah and formed an alliance with the King of Assyria. The chapter highlights the spiritual decline of Judah and the consequences of their disobedience to God's commands. As seen in 2 Kings 16:3 and 2 Kings 16:10, Ahaz's actions demonstrate the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God.

Voices from the Church

“The kingdom of Judah was preserved, not because of the merits of the kings, but because of the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. As seen in 2 Kings 16:5, the alliance between Ahaz and the King of Assyria ultimately led to further idolatry and spiritual decline, emphasizing the need for a righteous King who would lead His people in the ways of God.”

— John Calvin

“The idolatry of Ahaz was a grievous sin, and one that would have far-reaching consequences for the people of Judah. However, even in the midst of such sin and rebellion, God remains faithful to His people and offers them hope and salvation through His Messiah. As seen in 2 Kings 16:3, the idolatrous practices of King Ahaz demonstrate the depths of human sin and the need for redemption.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The changes made to the Temple by Ahaz were a profanation of the sacred worship of God, and a corruption of the true religion. They demonstrate the dangers of syncretism and the importance of maintaining the purity of worship, as emphasized in 2 Kings 16:10-16.”

— Matthew Henry

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Reign of Ahaz (16:1-4) — The chapter introduces King Ahaz, who reigned in Judah for 16 years and walked in the ways of the kings of Israel. Ahaz introduced idolatrous practices into Judah, including the sacrifice of his son to the god Molech.
  2. The Alliance with Assyria (16:5-9) — Ahaz formed an alliance with the King of Assyria, Tiglath-pileser, and asked for his help against the kings of Aram and Israel. The king of Assyria responded by attacking and defeating the kings of Aram and Israel.
  3. The Changes to the Temple (16:10-16) — Ahaz made changes to the Temple in Jerusalem, including the removal of the bronze altar and the introduction of a new altar patterned after one he saw in Damascus.
  4. The Death of Ahaz (16:19-20) — The chapter concludes with a description of the death of Ahaz and the accession of his son Hezekiah to the throne of Judah.
  5. Conclusion (16:21-24) — The chapter concludes with a summary of the reign of Ahaz and the spiritual decline of Judah during his reign.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God over the nations and kingdoms of the world, as seen in the rise and fall of kings and empires. As emphasized in 2 Kings 16:5-9, God remains in control even in the midst of human sin and rebellion.
The Importance of Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the need for leaders who will walk in His ways and obey His commands. As seen in 2 Kings 16:3, the idolatrous practices of King Ahaz demonstrate the dangers of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness.
The Dangers of Idolatry
The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. As seen in 2 Kings 16:10-16, the changes made to the Temple by Ahaz demonstrate the dangers of syncretism and the importance of maintaining the purity of worship.
The Faithfulness of God
The chapter demonstrates the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, even in the midst of human sin and rebellion. As seen in 2 Kings 16:5, the alliance between Ahaz and the King of Assyria ultimately led to further idolatry and spiritual decline, emphasizing the need for a righteous King who would lead His people in the ways of God.

Lessons from 2 Kings 16

  1. The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter teaches about the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. As seen in 2 Kings 16:3, the idolatrous practices of King Ahaz demonstrate the depths of human sin and the need for redemption.
  2. The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the need for leaders who will walk in His ways and obey His commands. As seen in 2 Kings 16:10, the changes made to the Temple by Ahaz demonstrate the dangers of syncretism and the importance of maintaining the purity of worship.
  3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God over the nations and kingdoms of the world, as seen in the rise and fall of kings and empires. As emphasized in 2 Kings 16:5-9, God remains in control even in the midst of human sin and rebellion.
  4. The Faithfulness of God — The chapter demonstrates the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, even in the midst of human sin and rebellion. As seen in 2 Kings 16:5, the alliance between Ahaz and the King of Assyria ultimately led to further idolatry and spiritual decline, emphasizing the need for a righteous King who would lead His people in the ways of God.
  5. The Importance of Leadership — The chapter highlights the importance of leadership and the impact that leaders can have on the spiritual lives of their people, as seen in the reign of King Ahaz.

Themes from 2 Kings 16

  1. Idolatry and Disobedience — The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. As seen in 2 Kings 16:3, the idolatrous practices of King Ahaz demonstrate the depths of human sin and the need for redemption.
  2. Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the need for leaders who will walk in His ways and obey His commands. As seen in 2 Kings 16:10, the changes made to the Temple by Ahaz demonstrate the dangers of syncretism and the importance of maintaining the purity of worship.
  3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God over the nations and kingdoms of the world, as seen in the rise and fall of kings and empires. As emphasized in 2 Kings 16:5-9, God remains in control even in the midst of human sin and rebellion.
  4. The Faithfulness of God — The chapter demonstrates the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, even in the midst of human sin and rebellion. As seen in 2 Kings 16:5, the alliance between Ahaz and the King of Assyria ultimately led to further idolatry and spiritual decline, emphasizing the need for a righteous King who would lead His people in the ways of God.
  5. The Importance of Leadership — The chapter highlights the importance of leadership and the impact that leaders can have on the spiritual lives of their people, as seen in the reign of King Ahaz.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What were the consequences of Ahaz's idolatry and alliance with Assyria, as seen in 2 Kings 16:5-9?
  2. How did Ahaz's changes to the Temple in Jerusalem reflect his spiritual decline, as seen in 2 Kings 16:10-16?
  3. What does the chapter teach about the importance of faithfulness to God, as seen in 2 Kings 16:3 and 2 Kings 16:10?
  4. How does the chapter demonstrate the sovereignty of God over the nations and kingdoms of the world, as seen in 2 Kings 16:5-9?
  5. What lessons can be learned from the life and reign of King Ahaz, as seen in 2 Kings 16:1-20?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Reign of Ahaz (16:1-4)

16:1 The chapter introduces King Ahaz, who reigned in Judah for 16 years and walked in the ways of the kings of Israel.
16:2 Ahaz was 20 years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for 16 years.
16:3 He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the detestable practices of the nations whom the Lord had driven out before the people of Israel.

