2 KINGS 16

AHAZ LEADS JUDAH INTO FURTHER WICKEDNESS

Ahaz, king of Judah, does not rule in righteousness, but instead creates false idols, worships other gods, and offers heinous child sacrifices. Ahaz participates in all of the antics that the previous rulers attempted to wipe out, leading Judah more astray than ever.

The Edomites and Philistines attack Judah. Instead of turning to God to save them, Ahaz asks the Assyrians for help. In direct disrespect to God, Ahaz replaces an altar for God with an altar to worship other gods. Ahaz ravages the temple and removes anything that is offensive to the king of Assyria. Ahaz fears what others think more than he fears God.

Ahaz is remembered as a notoriously bad king. After his death, his son Hezekiah takes over the throne.