Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God, as his father David had done,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to skim over the mention of David here, but it's a huge red flag. The text isn't just saying Ahaz wasn't like David, it's highlighting David as the gold standard for faithfulness, implicitly asking: "Why would anyone stray from that example?" This sets up a stark contrast and immediately tells us Ahaz's reign is going to be a downward spiral.
Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God, as his father David had done,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ahaz has just taken the throne of Judah after his father, Jotham, who was a relatively decent king. The books of Kings and Chronicles are now detailing the reigns of these Judean kings, and this passage is setting up Ahaz's story by immediately flagging him as a departure from faithfulness, unlike his ancestor David. This sets the stage for his disastrous reign, which is marked by idolatry and even sacrificing his own son to foreign gods, leading to Judah's further downfall and foreshadowing the coming Babylonian exile.
Every king was measured against David, the 'man after God's own heart.' For Ahaz, this comparison was not a badge of honor, but a stark indictment.
A Standard Set High
The Bible frequently uses King David as the benchmark for faithfulness. This wasn't just because David was a skilled warrior or a great king in worldly terms. It was because, despite his significant flaws, David consistently returned to God in repentance and sought to honor Him. This created a high standard for all future kings of Judah.
The Weight of Legacy
When the text says Ahaz 'did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God, as his father David had done,' it's highlighting a failure to emulate David's heart for God, not just his outward actions. Ahaz's reign is presented as a departure from this God-centered legacy.
The Bible is precise. The phrase 'the LORD his God' is used deliberately. What does this small possessive pronoun reveal about Ahaz's relationship with the Almighty?
More Than Just a Title
When Scripture says 'the LORD his God,' it’s not merely stating ownership or a general belief. It’s pointing to a covenant relationship that God had established with Israel and Judah. This was a relationship that demanded loyalty and obedience.
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A Failed Relationship
For Ahaz, this phrase serves as a painful reminder of his own personal failure. He had a God who was his, a God who had made promises and expected faithfulness in return. Yet, Ahaz actively chose not to do what was right. This wasn't an accidental oversight; it was a deliberate turning away from the God who was rightfully his.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of the God of Israel, YHWH, who reveals Himself to His people. It signifies His eternal self-existence, faithfulness, and personal relationship with His covenant people.
yashar · Hebrew Adjective
A standard of conduct or ethical behavior evaluated by God. In Scripture, it often refers to moral or spiritual conformity to God's revealed law or will.
David · Hebrew Proper Noun
In a royal context, it refers to the historical lineage of King David, establishing a theological benchmark for faithfulness to the Mosaic covenant. David serves as the standard against which subsequent kings of Judah are measured.
Ahaz's reign began during a period of regional instability and spiritual compromise in Judah, setting him up to fail in upholding the covenant faithfulness exemplified by his ancestor David.
c. 740 BC
Reign of Azariah/Uzziah ends
Azariah, a righteous king, reigned for a long period, but his pride led to his downfall and leprosy. This set the stage for his son Jotham to rule as regent.
c. 739 BC
Jotham begins sole reign
Jotham took over the full responsibilities of kingship. While generally seen as a good king, the biblical text notes that 'the people continued their corrupt practices.'
c. 732 BC— this verse
Accession of Ahaz
Ahaz became king at the young age of twenty. His reign would be marked by spiritual decay and political crisis, directly contrasting with the legacy of his ancestor David.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimitic War
Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel allied to attack Judah, intending to depose Ahaz and install their own king. Ahaz's fear and subsequent actions plunged Judah into further crisis.
c. 732 BC
Ahaz appeals to Assyria
Desperate, Ahaz paid tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for military aid, effectively making Judah a vassal state and bringing Assyrian influence directly into the region.
c. 727 BC
Reign of Ahaz ends
Ahaz died, leaving a legacy of religious corruption and political subjugation. His son Hezekiah, a much more righteous king, would inherit a difficult situation.
This verse immediately precedes Ahaz's reign and highlights his father Jotham's more righteous actions, setting up the stark contrast with Ahaz's spiritual decline.
2 Chronicles 28:1-4This passage echoes the description of Ahaz's wicked reign, specifically mentioning the idolatrous practices he introduced and the negative consequences that followed.
Deuteronomy 18:9-10This passage from the Law lays out the abominable practices (like child sacrifice and sorcery) that Ahaz engaged in, showing how directly he defied God's commands.
Isaiah 7:1-2This passage shows Ahaz facing military threats, a situation where a righteous king would turn to God, but Ahaz's subsequent actions reveal his lack of true faith and reliance on worldly alliances.
It's easy to skim over the mention of David here, but it's a huge red flag. The text isn't just saying Ahaz wasn't like David, it's highlighting David as the gold standard for faithfulness, implicitly asking: "Why would anyone stray from that example?" This sets up a stark contrast and immediately tells us Ahaz's reign is going to be a downward spiral.
Ahaz has just taken the throne of Judah after his father, Jotham, who was a relatively decent king. The books of Kings and Chronicles are now detailing the reigns of these Judean kings, and this passage is setting up Ahaz's story by immediately flagging him as a departure from faithfulness, unlike his ancestor David. This sets the stage for his disastrous reign, which is marked by idolatry and even sacrificing his own son to foreign gods, leading to Judah's further downfall and foreshadowing the coming Babylonian exile.
Ahaz has just taken the throne of Judah after his father, Jotham, who was a relatively decent king. The books of Kings and Chronicles are now detailing the reigns of these Judean kings, and this passage is setting up Ahaz's story by immediately flagging him as a departure from faithfulness, unlike his ancestor David. This sets the stage for his disastrous reign, which is marked by idolatry and even sacrificing his own son to foreign gods, leading to Judah's further downfall and foreshadowing the coming Babylonian exile.
"Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God, as his father David had done," — It's easy to skim over the mention of David here, but it's a huge red flag. The text isn't just saying Ahaz wasn't like David, it's highlighting David as the gold standard for faithfulness, impli…
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Last reviewed October 2026