Overview

Second Chronicles 28 recounts the reign of Ahaz, king of Judah, a period marked by spiritual and political decline. Ahaz was one of the most ungodly kings in Judah’s history, rejecting the Lord’s commands and leading the nation into idolatry. Unlike his father Jotham, who walked faithfully with God, Ahaz adopted the practices of the surrounding nations, including child sacrifice and idol worship, desecrating the temple and turning the people away from God.

Ahaz’s rebellion against God brought devastating consequences for Judah. The nation suffered military defeats at the hands of the Arameans and the Israelites, and thousands were taken captive. Yet, even in the face of these judgments, God showed mercy by sending the prophet Oded to call Israel to repentance and prevent further oppression of Judah’s captives. The chapter concludes with Ahaz’s refusal to repent, his further desecration of the temple, and his reliance on foreign alliances, which only worsened Judah’s condition. Ahaz’s reign serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God and the dangers of seeking security apart from Him.

The theological significance of this chapter lies in its depiction of human rebellion and divine mercy. Ahaz’s idolatry and defiance demonstrate the depths of human sin, while God’s interventions through prophets and acts of mercy highlight His justice and grace. The narrative warns against the spiritual dangers of compromise and self-reliance, pointing to the need for repentance and trust in God’s sovereignty.

Historical and Literary Context

Second Chronicles 28 is set during the divided monarchy, with Ahaz ruling over Judah while Pekah ruled over Israel and Rezin ruled over Aram (Syria). This period was fraught with political instability, military conflicts, and spiritual apostasy. Ahaz’s reign (c. 732–716 BC) coincided with the rise of the Assyrian Empire, which posed a significant threat to the region. Instead of relying on God for protection, Ahaz turned to Assyria for help, paying tribute and desecrating the temple to fund his alliance. This decision ultimately weakened Judah and brought further judgment upon the nation.

Literarily, this chapter contrasts Ahaz’s unfaithfulness with the mercy of God, who intervenes through the prophet Oded to prevent Israel from further oppressing Judah’s captives. The Chronicler’s focus on Ahaz’s idolatry and Judah’s suffering underscores the theological theme that rebellion against God leads to judgment, while repentance and obedience bring restoration. The chapter also serves as a continuation of the Chronicler’s broader narrative, which highlights the faithfulness of God to His covenant people, even when they fail to remain faithful to Him.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

The sovereignty of God is a central theme in 2 Chronicles 28, as He allows Judah to suffer defeat as a consequence of Ahaz’s rebellion. This demonstrates that God is in control of history, using even foreign nations to accomplish His purposes and discipline His people. Yet, His sovereignty is tempered by His mercy, as seen in His intervention through the prophet Oded to protect Judah’s captives.

The consequences of sin are vividly depicted in Ahaz’s reign. His idolatry and defiance of God’s commands led to national suffering, military defeats, and spiritual decline. This theme underscores the biblical teaching that sin brings judgment and separation from God, while obedience leads to blessing and restoration.

The grace of God is evident in His provision of prophetic warnings and acts of mercy. Despite Ahaz’s unfaithfulness, God intervenes to prevent further harm to Judah, showing that His covenant love endures even in the face of human rebellion.

The necessity of repentance is another key theme. Ahaz’s refusal to repent and his continued pursuit of idolatry highlight the futility of seeking security apart from God. This theme points to the importance of turning back to God in humility and faith, trusting in His provision and sovereignty.

Ultimately, this chapter sets the stage for the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the perfect King who would restore what human kings like Ahaz had broken. Christ’s obedience, sacrifice, and reign contrast sharply with Ahaz’s rebellion, offering hope and restoration to all who trust in Him.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Verse 1-2

“Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and also made idols for worshiping the Baals.”

Ahaz’s reign is introduced with a stark contrast to David, the model of faithfulness to God. Ahaz’s unfaithfulness is highlighted as he followed the practices of the kings of Israel, who were notorious for their idolatry. His construction of idols for the worship of Baal reflects his complete rejection of God’s covenant and commands.

Doctrinal Insight: God’s standard for leadership requires obedience to His Word, as demonstrated by David’s faithfulness (Psalm 78:70-72). Turning away from God leads to spiritual corruption and judgment.

Application: Reflect on areas in your life where you may be tempted to compromise your faith. Commit to walking in obedience to God, following the example of Christ, the ultimate King.

Verse 3

“He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites.”

