Ahaz becomes king of Judah. He tolerates the idolatrous shrines that are introduced into Jerusalem and even sacrifices his own son at the Hinnom Valley. Rezin, king of Aram, and Pekah, king of Israel, attack Judah. Ahaz sends messengers with gifts to the Assyrians and vows to be their vassal in exchange for protection. Tiglath-Pileser attacks Aram and kills Rezin. Assyrian culture begins to infiltrate Jerusalem. Ahaz orders that a new altar-like those he has seen in Damascus-be built and replace the original altar for most purposes. Ahaz is preoccupied with his own survival. He is therefore easily influenced by external forces and caves to his selfish impulses. Only when we transcend our self-centeredness can we become truly free.
“And made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel” (2 Kings 16:3)
“Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalemto war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him” (2 Kings 16:5)
“So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of AsSyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me” (2 Kings 16:7)
Stability is achieved when we remain constant in our spiritual work, regardless of the volatility and disorder surrounding us.
