The Call for Help: Lessons from King Ahaz
"So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me." - 2 Kings 16:7
Ahaz, King of Judah, found himself at a critical crossroads in his reign. The passage from 2 Kings 16:7 poignantly illustrates his vulnerability: "So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me." In this message, we uncover the deeper issues surrounding the heart of Ahaz and the lessons embedded within this historical moment.
At first glance, Ahaz’s plea appears to make tactical sense. Faced with overwhelming threats from Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel, he sought help from a powerful ally. Tiglath-pileser III would indeed provide military support, yet Ahaz’s approach reveals a fundamental flaw in his leadership and faith. Instead of turning to God—the true source of redemption and strength—Ahaz sought the aid of a foreign king. This act demonstrates a reliance on human power instead of divine providence, highlighting the perpetual struggle between faith and fear.
Ahaz’s declaration of himself as “thy servant and thy son” unveils a profound desperation. In the ancient Middle Eastern context, to call oneself a servant was to acknowledge submission and dependence. While it reflects a plea for assistance, this language of subservience speaks to Ahaz’s lack of trust in God’s ability to deliver him from his enemies. As believers, this challenges each of us to examine where we place our trust when faced with adversity. Do we seek the help of people, systems, or influences over our reliance on God?
In the world today, our "kings of Assyria" may manifest in various forms— corporations, government agencies, or even personal relationships. We often navigate our challenges by seeking support from these sources, overlooking the Almighty who desires to fortify and protect us. Ahaz’s example serves as a cautionary tale, prompting us to re-evaluate our choices when we experience crises. Are we quick to text a friend, consult a financial advisor, or rely on social media for reassurance instead of bowing in prayer and seeking the wisdom and intervention of God?
Moreover, Ahaz’s actions led to dire consequences, both personally and for the nation of Judah. While he gained military support temporarily, it came with a price. The alliance with Assyria necessitated sacrifices of loyalty and faith—he was compelled to adopt aspects of Assyrian practices in worship, straying further from God’s covenant. This erosion of spiritual integrity resonates with the warning found in James 4:4 (KJV): "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?" By aligning himself with Assyria, Ahaz became entangled in a web of moral compromise.
The narrative of Ahaz stands as a reflective moment for believers today. When faced with our fears—be they financial insecurity, health crises, or relational struggles—how do we respond? In his plight, Ahaz exemplifies a choice driven by panic rather than faith. Conversely, we are invited to embrace the assurance provided in Isaiah 41:10 (KJV): "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Ultimately, the story of Ahaz challenges us to go deeper than surface-level responses to trials. It encourages us not to walk in fear, but to lead with faith, trusting wholeheartedly in God's plan. As we face our own enemies—those fears and uncertainties—may we seek the face of God first, acknowledging Him as our true Savior and refuge.
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2 Kings 16:7 - "So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me."
"So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me." - 2 Kings 16:7
2 Kings 7:16 - "And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD."
2 Kings 7:2
2 Kings 16:16 - "Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded."
2 Kings 3:16-19
2 Kings 16:19 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 14:16 - "And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 6:16 - "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
2 Kings 12:16 - "The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'."
Isaiah 7:16 - "For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings."
2 Chronicles 28:16 - "¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him."
2 Kings 7:11 - "And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within."
2 Kings 7:7 - "Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life."
2 Kings 3:16 - "And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches."
2 Kings 16:1 - "In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign."
2 Kings 16:8 - "And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria."
"Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded." - 2 Kings 16:16
2 Kings 2:7 - "And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan."
2 Kings 16:12 - "And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon."
2 Kings 16:4 - "And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."
2 Kings 16:18 - "And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria."
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."
2 Kings 11:16 - "And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain."
2 Kings 9:16 - "So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram."
2 Kings 16:3 - "But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel."
2 Corinthians 7:16 - "I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things."
1 Kings 7:16 - "And he made two chapiters of molten brass, to set upon the tops of the pillars: the height of the one chapiter was five cubits, and the height of the other chapiter was five cubits:"
2 Kings 22:7 - "Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully."