2 Kings 16:2
2 Kings 16:2 in Multiple Translations
Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. And unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God.
Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.
Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign; and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and he did not that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah his God, like David his father.
Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king; he was ruling for sixteen years in Jerusalem. He did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God, as David his father did.
Ahaz was twenty when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years. But unlike David his forefather, he did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord his God.
Twentie yeere olde was Ahaz, when hee began to reigne, and he reigned sixteene yeere in Ierusalem, and did not vprightly in the sight of the Lord his God, like Dauid his father:
A son of twenty years [is] Ahaz in his reigning, and sixteen years he hath reigned in Jerusalem, and he hath not done that which [is] right in the eyes of Jehovah his God, like David his father,
Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. He didn’t do that which was right in the LORD his God’s eyes, like David his father.
Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.
Achaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: he did not that which was pleasing in the sight of the Lord his God, as David his father.
He was 20 years old when he became the king of Judah. He ruled from Jerusalem for 16 years. He did not do things that pleased Yahweh his God, good things like his ancestor King David had done.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 16:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 16:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֶּן
עֶשְׂרִ֤ים
שָׁנָה֙
אָחָ֣ז
בְּ/מָלְכ֔/וֹ
וְ/שֵׁשׁ
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
שָׁנָ֔ה
מָלַ֖ךְ
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
וְ/לֹא
עָשָׂ֣ה
הַ/יָּשָׁ֗ר
בְּ/עֵינֵ֛י
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהָ֖י/ו
כְּ/דָוִ֥ד
אָבִֽי/ו
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
עֶשְׂרִ֤ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Adj
שָׁנָה֙
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
אָחָ֣ז
ʼÂchâz
H271
Ahaz
N-proper
בְּ/מָלְכ֔/וֹ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וְ/שֵׁשׁ
shêsh
H8337
six
Conj | Adj
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
שָׁנָ֔ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
מָלַ֖ךְ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
עָשָׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/יָּשָׁ֗ר
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Art | Adj
בְּ/עֵינֵ֛י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהָ֖י/ו
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
כְּ/דָוִ֥ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
אָבִֽי/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 16:2
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֶשְׂרִ֤ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
שָׁנָה֙
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
אָחָ֣ז
ʼÂchâz
H271
"Ahaz"
N-proper
Ahaz was a king of Judah, son of Jotham and father of Hezekiah, as mentioned in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. His name means 'he has grasped', possibly indicating his efforts to hold onto power or his faith in God. Ahaz's reign was marked by significant events in Judah's history.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.8.35; son of: Micah (H4318H); brother of: Pithon (H6377), Melech (H4429) and Tarea (H8390); father of: Jehoaddah (H3085) § Ahaz = "he has grasped" 1) king of Judah, son Jotham, father of Hezekiah 2) a Benjamite, son of Micah, and great grandson of Jonathan
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Ahaz. See also: 2 Kings 15:38; 1 Chronicles 8:36; Isaiah 1:1.
בְּ/מָלְכ֔/וֹ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
וְ/שֵׁשׁ
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
שָׁנָ֔ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
מָלַ֖ךְ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָשָׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הַ/יָּשָׁ֗ר
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Art | Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֛י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהָ֖י/ו
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
כְּ/דָוִ֥ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אָבִֽי/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 16:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 16:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 16:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 16:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:2
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 16:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:2
- Sermons on 2 Kings 16:2
Context — Ahaz Reigns in Judah
1In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah, Ahaz son of Jotham became king of Judah.
2Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. And unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God.
3Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. 4And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 28:1–4 | Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. And unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD. Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even made cast images of the Baals. Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 15:34 | And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 11:4–8 | For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been. Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely. At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 9:4 | And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances, |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 29:2 | And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 15:3 | And Abijam walked in all the sins that his father before him had committed, and his heart was not as fully devoted to the LORD his God as the heart of David his forefather had been. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 17:3 | Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek out the Baals, |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 34:2–3 | And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David, and in the twelfth year he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 14:3 | And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not as his father David had done. He did everything as his father Joash had done. |
| 10 | 2 Kings 15:3 | And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. |
2 Kings 16:2 Summary
[This verse tells us that Ahaz, the king of Judah, did not follow God's ways, unlike his ancestor David, who trusted and obeyed God, as seen in 1 Kings 14:8. Ahaz's failure to follow God led to his poor decisions and idolatrous actions, which had serious consequences for himself and his people. We can learn from Ahaz's mistakes by seeking to do what is right in the eyes of the LORD, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:25, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from Ahaz's age when he became king?
Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, which is relatively young, and this may have contributed to his lack of wisdom and poor decisions, as seen in his failure to follow God's ways, unlike David, as mentioned in 2 Kings 16:2 and 1 Kings 14:8.
Why is Ahaz compared to David in this verse?
