Seeking Help in Times of Crisis: The Example of King Ahaz
"¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him." - 2 Chronicles 28:16
In 2 Chronicles 28:16, we read, "At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him." This verse encapsulates a moment of desperation and misguided reliance, illustrating both the perils of depending on human alliances instead of seeking divine guidance.
To fully grasp the weight of this verse, we must understand the context in which King Ahaz found himself. Ahaz was the king of Judah during a tumultuous period, marked by political intrigue and military threats. The Kingdom of Judah was under siege from Israel and Syria, two neighboring adversaries intent on subjugating Ahaz and his realm. Stricken with fear and uncertainty, Ahaz made a pivotal decision that would resonate throughout his leadership—he sought assistance not from God, but from the Assyrians, a powerful yet ultimately oppressive neighbor.
Ahaz’s request for help from Assyria can be seen as a poignant reminder of how we often react in moments of crisis. Rather than turning to God, who had proven His faithfulness throughout history, Ahaz relied on a foreign power that was known for its brutality and greed. His choice symbolizes a deeper issue of trust; rather than leaning on God’s sovereignty and providence, a pattern developed of relying on earthly kings and worldly strategies.
This profound decision by Ahaz brings forth an essential question for us as believers: Who do we turn to when we are in trouble? In our modern lives, like Ahaz, we find ourselves faced with challenges—be it relational, financial, or health-related. In such times, it is easy to countdown the options available to us and gravitate toward those that promise immediate relief. Yet, we must ask ourselves: Are these truly the solutions we need, or do they merely offer a temporary fix?
Exploring Ahaz’s thought process further, we recognize that fear often drives us to seek help outside of God. Ahaz, lacking faith, decided that the might of Assyria was worth the cost, believing they could save him from his enemies. This highlights a critical lesson: when we allow fear to overshadow our faith, we become vulnerable to making decisions that lead us away from the blessings that God intends for us.
Furthermore, the consequences of Ahaz’s alliance with Assyria were dire. Although he initially seemed to gain strength from this partnership, it ultimately led to the decline of Judah and the people turning away from God. Scripture shows us that relying on human wisdom over divine wisdom can lead to spiritual desolation.
Contrast Ahaz’s approach with the appropriate response as modeled by King David, who often sought the Lord whenever faced with adversity. David actively inquired of God, "Shall I go up against the Philistines?" (2 Samuel 5:19). He recognized that true help and direction came from a relationship with the Lord, who is always present to provide strength and guidance.
Let us then reflect on Ahaz’s mistake and remind ourselves of how vital it is to posture our hearts in alignment with God, particularly in our perilous moments. We should seek God's counsel through prayer, scripture, and the wise counsel of spiritually mature believers. It is in these sacred spaces that we find strength and clarity, free from the shadows of fear and anxiety.
In conclusion, while Ahaz’s cry for help might seem relatable in our human struggles, it serves as a cautionary tale. May we choose to seek the Lord with every desperate plea and not lean on our own understanding or the ways of the world. Let us remember that in our lowest points, God stands ready to assist us if we turn to Him in faith, trusting His greater plan for our lives.
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2 Chronicles 28:16 - "¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him."
"¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him." - 2 Chronicles 28:16
2 Chronicles 28:3
2 Chronicles 20:28
1 Chronicles 16:28 - "Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength."
1 Chronicles 28:16 - "And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver:"
2 Chronicles 28:2 - "For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim."
2 Chronicles 20:28 - "And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 9:28 - "And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands."
1 Chronicles 2:28 - "And the sons of Onam were, Shammai, and Jada. And the sons of Shammai; Nadab, and Abishur."
2 Chronicles 28:17 - "For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives."
2 Chronicles 28:14 - "So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation."
2 Chronicles 18:28 - "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead."
2 Chronicles 25:28 - "And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah."
2 Chronicles 28:20 - "And Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not."
2 Chronicles 28:22 - "¶ And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz."
2 Chronicles 28:4 - "He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."
2 Kings 23:28 - "Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Chronicles 32:28 - "Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks."
2 Chronicles 29:28 - "And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished."
2 Chronicles 28:7 - "And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king."
2 Chronicles 13:16 - "And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand."
2 Chronicles 28:26 - "¶ Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."
2 Chronicles 6:28 - "¶ If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:"
"Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength." - 1 Chronicles 16:28
2 Chronicles 28:19 - "For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD."
2 Chronicles 16:13 - "¶ And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign."
2 Chronicles 16:11 - "¶ And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."
1 Chronicles 2:16 - "Whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three."
2 Chronicles 28:21 - "For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not."