Ahaz’s idolatry reached its peak in the practice of child sacrifice, which was strictly forbidden by God (Leviticus 18:21). The Valley of Ben Hinnom became a symbol of judgment and desolation, later associated with the concept of Gehenna (hell) in the New Testament. Ahaz’s actions reflect the spiritual and moral decay of Judah under his leadership.

Cross-Reference: Deuteronomy 12:31 warns against adopting the detestable practices of other nations, emphasizing that God’s people are to remain holy and separate from such sin.

Application: Examine your life for influences or practices that conflict with God’s holiness. Reject anything that compromises your witness or devotion to Him.

Verse 5

“Therefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hands of the king of Aram. The Arameans defeated him and took many of his people as prisoners and brought them to Damascus. He was also given into the hands of the king of Israel, who inflicted heavy casualties on him.”

This verse connects Ahaz’s rebellion to God’s judgment. The defeats suffered by Judah at the hands of Aram and Israel illustrate the consequences of turning away from God. These military losses are not merely political events but divine acts of discipline intended to call Ahaz and Judah to repentance.

Doctrinal Insight: God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). His judgments are meant to correct and restore, not merely to punish.

Application: When you face challenges or consequences due to sin, view them as opportunities to repent and return to God. Trust in His mercy and desire for restoration.

Verse 9-11

“But a prophet of the Lord named Oded was there, and he went out to meet the army when it returned to Samaria. He said to them: ‘Because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, was angry with Judah, he gave them into your hand. But you have slaughtered them in a rage that reaches to heaven. And now you intend to make the men and women of Judah and Jerusalem your slaves. But aren’t you also guilty of sins against the Lord your God? Now listen to me! Send back your fellow Israelites you have taken as prisoners, for the Lord’s fierce anger rests on you.’”

Oded’s prophetic intervention demonstrates God’s mercy and justice. While Judah’s defeat was a result of God’s judgment, Israel’s excessive cruelty and intention to enslave their fellow Israelites provoked God’s anger. Oded’s message calls Israel to repentance and reminds them of their own guilt before God.

Cross-Reference: Micah 6:8 emphasizes the importance of acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Israel’s treatment of Judah violated these principles.

Application: When you have authority or power, use it justly and mercifully. Be mindful of your own need for repentance and God’s grace when addressing the faults of others.

Verse 16

“At that time King Ahaz sent to the kings of Assyria for help.”

Instead of turning to God in repentance, Ahaz sought help from Assyria, placing his trust in human alliances rather than in the Lord. This decision reflects his spiritual blindness and misplaced priorities.

Cross-Reference: Psalm 20:7 contrasts trust in human strength with reliance on God, declaring, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

Application: In times of trouble, examine where you place your trust. Turn to God first for guidance, provision, and deliverance rather than relying solely on worldly solutions.

Verse 22

“In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord.”

Ahaz’s response to adversity was not repentance but increased defiance. Instead of turning back to God, he further entrenched himself in idolatry and rebellion, demonstrating the hardness of his heart.

Doctrinal Insight: Adversity can either draw people closer to God or reveal the depth of their rebellion. The Bible calls believers to respond to trials with faith and humility (James 1:2-4).

Application: When facing challenges, consider how you can grow closer to God through them. Pray for a heart that remains soft and responsive to His leading.

Verse 24

“Ahaz gathered together the furnishings from the temple of God and cut them in pieces. He shut the doors of the Lord’s temple and set up altars at every street corner in Jerusalem.”

Ahaz’s desecration of the temple symbolizes his complete rejection of God. By shutting the temple doors and promoting idolatry, he led Judah into deeper spiritual darkness. This act highlights the devastating impact of ungodly leadership on a nation.

Cross-Reference: Ezekiel 8:6 describes the defilement of God’s temple as a grievous sin, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth.

Application: Reflect on the centrality of worship in your life. Keep your heart as a temple dedicated to God, free from idols and distractions.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Second Chronicles 28 starkly portrays the depths of human sinfulness through the reign of Ahaz and highlights the devastating consequences of rejecting God’s covenant. Ahaz’s rebellion, idolatry, and reliance on human alliances demonstrate the brokenness of human leadership and the futility of seeking salvation apart from God. This chapter underscores the need for a Savior who not only leads perfectly but also redeems humanity from sin. Jesus Christ fulfills this need as the ultimate King, whose obedience to the Father stands in stark contrast to Ahaz’s disobedience. Where Ahaz desecrated the temple and led Judah into spiritual ruin, Christ cleansed the temple and pointed people to true worship in spirit and truth.

