English: Ahaz was king of Judah, and the son and successor of Jotham. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

After Uzziah died, his son Jotham became king at the age of 25. His mother was from the line of Zadok – a priest during David’s reign. He is said in the scriptures to have done right in God’s eyes. He built cities and forts, and he fought successfully against the Ammonites. After his victory, they paid yearly tribute to him, which increased his might and the wealth of the kingdom. His reign lasted 16 years until his death.

His son, Ahaz became king next. His reign also lasted 16 years, but it was a terrible 16 years. Ahaz was one of the most wicked and corrupt of the kings of the southern kingdom. He made idols of the Baals for worship, and even burned his own sons as an offering. God gave him up first to the Syrians and then to the king of Israel. But he did not learn his lesson. He began worship of the gods of Syria, thinking he would enjoy their success as a result. As things continued to get worse (including having thousands killed and thousands more taken captive) he sent for help from the Assyrians, and even paid them tribute. But instead, the Assyrians came against them as well.

His blasphemy and idolatry continued still until his death. He “cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and he shut up the doors of the house of the Lord, and he made himself altars in every corner of Jerusalem.” His reign was certainly one of the most miserable of times for God’s people.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

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All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.