Ahaz Imitates Assyria

In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally explore 2 Kings 16:10-18 and 2 Chronicles 28:16-25, tracing the tragic reign of King Ahaz of Judah. Faced with military threats from Israel, Syria, Edom, and the Philistines, Ahaz turns not to the Lord but to Assyria for help—paying tribute with treasures from the Temple and even remodeling Judah’s worship to imitate pagan practices. Instead of rescue, Assyria brings further oppression, and Ahaz sinks deeper into idolatry, closing the Temple and filling the land with altars to false gods.

Curtis and Sally reflect on how Ahaz’s decisions reveal a familiar human pattern: seeking success by imitating worldly power, trusting in human alliances instead of God, and hardening the heart when things go wrong. They contrast this with the call of Christ’s kingdom, where true greatness comes through servanthood and trust in the Lord. The conversation challenges listeners to examine where they place their hope, to repent when tempted to rely on their own understanding, and to remember that ultimate victory belongs to God alone.