Ahaz and Hezekiah - 2 Chronicles 28-30

Ahaz Reigns over Judah

[3] Moreover, he offered [offerings] in smoke in the valley of Ben-hinnom and burned his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh had dispossessed from before the sons of Israel. [2Ch 28:3 LSB]

From David Guzik's Study Guide for 2 Chronicles 28

d. And burned his children in the fire: This describes Ahaz’s participation in the worship of Molech. The pagan god (or, demon, more accurately) Molech was worshipped by heating a metal statue representing the god until it was red hot, then placing a living infant on the outstretched hands of the statue, while beating drums drowned out the screams of the child until it burned to death.

i. In Leviticus 20:1-5, God pronounced the death sentence against all who worshipped Molech, saying: I will set My face against that man, and will cut him off from his people, because he has given some of his descendants to Molech, to defile My sanctuary and profane My holy name (Leviticus 20:3).

ii. Sadly, even a man as great as Solomon at least sanctioned the worship of Molech and built a temple to this idol (1 Kings 11:7). One of the great crimes of the northern tribes of Israel was their worship of Molech, leading to the Assyrian captivity (2 Kings 17:17). King Manasseh of Judah gave his son to Molech (2 Kings 21:6). Up to the days of King Josiah of Judah, Molech worship continued, until he destroyed a place of worship to that idol (2 Kings 23:10).

iii. “The ‘Valley of (the son of) Hinnom’ descended eastward below the southern edge of the city of Jerusalem; and it became noted as the scene of Judah’s most revolting pagan practices (2 Chronicles 33:6). It was later defiled by King Josiah and converted into a place of refuse for the city (2 Kings 23:10); thus the perpetual fires of ‘Gehenna’ became descriptive of hell itself (Mark 9:43).” (Payne)

Judah Carried Away by Aram

[15] Then the men who were designated by name arose, took hold of the captives, and they clothed all their naked ones from the spoil; and they gave them clothes and sandals, fed them and gave them drink, anointed them [with oil], led all their feeble ones on donkeys, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brothers; then they returned to Samaria. [2Ch 28:15 LSB]

Ahaz Sends to Assyria for Help

[19] For Yahweh humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had caused [it] to be out of control in Judah and was very unfaithful to Yahweh. [2Ch 28:19 LSB]

[22] Now in the time of his distress this same King Ahaz became yet more unfaithful to Yahweh. [2Ch 28:22 LSB]

Hezekiah Reigns over Judah

[2] And he did what was right in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that David his father had done. [2Ch 29:2 LSB]

Hezekiah Sets the House of God as Holy

[10] "Now it is in my heart to cut a covenant with Yahweh, the God of Israel, that His burning anger may turn away from us. 

[11] "My sons, do not be at ease now, for Yahweh has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers and offer [offerings] up in smoke." [2Ch 29:10-11 LSB]

Hezekiah Brings an Offering

[34] But the priests were too few, so that they were unable to skin all the burnt offerings; therefore their brothers the Levites helped them until the work was completed and until the [other] priests had set themselves apart as holy. For the Levites were more upright of heart to set themselves apart as holy than the priests. [2Ch 29:34 LSB]

[36] Then Hezekiah and all the people were glad over what God had prepared for the people, because the thing came about suddenly. [2Ch 29:36 LSB]

[1] The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh. [Pro 16:1 LSB]

Hezekiah Celebrates the Passover

[10] So the couriers passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but they were laughing at them to scorn and mocking them. 

[11] Nevertheless some men of Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 

[12] The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of Yahweh. [2Ch 30:10-12 LSB]

[18] For a multitude of the people, [even] many from Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover otherwise than what was written. For Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, "May Yahweh, [who is] good, atone 

[19] for everyone who prepares his heart to seek God, Yahweh, the God of his fathers, though not according to the [rules] of cleansing of the sanctuary." 

[20] So Yahweh heard Hezekiah and healed the people. [2Ch 30:18-20 LSB]

[15] And the prayer offered in faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. 

[16] Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. [Jas 5:15-16 LSB]

[27] Then the Levitical priests arose and blessed the people; and their voice was heard and their prayer came to His holy habitation, to heaven. [2Ch 30:27 LSB]

[27] Then the Levitical priests arose and blessed the people; and their voice was heard and their prayer came to His holy habitation, to heaven. [2Ch 30:27 LSB]

[4] And looking intently on him and becoming afraid, he said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God. [Act 10:4 LSB]