2 Chronicles 28:22-23
In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the LORD—this same King Ahaz. For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus that had defeated him and said, “Because the gods of the kings of Syria helped them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me.” But they were the ruin of him and of all Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's so striking here isn't just King Ahaz's continued sin, but how the verse connects his distress directly to his increased faithlessness. This isn't a story of someone turning to God in tough times; it shows the opposite, that adversity made him lean harder into his misguided ways and away from God.
King Ahaz, facing invasion from the Syrians and Israelites, turned to idols and even sacrificed his sons, further alienating himself from God. Instead of seeking the LORD's help in his dire situation, he doubled down on his sinful actions, demonstrating a complete abandonment of his covenant with God. This descent into deeper faithlessness only worsened his kingdom's plight, setting the stage for further disaster.
It's easy to follow God when things are good. But what happens when life throws its worst at you? King Ahaz's story is a stark reminder that tough times can expose the deepest truths about our faith—or lack thereof.
The Unveiling Power of Crisis
Life's pressures have a way of revealing what's truly in our hearts. When King Ahaz faced invasion and defeat, the Scripture doesn't say he turned to God for help. Instead, it says he doubled down on his betrayal of the LORD.
This passage highlights a painful truth: adversity doesn't automatically lead people to God. Sometimes, it drives them further away, revealing a reliance on other 'gods' or strategies rather than the Almighty.
Ahaz’s reign was marked by idolatry and disobedience, even offering his own sons as sacrifices. When the pressure mounted, he didn’t repent; he deepened his sin, seeking help from the very powers that contributed to his downfall.
The verse says Ahaz became 'yet more faithless.' What does it mean to increase in faithlessness? It’s a slippery slope that leads away from God, not towards Him.
The Escalation of Disobedience
'Yet more faithless' isn't just a description of continued sin; it suggests an intensification. When we refuse to turn to God in our struggles, our disobedience can become more entrenched and desperate.
Instead of seeking solace and strength in the Lord, Ahaz sought help from the gods of the conquering nations. This was a profound act of spiritual adultery, deepening his alienation from the God who had the power to deliver him.
This 'more' faithlessness is dangerous because it can create a cycle: the more we run from God, the harder it becomes to turn back, as we become accustomed to leaning on worldly solutions and hardened in our unbelief.
Understand the original words
tsarah · Hebrew Noun
A state of being in dire straits, trouble, or confinement; in a biblical context, it often serves as a test of faith or a divine judgment meant to lead to repentance.
maal · Hebrew Verb
To act treacherously, break faith, or act unfaithfully against a covenant, particularly against God. It denotes a deliberate rebellion or betrayal of one's obligations to the Lord.
zabach · Hebrew Verb
The act of offering something to a deity to secure favor, appease wrath, or establish communion; in the Old Testament, it was strictly regulated for the worship of Yahweh but strictly forbidden when directed toward idols.
The verse describes Ahaz's response to the devastating Syro-Ephraimite War. Instead of turning to the LORD for help, he turned further to pagan idolatry and sought human alliances, illustrating a profound spiritual collapse during a time of national crisis.
c. 740 BC
Reign of King Pekah of Israel
Pekah, king of the northern Kingdom of Israel, forms an alliance with King Rezin of Syria. They attack Judah, seeking to overthrow Ahaz and install their own ruler.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War begins
The combined forces of Syria and Israel invade Judah, laying siege to Jerusalem. King Ahaz of Judah is terrified and seeks help from Assyria.
c. 733 BC
Assyrian King Tiglath-Pileser III intervenes
Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria, responding to Ahaz's plea and payment of tribute, invades Syria and northern Israel. He conquers many Israelite cities and deports their populations.
c. 732 BC— this verse
Fall of Damascus
Tiglath-Pileser III captures Damascus, the capital of Syria, ending the threat from Rezin. This also marks the effective end of the Syro-Ephraimite coalition against Judah.
This passage echoes the same theme of persistent unfaithfulness, describing how God's discipline didn't lead to repentance but further rebellion among His people.
Hosea 5:15This prophet laments that even in their suffering and dire need, Israel will not turn to God, highlighting a deep-seated spiritual sickness that Ahaz exemplifies.
Psalm 78:32-37This Psalm recounts how, despite God's mighty acts and their own suffering, the people repeatedly sinned and were false to their covenant, showing that Ahaz's behavior, though egregious, fits a pattern of human spiritual failure.
Proverbs 1:28-31This proverb warns that in times of trouble, those who have rejected wisdom and God's counsel will call out to Him, but He will not answer, illustrating the tragic outcome of a life lived in faithlessness like Ahaz's.
What's so striking here isn't just King Ahaz's continued sin, but how the verse connects his distress directly to his increased faithlessness. This isn't a story of someone turning to God in tough times; it shows the opposite, that adversity made him lean harder into his misguided ways and away from God.
King Ahaz, facing invasion from the Syrians and Israelites, turned to idols and even sacrificed his sons, further alienating himself from God. Instead of seeking the LORD's help in his dire situation, he doubled down on his sinful actions, demonstrating a complete abandonment of his covenant with God. This descent into deeper faithlessness only worsened his kingdom's plight, setting the stage for further disaster.
King Ahaz, facing invasion from the Syrians and Israelites, turned to idols and even sacrificed his sons, further alienating himself from God. Instead of seeking the LORD's help in his dire situation, he doubled down on his sinful actions, demonstrating a complete abandonment of his covenant with God. This descent into deeper faithlessness only worsened his kingdom's plight, setting the stage for further disaster.
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c. 730 BC
Ahaz's religious reforms
Following the invasion and devastation, King Ahaz introduces foreign religious practices into the Jerusalem Temple, even sacrificing his son to an idol, further deviating from God's commands.
"In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the LORD—this same King Ahaz. For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus that had defeated him and said, “Because the gods of the kings of Syria helped them, I will sacrifice to th…" — What's so striking here isn't just King Ahaz's continued sin, but how the verse connects his distress directly to his increased faithlessness. This isn't a story of someone turning to God in toug…
