Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah's reign, Ahaz, the twenty-year-old son of Jotham, began to rule Judah in Jerusalem. Despite being a descendant of King David, Ahaz failed to follow God's laws and instead imitated the idolatrous practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before his people.

Ahaz followed the path of Israel's kings, even going so far as to make his own son pass through the fire, an act condemned by God. He offered sacrifices on high places, hills, and under every green tree, demonstrating a blatant disregard for God's laws. Ahaz's actions were a stark contrast to those of David, who had followed God's commands.

Rezin, the king of Syria, and Pekah son of Remaliah, the king of Israel, formed an alliance against Judah. They marched on Jerusalem but were unable to defeat Ahaz. While they were busy, Rezin recaptured Elath for Syria and drove out the Jewish residents. The Syrians occupied Elath, and it remained under their control.

Ahaz sought help from Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, sending him a message saying he was his servant and son. Ahaz begged Tiglath-pileser to rescue him from Rezin and Pekah, who were threatening Judah's security. In exchange for the king's assistance, Ahaz gave Tiglath-pileser silver and gold taken from the Temple and the royal treasury.

Tiglath-pileser listened to Ahaz's plea and had already conquered Damascus, taking its people captive to Kir. He had also killed Rezin. Impressed by Assyria's military might, Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-pileser. There, he saw an altar that caught his attention.

Ahaz commissioned Urijah the priest to build a duplicate of the altar in Jerusalem. Urijah followed Ahaz's instructions exactly, including every detail of its craftsmanship. When the altar was complete, Ahaz returned and performed rituals on it, sacrificing his burnt offering, meal offering, and drink offering.

However, this new altar became the central focus for worship in Judah. Ahaz removed the bronze altar from its original position between the Temple and the other altar, placing it on the north side of the main altar. He instructed Urijah to use the great altar for all burnt offerings and sacrifices, including his own and those of the people. The bronze altar was reserved solely for Ahaz.

Ahaz also modified the temple's furnishings. He removed the laver from its base, took down the bronze sea supported by brazen oxen, and placed it on a stone pavement. Additionally, he redirected the covered walkway for the Sabbath and the king's entrance from the Temple to the palace due to concerns about Assyria.

Ahaz's actions were documented in the book of the chronicles of Judah's kings. He died and was buried alongside his ancestors in the city of David. His son Hezekiah succeeded him as king.