2 Chronicles 28

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the introduction of King Ahaz, who became king of Judah at the age of 20 and reigned for 16 years. Ahaz walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and made his sons pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had driven out before the people of Israel. The Lord gave Ahaz into the hands of the king of Syria, who defeated him and took many captives. The king of Israel also defeated Ahaz and killed 120,000 valiant men in one day. The prophet Oded met the army of Israel as they were returning with captives and urged them to release the captives, which they did. Ahaz also sought the help of the king of Assyria, but he did not help him. Instead, the Assyrians plundered Ahaz's treasures and killed many of his people. Despite all these troubles, Ahaz did not seek the Lord, but instead sought the help of the idols of Damascus. The chapter ends with the death of Ahaz and the accession of his son Hezekiah to the throne.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the kings of Judah in 2 Chronicles. It follows the reign of King Jotham and precedes the reign of King Hezekiah. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of idolatry. The events of this chapter take place during the divided kingdom period, when Israel and Judah were separate kingdoms.

Heart Application

This chapter reminds us of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of idolatry. We must be careful not to prioritize other things above our relationship with God, and instead seek to please Him in all we do. As we consider the consequences of Ahaz's actions, we are reminded to examine our own hearts and actions, and to seek God's mercy and restoration when we fail.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of King Ahaz, who became king of Judah at a young age and did many evil things, including sacrificing his sons to idols. As a result, God punished Ahaz and the people of Judah, but also provided opportunities for restoration and redemption. The chapter reminds us of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of idolatry, as seen in 2 Chronicles 28:3. We must be careful to prioritize our relationship with God above all else and seek His mercy and restoration when we fail.

Voices from the Church

“The greatest enemy of the church is not the infidel, but the professed believer who is not a true follower of Christ. Such a person is like Ahaz, who professed to be a king of Judah but walked in the ways of the kings of Israel.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The history of Ahaz serves as a warning to all who would seek to please God by outward appearances rather than genuine faith. True faith is not just a matter of outward actions, but of a transformed heart.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to King Ahaz (28:1-4) — The chapter begins with the introduction of King Ahaz, who became king of Judah at the age of 20 and reigned for 16 years. Ahaz walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and made his sons pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had driven out before the people of Israel.
2. The Conquest of Judah by Syria and Israel (28:5-15) — The Lord gave Ahaz into the hands of the king of Syria, who defeated him and took many captives. The king of Israel also defeated Ahaz and killed 120,000 valiant men in one day.
3. The Prophet Oded and the Release of Captives (28:9-15) — The prophet Oded met the army of Israel as they were returning with captives and urged them to release the captives, which they did.
4. Ahaz's Appeal to Assyria (28:16-21) — Ahaz also sought the help of the king of Assyria, but he did not help him. Instead, the Assyrians plundered Ahaz's treasures and killed many of his people.
5. Conclusion: The Death of Ahaz and the Accession of Hezekiah (28:22-27) — Despite all these troubles, Ahaz did not seek the Lord, but instead sought the help of the idols of Damascus. The chapter ends with the death of Ahaz and the accession of his son Hezekiah to the throne.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all nations and kingdoms, and that He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes. As seen in 2 Chronicles 28:5, God gave Ahaz into the hands of the king of Syria, who defeated him and took many captives.

The Importance of Faithfulness

The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God, as seen in the contrast between Ahaz's disobedience and Hezekiah's faithfulness. This is a key aspect of the Christian faith, as emphasized in Romans 5:8.

The Dangers of Idolatry

The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and its consequences, as seen in Ahaz's actions and the resulting judgment from God. This serves as a warning to God's people to avoid idolatry and remain faithful to Him.

The Mercy of God

The chapter also shows how God can restore His people after they have been punished, as seen in the release of the captives and the accession of Hezekiah to the throne. This is a key aspect of the gospel, as seen in John 1:1.

