2 Chronicles 28:25

KJV

And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in every several city {H5892} of Judah {H3063} he made {H6213} high places {H1116} to burn incense {H6999} unto other {H312} gods {H430}, and provoked to anger {H3707} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of his fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In every city of Y'hudah he made high places for offering to other gods, thus provoking ADONAI the God of his ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

In every city of Judah he built high places to offer incense to other gods, and so he provoked the LORD, the God of his fathers.

American Standard Version

And in every city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger Jehovah, the God of his fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Ahaz of Judah engaged in a profound and systematic rebellion against the LORD, establishing numerous centers of idolatrous worship throughout every city in Judah. This widespread promotion of pagan practices, including the burning of incense to false deities, constituted a direct and deliberate affront to the covenant God of Israel. Such actions justly provoked the righteous anger of the LORD, the very God who had faithfully guided and sustained Ahaz's ancestors, encapsulating the depth of his wickedness and the comprehensive nature of his spiritual deviation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the grim narrative of King Ahaz's reign in [2 Chronicles 28](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - The Reign of King Ahaz"), a chapter that stands in stark contrast to the generally more righteous kings who preceded him, such as Uzziah and Jotham. The preceding verses detail Ahaz's abominable practices, including the horrific act of sacrificing his own children to pagan deities ([2 Chronicles 28:3](/2_chronicles/28-3 "2 Chronicles 28:3 - Ahaz Sacrifices His Children")). His desperate, yet ultimately futile, reliance on foreign powers rather than the LORD is also a prominent theme. The immediate context of [2 Chronicles 28:25](/2_chronicles/28-25 "2 Chronicles 28:25 - Ahaz's Widespread Idolatry") follows Ahaz's defeat by the Arameans and Israelites, and his subsequent turning to the gods of Damascus for help, believing they would assist him because they had supposedly helped the kings of Aram ([2 Chronicles 28:23](/2_chronicles/28-23 "2 Chronicles 28:23 - Ahaz's Reliance on Pagan Gods")). This specific verse highlights the *extent* of his idolatry, moving beyond personal sin to a national imposition of false worship, thereby setting the stage for the severe divine judgment and distress that Judah experiences.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahaz reigned over Judah from approximately 735-715 BC, a period of immense geopolitical instability in the Near East. Judah found itself caught between the rising might of the Assyrian Empire and the regional powers of Aram (Syria) and the northern kingdom of Israel. Faced with the Syro-Ephraimite War, Ahaz, instead of trusting in the LORD for deliverance, sought a strategic alliance with Assyria, a decision vehemently condemned by the prophet Isaiah ([Isaiah 7:1-9](/isaiah/7-1-9 "Isaiah 7:1-9 - The Syro-Ephraimite War and Ahaz's Unbelief")). Culturally, the worship of various Canaanite and Mesopotamian deities was widespread in the region, often involving fertility rites, child sacrifice (e.g., to Molech), and astral worship. "High places" (Hebrew: *bamot*) were common sites for both legitimate Yahwistic worship (prior to the centralization of worship in Jerusalem) and pagan cults. Under kings like Ahaz, however, these sites were systematically corrupted for idolatrous purposes, becoming centers for rituals alien to the Mosaic covenant. Ahaz's actions were not merely a lapse in judgment but a deliberate embrace of foreign religious practices, mirroring the syncretism and apostasy that had long plagued the northern kingdom of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - The History of the Kings of Judah"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine retribution and covenant faithfulness**. Ahaz's actions directly violate the first two commandments of the Decalogue ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")), thereby provoking God's righteous anger and justly leading to the promised curses of the covenant. Secondly, it highlights the **pervasive nature of idolatry** as a national sin, not merely a personal failing. Ahaz's systematic establishment of high places in "every several city" demonstrates a top-down corruption that permeated the entire society, indicating a deliberate policy of national apostasy. Thirdly, the poignant phrase "the LORD God of his fathers" emphasizes the theme of **rejection of heritage**. Ahaz deliberately turned away from the God who had faithfully covenanted with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")), and who had delivered Israel from Egypt and established them in the land. His apostasy was a profound betrayal of generations of divine faithfulness and a direct challenge to God's unique sovereignty over Judah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **High places (Hebrew, _bâmâh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be high," this term (H1116) refers to an elevation, height, or cultic site. While some *bamot* were initially used for legitimate Yahwistic worship before the centralization of worship in Jerusalem, they increasingly became associated with pagan cults, particularly Canaanite fertility rituals involving incense burning, sacrifices, and even cultic prostitution. Ahaz's act of building them in "every several city" signifies a deliberate, widespread promotion of syncretistic or purely pagan worship, directly competing with and undermining the legitimate worship of the LORD at the Temple.
