People & Characters

Ahaz

The 12th king of Judah, who reigned for 16 years and is remembered for his deep idolatry and for making an alliance with Assyria against God’s command.

Ahaz “did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord.” He made molten images for Baal, burned his own son as a sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom, and worshipped at high places. When Syria and Israel attacked Jerusalem, the prophet Isaiah offered Ahaz a sign from God, but Ahaz hypocritically refused, feigning piety. Instead, he stripped the Temple treasury to pay the king of Assyria for help, later adopting an Assyrian altar and replacing the Lord’s altar in the Temple.
Scripture References 3