Ahaz’s failure to turn to God in his distress also points to humanity’s inability to save itself. Jesus, on the other hand, provides the way of salvation through His death and resurrection, reconciling sinful humanity to God. The prophet Oded’s intervention on behalf of Judah’s captives foreshadows the role of Christ as the ultimate intercessor, who stands in the gap to secure freedom for the oppressed and bring restoration to the broken. The chapter reminds readers that redemption comes not through human efforts or alliances but through God’s grace, fully revealed in Jesus Christ.

How the Chapter Connects to the Father

This chapter reveals the Father’s justice and mercy. The suffering Judah experiences under Ahaz’s reign reflects the Father’s righteous judgment against sin. By allowing Judah to face defeat and oppression, the Father calls His people to recognize their need for repentance and return to Him. Despite their rebellion, the Father’s mercy is evident in His provision of the prophet Oded, who intercedes for the captives and prevents further harm to Judah. This act of mercy underscores the Father’s covenant faithfulness, even when His people are unfaithful.

The Father’s sovereignty is also evident in His control over historical events. The military defeats and the actions of the surrounding nations serve as instruments of His discipline, reminding Judah and all readers that God is ultimately in control of history. His desire for His people to worship Him alone and to walk in obedience reflects His unchanging character as a holy and loving God who desires relationship with His creation.

How the Chapter Connects to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit’s work can be seen in the prophetic ministry of Oded, who courageously confronts the leaders of Israel and calls them to repentance. The Spirit empowers Oded to deliver a message of justice and mercy, reflecting the Spirit’s role in convicting of sin and guiding God’s people back to righteousness. The Spirit’s influence is also implicit in the broader narrative, as the consequences of Ahaz’s rebellion highlight humanity’s need for transformation, which the Spirit accomplishes in the hearts of believers.

The Spirit’s work of renewal and restoration stands in contrast to the spiritual decay of Ahaz’s reign. Where Ahaz’s idolatry led to the desecration of the temple and the spread of sin, the Spirit rebuilds and sanctifies God’s people, preparing them as a dwelling place for His presence. This chapter points to the Spirit’s ongoing role in convicting, transforming, and guiding believers into a life of holiness and faithful worship.

Connection to God’s Love

Second Chronicles 28 reveals God’s love through His patience and mercy, even in the face of Judah’s rebellion. Despite Ahaz’s idolatry and defiance, God does not abandon His people but continues to provide opportunities for repentance and restoration. The intervention of Oded to prevent the oppression of Judah’s captives is a clear expression of God’s care and covenant faithfulness, showing that He does not delight in judgment but desires mercy and justice.

God’s love is also evident in His discipline, which is designed to draw His people back to Him. The suffering Judah experiences serves as a wake-up call, reminding them of their dependence on God and the futility of turning to idols or foreign alliances. This chapter ultimately points to the fullness of God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ, who bore the consequences of humanity’s sin and provided the way for eternal restoration. Through Christ, God’s love reaches its pinnacle, offering forgiveness, redemption, and hope to all who turn to Him in faith.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “Lessons from Ahaz: Rejecting Rebellion, Embracing Redemption”
Big Idea: Turning away from God leads to destruction, but His mercy and love continually call us back to repentance and restoration.

Introduction

• Hook: Begin with a modern example of someone who sought success through the wrong means, only to face the consequences of their choices—such as a businessperson who cut corners or an athlete who relied on performance-enhancing substances.
• Transition: Ahaz’s reign is a tragic story of rebellion against God and its consequences. Yet, even in his unfaithfulness, we see God’s mercy and faithfulness at work. What can we learn from Ahaz’s mistakes about the dangers of sin and the hope found in God’s redemption?
• Big Question: How can we avoid the spiritual pitfalls of rebellion, live faithfully for God, and trust in His grace for restoration?

Main Points

I. The Devastation of Rebellion (Verses 1-5)

• Explanation: Ahaz rejected God’s commands, leading Judah into idolatry and moral decay. His rebellion brought military defeat, suffering, and separation from God’s blessings.
• Transition: Rebellion against God may seem appealing initially, but it ultimately leads to brokenness and destruction. How can we guard against this in our own lives?
• Application: Reflect on areas of your life where you may be resisting God’s authority. Confess and surrender those areas to Him, trusting in His wisdom and plan.
• Illustration: Compare rebellion to a plant refusing water from its gardener. Just as the plant withers without water, our lives dry up when we reject the life-giving guidance of God.