Ahaz is compared to David because David was a king who did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as seen in 1 Kings 14:8, and Ahaz's failure to follow God's ways is highlighted by this comparison, showing the significant difference between their leadership and faith.
What does it mean to do what is right in the eyes of the LORD?
To do what is right in the eyes of the LORD means to follow God's commands and laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:25 and 13:18, and to trust in His sovereignty, as Ahaz failed to do, leading to his poor decisions and idolatrous actions.
How does Ahaz's reign reflect the overall spiritual condition of Judah at that time?
Ahaz's reign reflects the spiritual decline of Judah, as the people had turned away from God and were following the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations, as seen in 2 Kings 16:3-4, and this is a warning to us to remain faithful to God's Word and commands, as in Psalm 119:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be compromising my faith and following the ways of the world, rather than God's ways?
- How can I, like David, cultivate a heart that seeks to do what is right in the eyes of the LORD, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
- What are some ways I can prioritize my relationship with God and seek His guidance in my decisions, rather than relying on my own wisdom or the wisdom of the world?
- In what ways can I learn from Ahaz's mistakes and strive to be a leader or influencer who points others to God, rather than away from Him?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 16:2
Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem,.... The same number of years his father did: and did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord God,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 16:2
Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father. Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:2
Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign: of the difficulty hence arising, See Poole "", to which it more properly belongs.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:2
2 Kings 16:2 Twenty years old [was] Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.Ver. 2. When he began to reign,] i.e., Himself alone after his father’ s death; in whose lifetime he had been designed to the kingdom, and then he was but twenty years old. Or, When he, that is, Jotham, began to reign. See the like, 2 Chronicles 36:9. And reigned sixteen years.] But had an ill life of it all the while, by reason of oppressions and miseries.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:2
XVI. THE REIGN OF AHAZ. (Comp. 2 Chronicles 28) (2) Twenty years old.—The number should probably be twenty -and- five, according to the LXX., Syriac, and Arabic of 2 Chronicles 28:1. Otherwise, Ahaz was begotten when his father was ten (or, eleven) years old—a thing perhaps not impossible in the East, where both sexes reach maturity earlier than among Western races.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:2
Verse 2. Twenty years old was Ahaz] Here is another considerable difficulty in the chronology. Ahaz was but twenty years old when he began to reign, and he died after he had reigned sixteen years; consequently his whole age amounted only to thirty-six years. But Hezekiah his son was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; and if this were so, then Ahaz must have been the father of Hezekiah when he was but eleven years of age! Some think that the twenty years mentioned here respect the beginning of the reign of Jotham, father of Ahaz; so that the passage should be thus translated: Ahaz was twenty years of age when his father began to reign; and consequently he was fifty-two years old when he died, seeing Jotham reigned sixteen years: and therefore Hezekiah was born when his father was twenty-seven years of age. This however is a violent solution, and worthy of little credit. It is better to return to the text as it stands, and allow that Ahaz might be only eleven or twelve years old when he had Hezekiah: this is not at all impossible; as we know that the youth of both sexes in the eastern countries are marriageable at ten or twelve years of age, and are frequently betrothed when they are but nine. I know a woman, an East Indian, who had the second of her two first children when she was only fourteen years of age, and must have had the first when between eleven and twelve. I hold it therefore quite a possible case that Ahaz might have had a son born to him when he was but eleven or twelve years old.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 16:2
2. and did [R.V. he did] not that which was right] This negative form of statement has not occurred in the account of any previous king of Judah. The offences of Ahaz were exceptional.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 16:2
2. Twenty years old… sixteen years — So his whole age was thirty-six years. But he was immediately succeeded by his son Hezekiah, who was at the time twenty-five years old. 2 Kings 18:2.
Sermons on 2 Kings 16:2
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How Quickly We Turn Away by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging his unworthiness to stand in the pulpit and emphasizes his reliance on the righteousness of Jesus. He prays for the conviction |
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Are You a Withered Leaf by John Gifford Bellett | John Gifford Bellett preaches on the importance of living a fruitful and purposeful life, drawing from the contrasting examples of Isaac, Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul. Bellett e |
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His Wives Turned Away His Heart. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer warns that every individual has a vulnerable point in their character, as exemplified by Solomon, whose heart was turned away from God by his foreign wives. Despite his |
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Mixed Marriages by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the dangers of being unequally yoked in marriage, emphasizing the negative spiritual, emotional, and societal consequences that arise from such unions. H |
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Our Daily Homily - 1 Kings by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of calling upon the Lord in times of distress, as exemplified by David's reliance on God for redemption and vindication. He highlights that tru |
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Ending Well by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of finishing well in his sermon 'Ending Well', using the life of King Hezekiah as a cautionary tale. Hezekiah started his reign with great zea |
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Walk as Jesus Walked by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of walking as Jesus walked, highlighting the need to align our actions with the example set by Christ. It delves into the imp |