Post by gsmithb on Oct 31, 2014 4:36:20 GMT
Ahaz was 20 years old when he began to reign and he reigned 16 years. An interesting story is in this chapter about his evil ways and the consequences that occurred. Ahaz hired the Assyrians to fight Syria. After they defeated Damascus, Ahaz went to visit the Assyrian king in Damascus. While he was there he saw an alter that must have been beautiful because he wanted one. He sent the plans to Urijah the priest to fashion one for him to sacrifice on. God's wrath was kindled and he gave Syria and Israel power to go against Judah. Israel defeated Judah and killed 120,000 valiant men and captured 200,000 women and children. Before they arrived home, God sent his prophet Oded to warn Israel that taking captives of their brethren was not acceptable. When the warriors returned the princes took the captives, clothed them, fed them, shod them, and returned them to Samaria. "the Lord brought Judah low because of Ahaz."