2 Chronicles 28
Meaning of 2 Chronicles 28
2 Chronicles 28 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible that records the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, who is described as unfaithful and wicked.
The chapter consists of three main sections: first, Ahaz’s idolatrous practices and the severe consequences which resulted; second, the capture and eventual release of Judahites by Israel; and third, Ahaz’s further unfaithfulness to God in seeking Assyria’s aid.
The chapter begins by explaining that Ahaz did not follow the righteous ways of his ancestor David. Instead, he worshipped idols and even sacrificed his sons in the fire, following detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites.
Because of Ahaz’s unfaithfulness, the Lord allowed the northern kingdom of Israel and other nations to defeat Judah, resulting in great loss and suffering. The Israelites took many people from Judah captive, but a prophet named Oded warned them not to keep their fellow countrymen as slaves. The Israelites heeded the prophet’s words and released the captives, showing mercy and kindness despite the warfare.
In the face of these calamities, Ahaz did not turn back to God but instead sought help from Assyria. However, the kings of Assyria did not help him; instead, they caused more distress for him and Judah. The chapter ends with Ahaz’s death and his son Hezekiah’s succession.
The overall theme of this chapter is the dreadful consequences of unfaithfulness to God, emphasizing the significance of obedience and righteousness in the sight of God.
2 Chronicles 28 kjv
2 Chronicles 28 is a chapter of the Bible in the Old Testament and is part of a series of books known as the Historical Books. This chapter, written in the King James Version (KJV), discusses the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, his idolatry, and the consequences that followed.
Here is a summary of 2 Chronicles 28:
1. King Ahaz begins ruling Judah at the age of 20, his reign lasting 16 years. However, unlike his forefather David, Ahaz does not please God; he follows the corrupt practices of the kings of Israel and worships the idol Baal.
2. Ahaz’s idolatry extends to even sacrificing his own children by fire following the abhorrent practices of the nations the Lord had previously evicted from the region.
3. The result of Ahaz’s disobedience and idolatry is that God allows Judah to fall into the hands of their enemies. He is delivered into the hands of the kings of Aram who defeated him and took many of his subjects as prisoners to Damascus. Moreover, he is also delivered into the hands of the King of Israel, Pekah, who kills many people in Judah.
4. A prophet named Oded warns the Israelites that their treatment of the Judean prisoners is wrong. Hearing his words, some leaders stand up against the army and ensure the prisoners are cared for and returned to their homes in Judah.
5. Despite his many defeats, Ahaz doesn’t turn to God and instead seeks help from the Assyrian kings by offering the gold and silver from the temple of God. The Assyrian kings betray Ahaz instead of aiding him.
6. In his time of trouble, Ahaz becomes increasingly unfaithful to the Lord. He sacrifices to the gods of Damascus and begins to shut the doors of the temple of God, setting up his own altars in every street corner in Jerusalem.
7. Ahaz dies and is buried in the city of Jerusalem but not in the tomb of the kings. His son Hezekiah, who has a much more faithful and significant reign, succeeds him.
Therefore, the story of Ahaz in 2 Chronicles 28 serves as an important reminder of the dire consequences of turning away from God, indulging in idolatry, and refusing to turn back in times of adversity.
2 Chronicles 28 nkjv
2 Chronicles Chapter 28 in the New King James Version (NKJV) discusses the reign of Ahaz, who became the king of Judah at the age of 20.
The chapter starts by mentioning that Ahaz did not follow the ways of God, unlike his forefather David. Instead, he embraced the practices of the kings of Israel, even making molten images for Baal and burning his children in sacrificial fire following the abhorrent practices of the nations that God had dispossessed for the Israelites. This contradicted God’s laws.
Due to Ahaz’s unfaithfulness, the Lord allowed Judah to suffer various defeats. First, the Lord delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria, and a large portion of his men were killed. Then, Israelites (under the rule of Pekah, Son of Remaliah) killed 120,000 valiant men of Judah in one day as a consequence of their departure from God. In this war, an Israelite named Zichri killed Maaseiah, who was the king’s son, Azrikam, governor of the house, and Elkanah, who was second to the king. The Israelites took captive 200,000 women and children, and immense spoil, and brought them to Samaria.
However, a prophet Oded warned them that captives should be released because their actions would bring God’s wrath upon them. They clothed the captives, gave them food and drink, and escorted them safely back before returning to Samaria.
Despite these lessons, Ahaz continued to disobey God, seeking the help of the king of Assyria; however, this only brought him distress. Furthermore, Ahaz took idols from Damascus after they defeated him, as he was impressed by their gods, leading to further idol worship.
The chapter concludes by mentioning Ahaz’s death and his burial that was not honored in the tombs of the kings of Israel.
