2 Chronicles 28:22

KJV

And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this [is that] king Ahaz.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the time {H6256} of his distress {H6887} did he trespass {H4603} yet more {H3254} against the LORD {H3068}: this is that king {H4428} Ahaz {H271}.

Complete Jewish Bible

During his time of distress this same King Achaz added to his treachery against ADONAI

Berean Standard Bible

In the time of his distress, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD.

American Standard Version

And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against Jehovah, this same king Ahaz.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 28:22 poignantly captures the profound spiritual rebellion of King Ahaz of Judah. Despite facing severe national distress, including devastating military defeats and invasions that served as divine discipline, Ahaz chose not to repent or seek the Lord. Instead, he deepened his sin and apostasy, illustrating a tragic spiritual trajectory where adversity, rather than leading to humility and a turning back to God, only hardened his heart further and intensified his unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the Chronicler's detailed account of King Ahaz's reign in [2 Chronicles 28](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - King Ahaz's Wicked Reign"). The chapter meticulously records Judah's severe military defeats at the hands of Aram and Israel, resulting in significant casualties and the taking of many captives ([2 Chronicles 28:5-8](/2_chronicles/28-5-8 "2 Chronicles 28:5-8 - Judah's Defeats by Aram and Israel")). Further distress came from Edom and the Philistines, who also invaded Judah's territory ([2 Chronicles 28:17-19](/2_chronicles/28-17-19 "2 Chronicles 28:17-19 - Attacks from Edom and Philistia")). Rather than seeking the Lord's help or repenting, Ahaz stripped the temple and the king's house of their treasures to pay tribute to the king of Assyria ([2 Chronicles 28:21](/2_chronicles/28-21 "2 Chronicles 28:21 - Ahaz's Alliance with Assyria")), a desperate move that brought no lasting relief. Verse 22 serves as a stark, summarizing indictment of Ahaz's character, emphasizing his perverse and escalating response to these divine judgments, and setting the stage for his further descent into idolatry by sacrificing to the gods of Damascus ([2 Chronicles 28:23](/2_chronicles/28-23 "2 Chronicles 28:23 - Ahaz Sacrifices to Damascus' Gods")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahaz ruled Judah from approximately 735 to 715 BC, a period characterized by intense geopolitical instability in the Ancient Near East. Judah found itself precariously positioned between the burgeoning power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and the Syro-Ephraimite coalition (Aram and the northern kingdom of Israel). The "distress" mentioned in the verse refers primarily to the Syro-Ephraimite War, where Aram and Israel attacked Judah with the explicit aim of deposing Ahaz and installing a puppet king ([Isaiah 7:1-6](/isaiah/7-1-6 "Isaiah 7:1-6 - The Syro-Ephraimite War")). Instead of heeding the prophet Isaiah's divine call to trust solely in the Lord for deliverance ([Isaiah 7:3-9](/isaiah/7-3-9 "Isaiah 7:3-9 - Isaiah's Prophecy to Ahaz")), Ahaz chose to form a politically expedient but spiritually disastrous alliance with Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria, effectively making Judah a vassal state. Culturally, Ahaz's reign was marked by an unprecedented and zealous embrace of pagan practices, including the abhorrent act of child sacrifice ([2 Chronicles 28:3](/2_chronicles/28-3 "2 Chronicles 28:3 - Ahaz's Abominations")) and the widespread adoption of foreign altars and religious customs, demonstrating a complete and defiant abandonment of the Mosaic covenant and the exclusive worship of Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme powerfully articulated in this verse is the **perverse response to adversity**. While hardship often serves as a divine call to repentance and a catalyst for drawing closer to God, Ahaz's suffering only drove him deeper into sin, illustrating a dangerous spiritual spiral where distress leads not to humility but to hardened rebellion. This ties into the theme of the **escalation of sin**, as the phrase "trespass yet more" emphasizes the progressive and compounding nature of Ahaz's apostasy. His initial unfaithfulness was intensified by his actions during crisis, demonstrating a persistent refusal to acknowledge God's sovereignty or authority. Furthermore, the verse underscores the severe **consequences of idolatry and unfaithfulness**, as Ahaz's distress was a direct result of his abandonment of the true God. His response to these consequences was not to turn back, but to emulate the very pagan practices that had brought him trouble, seeking help from the gods of those who defeated him ([2 Chronicles 28:23](/2_chronicles/28-23 "2 Chronicles 28:23 - Ahaz Sacrifices to Damascus' Gods")), thereby compounding his spiritual peril.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Distress (Hebrew, _tsârar'_):** Derived from H6887, this primitive root means "to cramp," "to be in affliction," or "to vex." It vividly portrays the dire, constricted, and oppressive circumstances Ahaz faced, encompassing military siege, political pressure, and national anguish. In biblical thought, such intense pressure often functions as a crucible, a moment of testing and a divine invitation to seek God. For Ahaz, however, this profound "distress" did not lead to repentance but to a deeper entrenchment in his rebellion against the Lord.
