2 Chronicles 28:16-21 is about how King Ahaz of Judah’s misguided alliance with the Assyrians instead of relying on God led to further destruction and idolatry in the kingdom.
16 At that time King Ahaz sent to the king of Assyria for help.
17 For again the Edomites had come and struck Judah and carried away captives.
18 And the Philistines had made raids on the cities in the Shephelah and the Negeb of Judah, and had taken Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, Soco with its villages, Timnah with its villages, and Gimzo with its villages, and they settled there.
19 For the Lord humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had made Judah act sinfully and had been very unfaithful to the Lord.
20 So Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came against him and afflicted him instead of strengthening him.
21 For Ahaz took a portion from the house of the Lord and the house of the king and of the princes, and gave tribute to the king of Assyria, but it did not help him.
Setting the Scene for 2 Chronicles 28:16-21
In 2 Chronicles chapter 28, we find King Ahaz of Judah facing a dire situation. The scene is set in the royal palace of Jerusalem, a place of grandeur and power now overshadowed by the looming threat of invasion. Ahaz had strayed from the ways of the Lord, leading his people into idolatry and disobedience. As a consequence, the kingdom of Judah was under attack by the kings of Aram, Israel, and Edom.
In this tense moment, we see Ahaz and his people gathered in the war room, strategizing their next move. The atmosphere is heavy with fear and uncertainty as they discuss the impending danger. Ahaz, realizing the gravity of the situation, seeks help from the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser, rather than turning to God for deliverance. The advisors and officials present are divided, some urging Ahaz to trust in the Lord for salvation, while others advocate for seeking assistance from foreign powers.
As the scene unfolds, we witness the consequences of Ahaz’s actions and the faithlessness of his leadership. The once-mighty kingdom of Judah is now at the mercy of its enemies, a stark reminder of the importance of staying true to God’s commandments and seeking His guidance in times of trouble.
What is 2 Chronicles 28:16-21 about?
Oh, the story of King Ahaz serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of disobedience and misplaced trust. Ahaz makes the decision to seek help from Assyria instead of turning to God for guidance and protection in this verse. Ahaz sets himself on a path of defeat and disappointment by defying God’s laws and commands.
Imagine the power dynamics at play here – a king choosing to rely on a foreign nation rather than the divine being who has consistently shown love and mercy. This verse challenges us to reflect on our own actions and choices. Do we also seek solutions in the wrong places, ignoring the guidance and support that God offers us? Are we like King Ahaz, allowing pride and disobedience to cloud our judgment and lead us astray?
Ahaz’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in our lives. We should learn from his mistakes and always turn to God in times of need, trusting in His wisdom and provision. May we seek strength not from the powers of this world, but from the eternal source of grace and love.
Understanding what 2 Chronicles 28:16-21 really means
In the historical setting of 2 Chronicles 28:16-21, we find King Ahaz of Judah facing political turmoil and spiritual decline. Instead of trusting in God, Ahaz sought help from the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser, a decision that only worsened Judah’s situation. The phrase “At that time King Ahaz sent to the kings of Assyria for help” vividly portrays Ahaz’s lack of faith in God and his misguided reliance on foreign powers. This reliance on worldly solutions rather than divine intervention serves as a cautionary tale for believers today.
“The LORD humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Israel” reveals the direct correlation between Judah’s suffering and Ahaz’s unfaithfulness and poor leadership. The consequences of Ahaz’s actions are further emphasized in the statement, “He had promoted wickedness in Judah and had been most unfaithful to the LORD,” highlighting the moral and spiritual decay that had taken root under his rule. These phrases underscore the importance of leadership that is grounded in faith and righteousness.
Drawing parallels from related biblical passages such as Isaiah 7:10-12 and 2 Kings 16:7-9, we see a consistent theme of urging trust in God over reliance on human strength or foreign alliances. Proverbs 3:5-6 echoes this sentiment, reminding believers to lean not on their own understanding but to trust in the Lord with all their hearts. These passages serve as timeless reminders of the enduring value of faith and reliance on God’s wisdom.
The relevance of Ahaz’s story to contemporary readers lies in its timeless message of trust in God and the consequences of unfaithfulness. Just as Ahaz’s misplaced trust led to disaster, individuals today are encouraged to place their faith in God rather than in worldly solutions. The passage serves as a poignant warning about the perils of turning away from God and the vital importance of maintaining spiritual integrity in all circumstances.
Consider a personal anecdote where someone faces a significant life challenge and initially relies on their own efforts or external help, only to find more stress and complications. However, upon turning to God, they experience peace and direction, illustrating the transformative power of faith and reliance on divine guidance. This anecdote underscores the profound impact of trusting in God’s wisdom and seeking His help in times of need.
In conclusion, let us reflect on areas in our lives where we may be leaning too heavily on our own strength or external solutions. Let us heed the call to action to turn to God and trust in His guidance, knowing that He is always ready to help and guide those who seek Him with a faithful heart. May we learn from Ahaz’s mistakes and choose faith over fear, trusting in the Lord’s provision and wisdom in all circumstances.
How can we seek justice and mercy in adversity?
Seeking justice and mercy in times of adversity is essential for navigating challenges with grace and integrity. Justice involves upholding what is right and fair, ensuring that wrongs are addressed and righteousness is upheld. It is about standing up for what is just and seeking redress for any injustices that may have been committed. On the other hand, mercy involves showing compassion, forgiveness, and kindness, even to those who may have wronged us. It is about extending a hand of grace and understanding, even in difficult situations. Seeking justice in the context of adversity involves holding ourselves and others accountable for our actions, acknowledging mistakes, and working towards reconciliation and resolution. At the same time, seeking mercy means being willing to forgive, to show compassion, and to extend grace even when it may be challenging to do so. We can navigate adversity with a sense of integrity, compassion, and humility by seeking both justice and mercy, ultimately working towards healing and restoration. We embody the value of fairness and compassion, both towards ourselves and others, by seeking justice and mercy in times of adversity. It is a reminder that even in difficult circumstances, we have the capacity to act with integrity, to seek what is right, and to show kindness and forgiveness. Through these actions, we can transcend the challenges we face and work towards a place of healing, understanding, and growth.
Application
Dear friends, let us heed the lesson found in 2 Chronicles 28:16-21. It’s time to course correct and come back to the right path of righteousness. Let’s acknowledge our shortcomings, seek forgiveness, and recommit ourselves to living in accordance with God’s word. As we strive to walk in faith and obedience, may our actions be a testament to our dedication to serving the Lord wholeheartedly. Will you stand with me in this journey of redemption and renewal, embracing God’s love and mercy every step of the way?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.