This chapter emphasizes the dire consequences of forsaking God and turning towards idolatry and other wrongful deeds. It shows how God allows the enemies to overpower when one doesn’t comply with His laws.
2 Chronicles 28 niv
2 Chronicles 28 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible. This chapter is set in the southern kingdom of Judah, during the reign of King Ahaz.
In the NIV (New International Version) translation, the chapter begins by providing a background of King Ahaz, saying he became king when he was 20 years old and ruled in Jerusalem for 16 years.
However, unlike his ancestor David, Ahaz did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord (verse 1). Instead, he followed the pagan practices of the kings of Israel, even going so far as to make metal images for worshiping the Baals, offering sacrifices in high places, on the hills, and under every green tree (verses 2-4).
In addition, Ahaz also led Judah to commit many sins, causing the anger of the Lord to be against Judah and Jerusalem (verse 5). Because of this, Ahaz’s kingdom was defeated by the king of Syria and a large number of his people were taken captive (verse 5). His kingdom was also defeated by the king of Israel, Pekah, who killed 120,000 valiant soldiers of Judah in one day (verses 6-7).
Despite their victory, the Israelites were warned by a prophet named Oded against holding their captured brethren as slaves, reminding them that they too have sinned against the Lord (verses 8-11). Hearing this, some of the Israelite leaders rebelled against the decision to enslave the captives, causing the captives and spoils to be returned (verses 12-15).
The chapter also tells of Ahaz’s desperate alliances. As things grew worse, Ahaz sent for help to the kings of Assyria, desecrating the Temple and giving the treasures of the kingdom as a tribute, but this did not help him (verses 20-21).
Ahaz further angered God by turning to the gods of Damascus, who he believed had helped the Syrians. He made offerings to these gods, hoping they would help him. But they were his and the whole kingdom’s downfall (verses 22-23).
Ahaz died and his son Hezekiah took the throne (verses 26-27).
This chapter focuses on the tragic consequences of abandoning faith in God and seeking help in human alliances and foreign deities. Ahaz’s misrule leads to military disaster, loss of national autonomy, sacrilege, idolatry, and moral decay, demonstrating how unfaithfulness can lead to personal and national disaster.
What is 2 Chronicles 28 all about?
2 Chronicles 28 is a chapter from the Old Testament in the Bible. The main focus of this chapter is the reign of King Ahaz of Judah and the events that happened during that time.
The chapter starts by informing the reader that Ahaz became the king of Judah at the age of 20 and reigned in Jerusalem for 16 years. He didn’t do “what was right in the sight of the LORD”, unlike his forefather David. Instead, he followed the ways of the kings of Israel and also made cast idols for worshipping Baals. He took part in practices like sacrificing in the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree which were considered sinful in meaning with the LORD.
Due to his actions and practices, the Lord his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria. They defeated him and took a great multitude of them captive and brought them to Damascus. He also got delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who inflicted heavy casualties.
The Israelites kept 200,000 women, sons, and daughters from Judah captive but with the intervention of the prophet Oded and few of the leaders in Ephraim, they returned them to their brethren back in Judah.
Even in these distressing times, King Ahaz didn’t turn away from his ways. Instead, he sought the assistance of the kings of Assyria. But they didn’t help him and this just further destabilized his kingdom and his reign. In his time of trouble, he actually became more unfaithful to the LORD.
Towards the final part of the chapter, it is said that King Ahaz made cuts in the articles of the house of God and shut up the doors of the Lord’s temple, and made for himself altars in every corner of Jerusalem. He started to worship foreign gods which further kindled the anger of the LORD.
At the end of his reign, he died and was buried in the city of Jerusalem but not in the tombs of the kings of Israel. His son Hezekiah succeeded him as king.
In overall summary, this chapter provides a brittle account of the religious and political failings of King Ahaz, demonstrating the negative consequences for him and his kingdom due to his unfaithful acts against the LORD.
What does 2 Chronicles 28 teaches?
2 Chronicles 28 is set during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, who is portrayed as a wicked ruler who led the Israelites astray with his idolatrous practices. This chapter explores themes of disobedience, repentance, and God’s justice and mercy.
Disobedience: Ahaz, although from the Davidic line, did not continue the pleasing ways to God as David did. He worshipped false idols, even to the point of sacrificing his own children. His apostasy led not only himself astray, but the entire kingdom of Judah.
God’s Justice and Retribution: As a result of Judah’s sins under Ahaz’s rule, God allowed them to be defeated by their enemies to include the Israelites (under King Pekah), the Syrians, Edomites, and Philistines. The Israelites even took numerous Judeans captive, intending to make them slaves.
Repentance and Mercy: However, when the Israelites sought to enslave their brethren, a prophet named Oded intervened. He warned them that their intentions were sinful, and would invite God’s wrath. The leaders of Ephraim also agreed with Oded, stating it was wrong to worsen Judah’s suffering. They clothed, fed, and returned the Judean captives. This shows that even during punishment, God shows mercy and provides opportunities for repentance.
