Ahaz of Judah reigns sixteen years, does evil, even burning his son as sacrifice, worshiping on high places. Rezin and Pekah besiege Jerusalem but cannot conquer it; Rezin recovers Elath for Edom. Ahaz sends temple and palace silver to Tiglath-pileser asking for rescue; Assyria attacks Damascus, kills Rezin, and deports the people to Kir. At Damascus, Ahaz sees an altar he likes and sends its pattern to Uriah the priest. When Ahaz returns, he offers on the new altar, moving the bronze altar aside for his own inquiries. He also modifies the temple stands and Sabbath canopy for the king of Assyria's sake. He dies and Hezekiah succeeds him.
Read 2 Kings Chapter 16 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Elisha
Elijah's successor who performed many miracles and ministered to Israel's kings
Hezekiah
Faithful king of Judah who trusted God against Assyria and was healed from illness
Josiah
Reforming king who rediscovered the Law and led Judah in renewal
Naaman
Syrian commander healed of leprosy by Elisha, demonstrating God's grace to Gentiles
Manasseh
Wicked king of Judah who led the nation into deep idolatry
Judah
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
David
King of Israel
Places in This Chapter
Damascus
View on MapDamascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and plays a significant role in biblical history. It was on the road to Damascus that Saul of Tarsus had his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ and was converted, becoming the apostle Paul. The prophet Elijah was told to anoint Hazael as king of Syria in Damascus. The city is mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Position in Book
Elisha's MinistryChapters 1-8
Decline of Both KingdomsChapters 9-16
Jehu's revolt, various kings, increasing wickedness in Israel, some good kings in Judah.
Fall of IsraelChapters 17
Judah AloneChapters 18-25