We now reach the history of Ahaz who seems to have despised the record of his father and grandfather and other kings more godly, in the royal line springing from David, for he adopted the abominations of the heathen, walking in the ways of the kings of Israel, and it may be, outdoing them in evil.
Against him came the kings of Syria and Israel, and though they could not overcome Ahaz, they carried away many captives, besides killing many of his fighting men. The captives were restored to Judah, but Ahaz was attacked by one enemy after another, and at last he appealed to the mighty king of Assyria to come to his aid.
Assyria was a new power, gaining strength as Israel went down. It was soon to crush Israel, and threaten Judah, because of their forsaking God.
The reign of Ahaz, given in much detail in both our chapter and in 2 Chronicles 28, was the worst of any thus far of the kings of Judah. Turning away from the true God, he did much to hasten the storm of divine judgment now long gathering upon the land. Linked with the rising Gentile power, this son of David, forgot all the precepts of God's Word; brought in the style of a heathen altar, and mingled the worship of God with that of demons.
What shall we say to all this? Was it with Ahaz, the lack of a proper environment, as some say; or of an honorable parentage,—a creditable family history? None of these. The heart of man is deceitful above all things, and led of Satan, will pass all bounds. The marvelous thing is, the grace of God, His forbearance, in the face of a rising tide of evil. How will this history of Israel end? The Word of God shows; and it shows too, the end of the history of man (see Revelation 20).
Today salvation is offered; tomorrow— that great tomorrow whose other name is ETERNITY—where will you be, Christless soul ?
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door"—won't you open the door of your heart, sinner, to Jesus the Saviour ?