In essence, 2 Chronicles 28 teaches about the significant consequences of straying away from God’s commands, the importance of repentance, and understanding the great mercy of God.
A Sermon on 2 Chronicles 28
2 Chronicles 28 recounts the reign of Ahaz king of Judah, who is portrayed as deeply flawed and unfaithful to God. This chapter provides a sobering lesson on the consequences of disobedience and idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God.
Verses 1 to 4 delineate the negative aspects of Ahaz’s reign. Unlike his father, Jotham, who did what was right in the sight of God, Ahaz chose to walk in the ways of the wicked kings of Israel, indulging in idolatry and even sacrificing his own sons in the fire, presumably to pagan gods.
Verses 5 to 8 detail the disastrous consequences of Ahaz’s unfaithfulness. God delivered Ahaz and Judah into the hands of their enemies, the Syrians and Israelites, causing significant loss of life and wealth. This section serves to illustrate the severe impacts of turning away from God.
Verse 9 to 15 tell of a prophet named Oded who warned the Israelites against treating their Judean relatives too harshly, reminding them of their own unfaithfulness to God. Heeding his words, some heads of the Israelites took measures to care for the prisoners and return them to their homes. This division reveals God’s mercy and his use of prophets to mitigate the harshness of His judgments.
Finally, verses 16 to 27 narrate the continued unfaithfulness of Ahaz, even in the face of all these events. Rather than turning to God, he sought help from the kings of Assyria and even further encouraged idolatrous worship in Judah. His reign ends in disgrace, without even a proper burial.
A potential message of a sermon based on this chapter might stress the importance of faithfulness to God, even (and especially) in times of trouble. It could serve as a reminder to listeners of the spiritual and earthly consequences of turning away from God’s guidance and blessings to rely on their own understanding or worldly powers. It might also emphasize God’s continuing mercy, even to those who have disobeyed him, in the hope of their repentance.
Key people in 2 Chronicles 28
There are two primary individuals mentioned in the Book of 2 Chronicles Chapter 28, which is part of the Old Testament of the Bible:
1. Ahaz: The King of Judah, who ascended to the throne at the age of 20 and reigned for 16 years. Ahaz was known as one of the wicked kings in the Bible, as he did not do what was right in the eyes of God. He assembled and worshipped other gods like the Baals and even took the drastic step of sacrificing his own sons in fire, following the detestable ways of the nations. His reign was marked by poor leadership, apostasy, and military defeat.
2. Tiglath-Pileser: The King of Assyria who Ahaz called on for help during a particularly trying time. Ahaz stripped the Lord’s Temple and his own palace of their treasures to pay tribute to Tiglath-Pileser. However, instead of helping as expected, Tiglath-Pileser distressed Ahaz and his kingdom.
This chapter also mentions the Kings of Israel and the commanders of the invading Aramean forces, who were responsible for the defeat and heavy losses of Judah. However, their specific names are not given in this chapter.
Real world examples on 2 Chronicles 28
2 Chronicles 28 showcases the story of a king named Ahaz who did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord. As a result, he suffered serious consequences. This chapter also covers how despite being defeated and in a difficult situation, God’s mercy holds and turns harmful situations into two major teachings.
1. Consequences of Wrong Actions: The reign of King Ahaz can serve as a metaphor for leadership, in any context. If a leader sets a bad example or acts against what is considered morally and ethically right, they may face consequences such as loss of respect, credibility, or even their position. Ahaz’s idolatrous acts led to several defeats for Judah, which can be compared to how an organization or country might suffer due to dishonest or corrupt leadership.
2. Compassion Over Victory: After King Ahaz was defeated and many people from Judah were carried off, a prophet named Oded stepped up. He urged the victorious Israelites to show mercy – reminding them that they were all brothers. The leaders took this to heart, clothed those who were naked, provided food, drink, and healing, and safely returned them. This teaches that even in victory, it’s important to show kindness and compassion to those who have been defeated. This could be applied in business (not taking advantage of a competitor’s failure), in personal relationships (showing kindness to someone even when you’ve had an argument), and more.
These teachings from 2 Chronicles 28 can very much be applied to improve leadership and relations in the real world.
Brief Explanation of 2 Chronicles 28
2 Chronicles 28 focuses on the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, who ruled for 16 years. Unlike his forefather David, Ahaz did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord. He engaged in idolatrous practices, even offering his children as sacrifices in the fire, following the despicable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out from before the Israelites.
Because of Ahaz’s wickedness, God allowed Judah to be invaded by their enemies. The Israelites fought against Judah, killing numerous royal family members and officials, as well as taking many captives to Samaria. However, a prophet named Oded warned the Israelites against keeping their own kindred as slaves, and the captives were sent back to Judah, after being clothed, fed, and healed.