II. The Danger of Misplaced Trust (Verses 16-22)

• Explanation: Instead of turning to God in his distress, Ahaz placed his trust in alliances with Assyria, which only worsened Judah’s condition. This misplaced trust highlighted his spiritual blindness.
• Transition: How often do we rely on worldly solutions instead of trusting God? Misplaced trust in anything other than God leads to disappointment and failure.
• Application: In times of trouble, prioritize seeking God’s guidance through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel. Trust Him to provide what you need in His time and way.
• Illustration: Use the analogy of a broken bridge. Depending on it for safety will lead to a fall, just as trusting in worldly solutions instead of God leads to collapse.

III. God’s Mercy in the Midst of Judgment (Verses 9-11)

• Explanation: Despite Ahaz’s rebellion, God intervened through the prophet Oded to show mercy to Judah’s captives. This act of mercy reflects God’s covenant faithfulness and desire for restoration.
• Transition: God’s mercy is always available, even in the midst of judgment. How can we respond to His mercy with repentance and gratitude?
• Application: Recognize God’s mercy in your own life and respond with a heart of gratitude. Share His love and forgiveness with others who need to experience His grace.
• Illustration: Share a story of someone who received an undeserved second chance, highlighting the power of mercy to restore and transform.

IV. The Hope of Redemption through Christ (Connecting to the Broader Story)

• Explanation: Ahaz’s failure points to humanity’s need for a perfect King and Savior. Jesus Christ fulfills this need, offering forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life. His obedience contrasts with Ahaz’s rebellion, and His kingdom brings lasting peace and righteousness.
• Transition: How can we live in light of Christ’s redemptive work and share His hope with others?
• Application: Trust in Jesus as your Savior and King. Commit to living as a witness to His grace, sharing the hope of redemption with those around you.
• Illustration: Compare Christ’s redemptive work to a lighthouse guiding ships to safety. Where Ahaz led Judah into spiritual shipwreck, Jesus guides us to eternal life.

Conclusion

• Summary: Ahaz’s reign serves as a cautionary tale of rebellion, idolatry, and misplaced trust. Yet, God’s mercy and faithfulness shine through, pointing us to the hope of redemption in Christ.
• Call to Action: Examine your heart for areas of rebellion or misplaced trust. Turn to God in repentance, embrace His mercy, and live in the light of Christ’s redemptive work. Commit to sharing His hope with others.
• Closing Illustration: End with a story or analogy about a person or community transformed by turning back to God, emphasizing His ability to restore what is broken and renew what is lost.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Modern Example of Misplaced Trust: Reference a person or organization that placed trust in something unreliable, such as a failing investment or untrustworthy partner, and compare it to Ahaz’s reliance on Assyria.
2. Personal Story of God’s Mercy: Share a testimony of a time when you experienced God’s mercy despite failure, illustrating His grace and willingness to restore.
3. Everyday Analogy: Use the image of a GPS recalculating a route when we stray, illustrating how God’s mercy calls us back to Him even when we’ve made wrong turns.
4. Biblical Parallel: Contrast Ahaz’s failure with King David’s repentance in Psalm 51, showing the power of turning back to God in humility.

Application for Today’s Christian

1. Avoid Rebellion and Compromise
   Identify areas where you may be resisting God’s authority or allowing worldly influences to creep into your life. Confess these areas to God and seek His help to walk in obedience.
2. Trust God Fully
   In times of trouble, turn to God first rather than relying on human solutions or worldly alliances. Spend time in prayer and Scripture to seek His wisdom and guidance.
3. Recognize and Respond to God’s Mercy
   Reflect on ways you’ve experienced God’s mercy and share your gratitude with others. Be a vessel of His grace by showing kindness and forgiveness to those in need.
4. Embrace the Hope of Redemption in Christ
   Live each day in the assurance of Christ’s redemptive work. Share the gospel with those who are far from God, pointing them to the ultimate King who offers salvation and restoration.

Reflection Questions

1. Ahaz’s rebellion against God led to devastating consequences for Judah. Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God’s authority or choosing your own way over His?
2. How can you surrender these areas to God and align your life more closely with His Word?
3. Ahaz sought security in alliances with Assyria rather than trusting in God. Where are you tempted to place your trust—in your abilities, finances, relationships, or something else?
4. How can you intentionally turn to God first when facing challenges or uncertainties?
5. Despite Judah’s rebellion, God showed mercy by intervening through the prophet Oded. How have you experienced God’s mercy in your life, even when you didn’t deserve it?
6. How can you respond to God’s mercy with gratitude and a renewed commitment to follow Him?