2 Kings 16b Commentary
The second section of Chapter 16 discusses Ahaz’s modifications to the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem. The narration is flat. Even the High Priest Uriah implements the king’s designs quietly. The LORD is terrifyingly quiet!
Ahaz is a zero situation!
A godly man turns to the LORD when in trouble. Ahaz turns to Assyria. He uses the gifts dedicated to the LORD to pay for his “freedom”. He admires the more effective Assyrian god. He quickly thinks of improving his own god – the Israelite God.
Moses got the design of the Sanctuary from the LORD God. David downloaded the blueprint from the LORD. The Book of Chronicles has more details. Ahaz receives the architectural expertise from Assyria.
How much of what we do is pasted from Assyria? How much of what God has given us have we given to Assyria? Of course, by emptying God’s treasure house!
The thought behind this is that the Assyrian god has done wonders for his worshippers. Let’s borrow the experience; let’s borrow the success. Let’s improve the God of Abraham. If it works for Assyrians, it should work for us as well.
Ahaz follows the ways of the kings of Israel. Verse 3. And the kings of Israel, one after the other, all follow the example of Jeroboam, son of Nebat.
Jeroboam, son of Nebat, has featured in just about every chapter! He is the standard by which godliness is measured.
We must look hard into our cultural practices. Where are they coming from? Whatever we do in church, where is it coming from? If it’s a sin, it won’t change colors just because it has survived hundreds of years! Jeroboam’s sin remained a sin even after over a century of practice.
Ahaz imports pagan practices and designs into the temple of the LORD, like the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is clueless and zero on advanced architectural ideals! It’s a space to watch for every saint!
More resources, visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 