During his terrible reign, King Ahaz sought help from Assyria against his enemies, but the Assyrians instead oppressed him without giving any help. Despite his ongoing troubles, Ahaz continued to act against God by sacrificing to the gods of Damascus.
The chapter ends with Ahaz’s death and his son Hezekiah succeeding him. Notably, Ahaz was not buried with the other kings of Israel due to his wickedness during his reign.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Chronicles 28
Sure, here are some frequently asked questions about 2 Chronicles 28:
1. Who is Ahaz?
– Ahaz, also known as King Ahaz, is a significant character in 2 Chronicles 28. Ahaz was the king of Judah, who didn’t follow the righteous path of his father Jotham. Instead, he worshipped idols and according to the Bible, did “not do what was right in the eye of the Lord.”
2. What are the key events in 2 Chronicles 28?
– King Ahaz’s reign is characterized by idolatry and injustice, which angered the Lord. Due to this, the Lord delivered Judah into the hands of their enemies: the kings of Aram and Israel. Despite severe losses, Ahaz continued in his idolatrous practices.
3. Why was King Ahaz so significant?
– Despite being a king, Ahaz was not a righteous ruler. His actions and dismissive attitude towards God’s commands offer lessons about disobedience. His reign is also a reminder of how God uses other nations as instruments of judgment.
4. What was the consequence of King Ahaz’s disobedience?
– As a result of Ahaz’s disobedience, the nation of Judah was defeated by Israel and Aram. Many people were taken as prisoners, and much damage was done to the land.
5. What lesson can we learn from 2 Chronicles 28?
– The overarching lesson from 2 Chronicles 28 is the consequences of disobeying God. Despite having the divine right of kingship, King Ahaz chose to disobey the commands of the Lord, leading to the punishment of his people. The story serves as a warning to those who choose to do evil in the sight of the Lord.
Remember, these interpretations can be understood differently based on individual spiritual beliefs and personal faith journey. It’s always best to read the Bible and meditate on its message directly.
Possible References for 2 Chronicles 28
2 Chronicles 28 is a chapter from the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically from the book of 2 Chronicles. It discusses the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, his idolatrous practices, and the subsequent problems that occurred in his kingdom as a result. Here are the main possible references from this chapter:
1. The Unsuccessful Reign of Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:1-4): These initial verses speak about King Ahaz’s reign, emphasizing his young age as he began leadership, and his idolatrous practices, which included child sacrifice.
2. Judah’s Defeat by Israel and Syria (2 Chronicles 28:5-15): These verses highlight the defeat of Judah by the Israelites and Syrians because of King Ahaz’s disobedience to God. Israelites took many inhabitants of Judah as captive slaves but later, under the prophetic counsel of Oded, they released the captives and provided them with aid.
3. Ahaz Seeking Help from Assyria (2 Chronicles 28:16-21): In these verses, King Ahaz, instead of seeking help from God, asks Tiglath Pileser, the king of Assyria, for assistance. Ahaz provides the king with significant payments, essentially stripping the Lord’s temple and his treasuries to fulfill this request. However, this does not help him; the Assyrians distress him instead of strengthening him.
4. Ahaz’s Idolatry and Death (2 Chronicles 28:22-27): The final verses discuss how Ahaz continued his idolatrous practices, even making altars throughout Jerusalem and offering sacrifices at high places, exacerbating the problems of his kingdom instead of alleviating them. The verses conclude describing his death and the fact that he was not buried in the royal tombs.
These references collectively speak to the problems that can occur as a result of idolatry and making alliances with powerful people rather than relying on faith in God.
Conclusion on 2 Chronicles 28
2 Chronicles 28 tells the story of Ahaz, King of Judah, who did not uphold the righteousness and faithfulness God expected of him. He worshipped idols and led people into such practices, even sacrificing his own sons in pagan rituals. This resulted in Judah being delivered into the hands of their enemies.
Although they were enemies, the Prophet Oded of Israel instructed the Israelites not to keep their Judean brothers as slaves. Moved by this prophecy, some leaders of Israel took it upon themselves to clothe and feed the prisoners of war and arranged their safe return to Jericho.
The conclusion discusses how Ahaz, instead of turning back to God during these tough times, sought help from the kings of Assyria who eventually distressed him instead of strengthening him. Despite all his conflict and tribulations, Ahaz did not seek the Lord’s help and persisted in his idol worship. When he died, he wasn’t honored like the kings before him and was not buried in the tombs of the kings.
This chapter illustrates the moral and spiritual degradation that results from turning away from God, pointing out the consequences of unfaithfulness and disobedience to God, as demonstrated by Ahaz’s rule. Consequently, it highlights the importance of faith, obedience and dependence on God.