* **Trespass (Hebrew, _mâʻal'_):** From H4603, this primitive root means "to cover up," but is used figuratively to signify acting covertly or treacherously. It denotes an act of unfaithfulness, betrayal, or violation of trust, particularly within a religious or covenantal context. It implies a deliberate breach of duty towards God, often involving sacrilege or misappropriation of holy things. For Ahaz, his "trespass" was not merely a mistake or an oversight, but a profound, intentional act of disloyalty to YHWH, the God of Israel, representing a breaking of the sacred covenant relationship. The Chronicler frequently employs this term to describe the sins of kings and the people that directly lead to divine judgment.
* **Yet more (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** From H3254, this primitive root means "to add" or "to augment," often used adverbially to signify continuing to do a thing. This phrase emphasizes the escalating and persistent nature of Ahaz's sin. It's not just that he committed a trespass, but that he actively "added" to his trespasses, compounding his rebellion precisely when he should have been humbled and sought divine mercy. This highlights the profound obduracy of his heart and his active choice to deepen his apostasy in the face of divine discipline and national crisis.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the time of his distress":** This opening clause immediately sets the scene, highlighting the crucial moment of crisis in King Ahaz's reign. The "distress" refers to the severe military and political pressures Judah was under, specifically from the Syro-Ephraimite coalition, Edom, and the Philistines. This period of intense national suffering was intended by God to bring Ahaz and the people of Judah to repentance, to demonstrate their utter dependence on Him, and to turn them back from the pervasive idolatry that had gripped the kingdom.
* **"did he trespass yet more against the LORD":** This is the shocking and central declaration of the verse, revealing the perverse nature of Ahaz's heart. Instead of turning to the Lord for help or repenting of the sins that brought the distress upon him, Ahaz actively increased his unfaithfulness. His response was not humility, confession, or seeking divine intervention, but a deeper plunge into idolatry, pagan practices, and reliance on foreign powers. The Chronicler views this as a direct affront and profound betrayal of the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The emphatic "yet more" underscores the deliberate, escalating, and compounding nature of his rebellion.
* **"this [is that] king Ahaz":** This concluding phrase serves as a poignant, almost exasperated, and definitive summary statement. It identifies Ahaz as the epitome of a wicked king, whose character is fundamentally defined by his persistent and escalating unfaithfulness, particularly his perverse response to divine discipline. It acts as a final, damning indictment by the Chronicler, solidifying Ahaz's reputation as one of Judah's most rebellious and spiritually corrupt monarchs, a stark warning to future generations.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several potent literary devices in this concise yet impactful verse to underscore Ahaz's profound spiritual failure. **Irony** is prominently displayed, as the expected and biblically normative response to "distress"—humility, repentance, and seeking God—is tragically inverted by Ahaz's decision to "trespass yet more." This highlights the perverse nature of his heart and his active defiance of divine discipline. The concluding phrase, "this [is that] king Ahaz," functions as a powerful form of **Characterization** through summary judgment, encapsulating his entire reign and moral failure in a single, definitive, and damning statement. It also carries a sense of **Climax**, marking the apex of Ahaz's spiritual decline, which directly precipitates his ultimate acts of idolatry described in the subsequent verses. Furthermore, the Chronicler's choice of language emphasizes the stark **Contrast** between God's disciplinary intent—to bring repentance—and Ahaz's hardened, rebellious response, underscoring the king's profound spiritual blindness and stubborn refusal to submit to divine authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the human propensity for hardening the heart in the face of divine discipline. Instead of recognizing distress as a call to repentance and an opportunity to draw closer to God, Ahaz chose to double down on his sin, seeking solutions in idolatry and human alliances rather than divine faithfulness. This reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of God's character and sovereignty, demonstrating that even severe suffering does not automatically lead to spiritual growth; rather, it often exposes the true condition of the heart. The Chronicler uses Ahaz's example to warn against the dangers of persistent rebellion and the escalating nature of unfaithfulness, emphasizing that God's patience has limits and that turning away from Him in times of trouble only compounds one's spiritual peril.

* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "Proverbs 29:1 - He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.")
* [Romans 2:4-5](/romans/2-4-5 "Romans 2:4-5 - God's Kindness Leads to Repentance")
* [Hebrews 12:5-6](/hebrews/12-5-6 "Hebrews 12:5-6 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of King Ahaz serves as a profound and timeless warning for all believers across generations. When faced with the inevitable "distress" of life—whether personal hardship, professional setbacks, relational conflicts, or global crises—how do we respond? Do we, like Ahaz, allow adversity to harden our hearts, leading us to seek solace or solutions in places apart from God, perhaps even to blame Him, grow bitter, or double down on our own self-reliant strategies? Or do we, conversely, recognize these trials as divinely ordained opportunities for deeper dependence, honest introspection, and profound spiritual growth, turning to the Lord in humility, confession, and trust? Ahaz's story reminds us that true spiritual maturity is often forged in the crucible of suffering, but only if we choose to draw closer to God, confess our sins, and seek His wisdom and strength, rather than hardening our hearts and increasing our trespasses. Our response to adversity reveals the true object of our faith and the depth of our commitment to God, exposing whether we truly believe He is sovereign and good, even in the midst of our pain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is my immediate, gut reaction when faced with significant distress or hardship? Is it to turn towards God in prayer and dependence, or away from Him in self-reliance or blame?**
* **Can I identify any areas in my life where I might be "trespassing yet more" against the Lord, rather than seeking repentance and obedience, especially during difficult times?**
* **How does my understanding of God's sovereignty, His loving discipline, and His ultimate faithfulness influence my response to suffering?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is soft and responsive to God's discipline and guidance, rather than hardened and rebellious like Ahaz's?**

### FAQ
**Why did Ahaz continue to trespass against the Lord despite his distress?**

Answer: Ahaz's continued trespass, even in the face of severe distress, stemmed from a deeply hardened heart, a fundamental lack of faith in the God of Israel, and a profound spiritual blindness. His spiritual trajectory was one of increasing apostasy, driven by fear of human enemies and a misguided fascination with the pagan practices of surrounding nations. Instead of interpreting the distress as divine discipline intended to call him back to repentance and reliance on the covenant God, he tragically interpreted it as a sign that the gods of his enemies were stronger than Yahweh, or that he needed to appease foreign deities to gain their favor. This is explicitly stated in [2 Chronicles 28:23](/2_chronicles/28-23 "2 Chronicles 28:23 - Ahaz's Reasoning for Idolatry"), where he reasoned, "Because the gods of the kings of Syria have helped them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me." This reveals a transactional and superstitious view of deity, where he sought power and security in false gods rather than the true God who had miraculously delivered Israel throughout history. His pride and stubbornness prevented him from humbling himself before the Lord, even when his kingdom was on the brink of collapse.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Ahaz's tragic reign, culminating in his intensified rebellion during a period of profound distress, stands in stark and illuminating contrast to the perfect obedience and unwavering faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Ahaz's catastrophic failure to trust God in the face of suffering highlights humanity's desperate need for a King who would not falter, a High Priest who would not betray, and a Savior who would perfectly fulfill God's will. While Ahaz sought futile help from foreign kings and false gods, ultimately leading to greater bondage and destruction, Jesus, in His ultimate distress in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, perfectly submitted to His Father's will ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Ahaz's "trespass yet more" underscores the depth of human sin and the inherent inability of any human king to truly deliver or lead God's people to salvation. This points forward with profound significance to Christ, the true King of Judah and the King of Kings, who came not to increase sin but to bear it, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His suffering was not a consequence of His own sin, for He knew no sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), but a redemptive act on behalf of a rebellious humanity, offering the ultimate solution to the problem of sin and a perfect example of faithful endurance in distress ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Through Christ, the cycle of human rebellion can be broken, and true repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God become profoundly possible, offering eternal hope where Ahaz's story offered only despair and judgment.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 1:5

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

Ezekiel 21:13

Because [it is] a trial, and what if [the sword] contemn even the rod? it shall be no [more], saith the Lord GOD.

Esther 7:6

And Esther said, The adversary and enemy [is] this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

Hosea 5:15

I will go [and] return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

Jeremiah 5:3

O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Psalms 52:7

Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.