Lessons from 2 Chronicles 28

1. The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter teaches us that faithfulness to God is essential for avoiding judgment and receiving blessing. As seen in 2 Chronicles 28:3, Ahaz's lack of faithfulness led to judgment, while Hezekiah's faithfulness will lead to restoration in the next chapter.
2. The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter warns us about the dangers of idolatry and its consequences, as seen in Ahaz's actions and the resulting judgment from God. This serves as a warning to God's people to avoid idolatry and remain faithful to Him.
3. The Mercy of God — The chapter shows how God can restore His people after they have been punished, as seen in the release of the captives and the accession of Hezekiah to the throne. This is a key aspect of the gospel, as seen in John 1:1.
4. The Importance of Seeking God's Mercy — The chapter teaches us that seeking God's mercy and restoration is essential for avoiding judgment and receiving blessing. As seen in 2 Chronicles 28:9, the prophet Oded urged the army of Israel to release the captives, which they did.
5. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations and kingdoms, and that He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes. As seen in 2 Chronicles 28:5, God gave Ahaz into the hands of the king of Syria, who defeated him and took many captives.

Themes from 2 Chronicles 28

1. Idolatry and Its Consequences — The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and its consequences, as seen in Ahaz's actions and the resulting judgment from God. This serves as a warning to God's people to avoid idolatry and remain faithful to Him.
2. Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God, as seen in the contrast between Ahaz's disobedience and Hezekiah's faithfulness. This is a key aspect of the Christian faith, as emphasized in Romans 5:8.
3. God's Sovereignty and Mercy — The chapter shows how God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes, and how He can restore His people after they have been punished. This is a key aspect of the gospel, as seen in John 1:1.
4. The Importance of Seeking God's Mercy — The chapter teaches us that seeking God's mercy and restoration is essential for avoiding judgment and receiving blessing. As seen in 2 Chronicles 28:9, the prophet Oded urged the army of Israel to release the captives, which they did.
5. The Role of Prophets in God's Plan — The chapter highlights the important role that prophets play in God's plan, as seen in the example of Oded. Prophets are used by God to call His people to repentance and faithfulness.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from Ahaz's example about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God?
2. How does the chapter show God's sovereignty over all nations and kingdoms?
3. What role does the prophet Oded play in the chapter, and what can we learn from his example?
4. How does the chapter contrast Ahaz's disobedience with Hezekiah's faithfulness, and what can we learn from this contrast?
5. What can we learn from the chapter about the importance of seeking God's mercy and restoration when we fail?

Detailed Chapter Outline

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Top Cross References

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 28

	Sermon	Description
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 7:10 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Ahaz in the book of Isaiah. Ahaz was a wicked king who refused to seek a sign from God, showing his lack of interest in Go
	Great Danger to a Christian by A Van Eeden	This sermon delves into the danger of sliding into a lukewarm state as a Christian, using the example of the Israelites worshipping the golden calf in Exodus 32. It emphasizes the
	The Folly of Ahaz by Steve Gallagher	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the historical context of the reign of King Ahaz and the events that occurred during a 16-year period. He emphasizes the importance of underst
	The God Who Judges Kings and Nations Today by Dan Biser	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the current state of the nation and the various challenges it is facing. He questions why there are judgments, droughts, economic collapse,
	The Defeated Christian Life by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of neglecting prayer and making excuses for a defeated Christian life. He uses the example of a child who doesn't have time for a qu
	They Clothed All That Were Naked, by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the transformative power of generosity and love, urging believers to respond to those who have wronged them with kindness rather than resentment. He highlight

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 28

Matthew Henry's commentary on 2 Chronicles 28 emphasizes the consequences of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God. Ahaz's reign is marked by idolatry and rebellion against God, which leads to judgment and punishment. Despite this, God remains faithful to His people and provides opportunities for restoration and redemption. The commentary highlights the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness, as well as the need to trust in God's sovereignty and providence. As Henry notes, 'Those who will not be ruled by the fear of God will certainly be ruled by the fear of man.' The chapter serves as a warning to God's people to avoid idolatry and to prioritize their relationship with Him above all else. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?