2. The Alliance with Assyria (16:5-9)

16:5 Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah, the king of Israel, came up to Jerusalem to war against it, but they could not conquer it.
16:6 At that time the king of Aram recovered Elath for Aram, and he drove the men of Judah out of Elath; and the Edomites went to Elath and lived there to this day.
16:7 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, 'I am your servant and your son; come up and deliver me from the hand of the king of Aram and from the hand of the king of Israel, who are attacking me.'

3. The Changes to the Temple (16:10-16)

16:10 Now King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and when he saw the altar that was at Damascus, he sent to Uriah the priest a copy of the altar and its pattern, according to all its workmanship.
16:11 And Uriah the priest built an altar according to all that King Ahaz had sent from Damascus; so Uriah the priest made it before King Ahaz returned from Damascus.
16:12 And when the king came back from Damascus, the king saw the altar; then the king approached the altar and offered on it.

4. The Death of Ahaz (16:19-20)

16:19 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?
16:20 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David; and his son Hezekiah reigned in his place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the alliance between Ahaz and the King of Assyria?

The alliance between Ahaz and the King of Assyria was significant because it marked a turning point in the history of Judah, as they began to rely on foreign powers for protection and security rather than trusting in God. As seen in 2 Kings 16:5-9, the alliance ultimately led to further idolatry and spiritual decline in Judah.

What were the changes made to the Temple by Ahaz?

Ahaz made changes to the Temple in Jerusalem, including the removal of the bronze altar and the introduction of a new altar patterned after one he saw in Damascus. As seen in 2 Kings 16:10-16, these changes reflected his spiritual decline and the influence of pagan worship practices.

What does the chapter teach about the importance of faithfulness to God?

The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the need for leaders who will walk in His ways and obey His commands. As seen in 2 Kings 16:3 and 2 Kings 16:10, the idolatrous practices of King Ahaz demonstrate the dangers of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Kings 16:3 → Leviticus 18:21 The practice of sacrificing children to Molech was forbidden in the Law of Moses, as seen in Leviticus 18:21.
2 2 Kings 16:5 → Isaiah 7:1-9 The alliance between Ahaz and the King of Assyria is also described in Isaiah 7:1-9, which emphasizes the faithlessness of Ahaz and the trustworthiness of God.
3 2 Kings 16:10 → Exodus 25:23-30 The description of the altar in 2 Kings 16:10 is similar to the description of the altar in Exodus 25:23-30, which was built according to God's instructions.
4 2 Kings 16:12 → Deuteronomy 12:1-14 The offering of sacrifices on the altar is described in Deuteronomy 12:1-14, which emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the place He has chosen.
5 2 Kings 16:15 → Numbers 28:1-8 The daily offerings are described in Numbers 28:1-8, which emphasizes the importance of regular worship and sacrifice.
6 2 Kings 16:19 → 2 Chronicles 28:1-27 The reign of Ahaz is also described in 2 Chronicles 28:1-27, which provides additional details about his life and reign.
7 2 Kings 16:20 → Isaiah 38:1-22 The death of Ahaz is also mentioned in Isaiah 38:1-22, which describes the illness and recovery of his son Hezekiah.
8 2 Kings 16:1-20 → Matthew 1:9-10 The genealogy of Jesus includes Ahaz and his son Hezekiah, as seen in Matthew 1:9-10.
9 2 Kings 16:3 → Ezekiel 20:30-32 The idolatrous practices of Ahaz are condemned in Ezekiel 20:30-32, which emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God.
10 2 Kings 16:10 → 2 Thessalonians 2:4 The description of the altar in 2 Kings 16:10 is similar to the description of the man of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2:4, which emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth.

Sermons on 2 Kings 16

SermonDescription
John Greer A True Revival Meeting by John Greer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. He highlights that unity is a priority and a mark of the Holy Spirit's work. The preacher refers to

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Kings 16

Matthew Henry's commentary on 2 Kings 16 emphasizes the spiritual decline of Judah during the reign of King Ahaz, who introduced idolatrous practices into Judah and formed an alliance with the King of Assyria. Henry notes that Ahaz's actions were a direct violation of God's commands and led to further disobedience and idolatry in Judah. He also emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the need for leaders who will walk in His ways and obey His commands. As seen in 2 Kings 16:3 and 2 Kings 16:10, Henry highlights the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. He encourages readers to prioritize their relationship with God and to avoid the idolatrous practices that can lead to spiritual decline, as emphasized in 2 Kings 16:5-9. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Consequences of Idolatry

The chapter highlights the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God's commands, including spiritual decline and the loss of God's presence and protection. As seen in 2 Kings 16:6, the alliance between Ahaz and the King of Assyria led to the capture of Elath and the return of the Edomites, demonstrating the consequences of Judah's disobedience.

The Importance of Faithfulness

The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the need for leaders who will walk in His ways and obey His commands. In contrast to Ahaz, a faithful leader would prioritize the worship of the one true God and lead His people in obedience to God's commands.

The Role of Human Leadership

The chapter demonstrates the significant impact that human leaders can have on the spiritual lives of their people, either for good or for ill. The actions of King Ahaz had far-reaching consequences for the people of Judah, emphasizing the importance of faithful leadership.

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