Ahaz came to the throne aged 20 and reigned for 16 years, but he did evil in the sight of the Lord. He strongly involved himself in paganism, Baal worship and infant sacrifice. In the light of this God delivered him into the hand of the Arameans and they took many prisoners to Damascus. He also was given into the hands of the Israelites and Judah suffered heavy casualties. In one day 120,000 Judean soldiers were killed and the Israelites took captive 200,000 Judean wives and children plus lots of plunder. However God was angered by these kidnappings and called for their return. Then some of the leaders confronted those returning from battles in Judah concerning their treatment of the people of Judah and they clothed the naked, gave them food and drink and healing balm.
Then King Ahaz asked the Assyrians for help. The Edomites attacked Judah again and carried away prisoners, and the Philistines also raided towns. Thus the Lord had humbled Judah because king Ahaz had promoted wickedness in Judah. Yet Ahaz's attitude only got worse, his unfaithfulness to the Lord increased as he offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus. Ahaz became increasingly pagan and opposed to the temple of God which greatly angered the Lord. Then Ahaz died and his son Hezekiah replaced him.
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ReplyDeleteRoberto Tiburtino da Silva.