Ahaz’s persistent idolatry reveals the spiritual decay of his time in Judah.
King Ahaz ruled over Judah from about 732 to 716 BC, following his father Jotham and preceding his son Hezekiah. He is portrayed in Scripture as turning away from the LORD to engage in practices common among neighboring nations. In the Chronicler’s words, “He sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills and under every green tree.” (v.4) These high places were often elevated areas used for pagan worship, which ran contrary to God’s command for His people to worship only at the temple in Jerusalem. By seeking religious rituals outside the ordained guidelines set by the LORD (see Deuteronomy 12:2 in), Ahaz violated the central tenets of faithful worship and led his nation astray.
The mention of “the hills” and “under every green tree” underscores the widespread nature of Ahaz’s idolatry. Geographically, Judah’s landscape is hilly, with numerous elevated spots conducive to improvised worship altars. These unauthorized shrines diluted the worship that was meant to be set apart for the LORD alone (Exodus 20:3-5 in). In adopting the customs of surrounding nations, Ahaz not only abandoned the ways of his faithful ancestors—such as King David—but also placed Judah under potential judgment for disobedience.
Such idolatry highlights Israel’s need for a righteous king—one who would honor God’s commands and point His people toward faithful worship. Ultimately, the longing for a leader without corruption is fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ (John 4:23-24 in). The failings of King Ahaz help illustrate the necessity of wholehearted devotion to God, as true worship requires both inward faith and outward obedience.
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2 Chronicles 28:4 meaning
King Ahaz ruled over Judah from about 732 to 716 BC, following his father Jotham and preceding his son Hezekiah. He is portrayed in Scripture as turning away from the LORD to engage in practices common among neighboring nations. In the Chronicler’s words, “He sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills and under every green tree.” (v.4) These high places were often elevated areas used for pagan worship, which ran contrary to God’s command for His people to worship only at the temple in Jerusalem. By seeking religious rituals outside the ordained guidelines set by the LORD (see Deuteronomy 12:2 in), Ahaz violated the central tenets of faithful worship and led his nation astray.
The mention of “the hills” and “under every green tree” underscores the widespread nature of Ahaz’s idolatry. Geographically, Judah’s landscape is hilly, with numerous elevated spots conducive to improvised worship altars. These unauthorized shrines diluted the worship that was meant to be set apart for the LORD alone (Exodus 20:3-5 in). In adopting the customs of surrounding nations, Ahaz not only abandoned the ways of his faithful ancestors—such as King David—but also placed Judah under potential judgment for disobedience.
Such idolatry highlights Israel’s need for a righteous king—one who would honor God’s commands and point His people toward faithful worship. Ultimately, the longing for a leader without corruption is fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ (John 4:23-24 in). The failings of King Ahaz help illustrate the necessity of wholehearted devotion to God, as true worship requires both inward faith and outward obedience.