Ahaz

Synopsis: Ahaz was a king of the Judah (2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28). He did give exclusive worship to God, but was involved in idolatry. He died at the age of 35, after reigning 16 years (732 BC-716 BC according to E.R. Thiele), and was succeeded by his son Hezekiah. He is one the kings mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.

---

Related topics

• Biblical References: 2 Kings 15, 16 | 2 Chronicles 28 | Isaiah 7
• Contemporary Prophets: Isaiah | Hosea | Micah
• Contemporary Leaders and Tribes / Nations / Empires: Pekin (of Northern Kingdom of Israel) | Rezin (of Aram) | Tiglath-Pileser III (of Assyria)

Comments, Personal Articles, Studies and Sermons

Ahaz (discussion) (For short comments and opinions)

Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Ahaz

Main article

Ahaz was the son and successor of Jotham, king of Judah (2 Kings 16; Isaiah 7-9; 2 Chronicles 28). He gave himself up to a life of idolatry. He died at the age of thirty-five years, after reigning sixteen years (732 BC-716 BC according to E.R. Thiele), and was succeeded by his son Hezekiah. He is one the kings mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.

He lived a life full of evil practices, introducing many pagan and idolatrous customs (Isaiah 8:19; Kings 23:12).

In 733 BC, Israel (and Aram) tried to pressure Ahaz into joining a coalition against Assyria (the armies of which were sweeping across the Middle East under King Tiglath-Pileser III). Ahaz, ignoring the warnings of the prophets Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah, appealed to Tiglath-Pileser III for help – a decision that was condemned by Isaiah. Assyria assisted Judah and conquered the northern Kingdom exiling the people. This also brought Ahaz humiliating subjection to the Assyrians (2 Kings 16:7,9; 15:29).

He died at the age of 35, after reigning 16 years, and was succeeded by his son Hezekiah. Because of his sins he was "not brought into the sepulchre of the kings."

Links

• Wikipedia - Ahaz

---

Return to Characters of the Bible