2 Chronicles 28:2 – “He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and also made idols for worshiping the Baals.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse continues to describe the reign of Ahaz, the king of Judah. It reveals that Ahaz adopted the practices of the kings of Israel, specifically their idolatry. Israel, the northern kingdom, had long been associated with the worship of false gods, particularly Baal. By following these practices, Ahaz turned away from the worship of the one true God and led Judah into spiritual decline. The phrase “made idols for worshiping the Baals” shows that Ahaz not only participated in idolatry but actively promoted it by creating and worshiping idols. This choice had devastating effects on his kingdom, as it brought about God’s judgment and distanced the people from their covenant relationship with Him.

Historical Context

Ahaz ruled during a time when the kingdoms of Israel and Judah were divided. The northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen into idol worship, particularly after the reign of King Ahab, who introduced Baal worship on a large scale (1 Kings 16:30-33). Ahaz, rather than following the example of faithful kings like David or even his father Jotham, chose to mimic the idolatrous ways of Israel. This was especially tragic because Judah had traditionally remained more faithful to God, yet under Ahaz’s leadership, it was now following the same path of destruction as Israel. Ahaz’s decision to embrace idol worship wasn’t just a personal failure—it influenced the entire nation and led them further away from God.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the danger of turning away from God and adopting worldly or ungodly practices. Ahaz’s decision to follow the ways of the kings of Israel symbolizes a rejection of God’s authority and a preference for the values and customs of the surrounding nations. Theologically, it teaches that worshiping anything or anyone other than the true God is a grave sin. Idolatry is more than just worshiping a physical idol—it represents putting something or someone else in the place of God in our lives. This verse is a sobering reminder that when we place anything above our relationship with God, we are engaging in a form of idolatry, and it will lead to spiritual consequences.

Literary Analysis

The structure of this verse is straightforward but profound. The phrase “followed the ways of the kings of Israel” carries significant weight because Israel’s kings were almost universally known for their unfaithfulness to God. The comparison is deliberate, emphasizing how far Ahaz had fallen from the standards of righteousness. The mention of “the Baals” is also important. In ancient times, Baal was a prominent pagan deity worshiped by the surrounding nations. The plural form “Baals” suggests that Ahaz not only worshiped one false god but may have engaged in the worship of multiple idols, further deepening his rebellion against God.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 20:3-5: The first of the Ten Commandments warns against idolatry, emphasizing the importance of worshiping only God and not creating idols.
• 1 Kings 16:31-33: This passage describes King Ahab’s introduction of Baal worship in Israel, a practice Ahaz followed many years later.
• Deuteronomy 12:30-31: God warns His people not to follow the detestable practices of the nations around them, including idol worship.
• Romans 1:25: This New Testament verse speaks of people exchanging the truth of God for a lie and worshiping created things rather than the Creator, which is essentially what Ahaz did.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse serves as a warning about the subtle ways we can fall into modern forms of idolatry. While we may not be physically bowing down to statues, idolatry takes many forms—whether it’s the pursuit of wealth, power, status, or even the excessive value we place on relationships or material possessions. The choices we make reflect who or what we truly worship. Just as Ahaz chose to follow the corrupt practices of the surrounding nations, Christians must be careful not to adopt the values and idols of the culture around them. We are called to worship God alone and live by His standards, not those of the world.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Though this verse focuses on Ahaz’s disobedience, it indirectly points to the love and patience of God. Despite Ahaz’s rebellion and the idolatry of Judah, God did not abandon His people. He continually sent prophets, like Isaiah, to warn them and call them back to Him. God’s love is not compromised by human sin; rather, it is shown in His constant desire to bring people back to Him. Even when we turn away, God’s love remains, waiting for us to repent and return. In Ahaz’s case, God’s judgment eventually came, but it was always tempered with the hope of redemption for those who would repent and seek Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus Christ by highlighting the failure of human kings and the need for a perfect, righteous leader. Ahaz, like many of the kings of Israel and Judah, failed to lead the people in worship of the true God. This pattern of failure points to the need for a Savior who would perfectly obey God and lead His people in truth. Jesus is the fulfillment of that need. He is the King who never strayed from God’s commands and who perfectly resisted the temptation to worship anything other than His Father (Matthew 4:8-10). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus breaks the power of sin and idolatry, offering forgiveness and a new way of life for all who follow Him (Romans 6:6-7).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What modern forms of idolatry do you think Christians struggle with today?
2. How can we guard against the temptation to follow the ways of the world rather than the ways of God?
3. In what ways do you see God’s patience and love even in the midst of human disobedience?
4. How does Jesus’ perfect obedience encourage you when you struggle with sin or idolatry in your own life?
5. What steps can you take to ensure that you are worshiping God alone and not placing other things above Him in your life?

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of turning away from God and following the world’s ways. It calls us to examine our own hearts, repent of any idols, and renew our commitment to worshiping the one true God, following the example of Christ, our perfect King.