What a sad end to King Ahaz. Why is it that so many of the kings gave silver and gold from the temple to their enemies? Does prostitution come to mind?

Corruptions that led to the downfall of King Ahaz;

1. copied an altar of a false god
2. sought guidance from the bronze altar instead of guidance from the Lord
3. took away the Sabbath canopy
4. offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus
5. took away the furnishings from the temple
6. shut the doors of the Lord’s temple
7. set up altars at every street corner in Jerusalem
8. built high places in every town in Judah

Any connections for today?

Contrast this to his son Hezekiah. He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces Moses’ bronze snake because the Israelites were worshiping the object instead God. Hezekiah held fast to the Lord and did not cease to follow the command the Lord had given Moses. The result? The Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.

Any applications for us?