* **Provoked to anger (Hebrew, _kaʻaç'_):** This primitive root (H3707) means "to trouble," and by implication, "to grieve, rage, be indignant." When applied to God, it describes His strong, intense displeasure, righteous wrath, and just response to sin, especially idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. It is not an impulsive human emotion but a holy reaction to a direct affront to His character, sovereignty, and covenant commands. Ahaz's actions were not merely an oversight but a calculated rebellion that justly elicited divine indignation, leading to severe consequences for Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in every several city of Judah":** This clause emphasizes the extensive and systematic nature of Ahaz's idolatry. It was not confined to the capital, Jerusalem, or to private practice, but was a state-sponsored religious policy imposed throughout the entire kingdom. The word "several" here means "separate" or "individual," highlighting that each city was targeted, ensuring pervasive apostasy. This demonstrates the depth of Ahaz's commitment to false worship and his desire to lead the entire nation astray.
* **"he made high places to burn incense unto other gods":** This specifies the primary act of idolatry: the construction of cultic sites for the worship of deities other than the LORD. The verb "made" (H6213, _ʻâsâh'_) indicates intentional construction and establishment. Incense burning (H6999, _qâṭar'_) was a central act of worship, symbolizing devotion and prayer ascending to the deity. By directing this act to "other gods" (H312, _ʼachêr'_, and H430, _ʼĕlôhîym'_), foreign, pagan deities, Ahaz directly violated the first commandment, which demands exclusive worship of the LORD. This was a deliberate rejection of Judah's unique covenant relationship with the one true God.
* **"and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers":** This clause reveals the divine response to Ahaz's actions. His widespread idolatry was not ignored but actively "provoked" God's righteous anger. The phrase "the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_) God (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym'_) of his fathers (H1, _ʼâb'_)" is highly significant, serving as a poignant reminder of the covenant God who had faithfully chosen, delivered, and sustained Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the entire nation of Israel. Ahaz's sin was thus a profound betrayal of his spiritual heritage and a direct challenge to the God who had demonstrated His power and faithfulness throughout generations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey the gravity of Ahaz's sin. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "every several city," which, while indicating widespread practice, might not mean literally *every single* city but rather emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of Ahaz's idolatrous campaign. This serves to underscore the enormity of his sin and the depth of his rebellion. **Parallelism** is implicitly present in the structure, linking Ahaz's actions (making high places, burning incense) directly to the divine consequence (provoking God's anger), establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship central to Deuteronomistic theology. Furthermore, the phrase "the LORD God of his fathers" functions as a powerful form of **Pathos**, appealing to the reader's understanding of Judah's rich covenant history and evoking a sense of tragic irony and profound betrayal. It highlights how Ahaz deliberately turned away from the very God who had been faithful to his ancestors, thereby intensifying the gravity of his apostasy and the justness of God's anger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a core theological principle throughout the Old Testament: the exclusive nature of God's covenant with Israel and His absolute intolerance of idolatry. Ahaz's actions represent the ultimate betrayal of this covenant, demonstrating a deliberate rejection of the LORD as the sole object of worship. The concept of God being "provoked to anger" is not anthropomorphic caprice but a righteous, just response to a violation of His holy character and the terms of His covenant. Idolatry, in this context, is spiritual adultery, a turning away from the faithful Spouse (God) to pursue illicit relationships with false gods. This act carried severe consequences, as seen throughout Israel's history, leading to divine judgment, national distress, and ultimately, exile. The Chronicler emphasizes this point repeatedly, showing how the prosperity or decline of Judah directly correlated with the king's fidelity or infidelity to the LORD.

* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")
* [Deuteronomy 32:16-17](/deuteronomy/32-16-17 "Deuteronomy 32:16-17 - Provoking God to Jealousy")
* [Jeremiah 7:18-20](/jeremiah/7-18-20 "Jeremiah 7:18-20 - Idolatry and God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of King Ahaz in 2 Chronicles 28:25 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual compromise and the insidious nature of idolatry, even in contemporary contexts. While modern idolatry rarely involves physical statues or incense burning to pagan deities, its essence remains the same: placing anything or anyone in the rightful place of God in our lives. This can manifest as an obsessive pursuit of wealth, career success, personal comfort, social status, or even relationships, where these things become the ultimate source of our security, identity, or joy, rather than God. Ahaz's systematic promotion of idolatry throughout Judah reminds us that spiritual decline can be pervasive and can be influenced from the top down, impacting entire communities. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and the collective values of our societies. Do we, like Ahaz, seek solutions to our problems in worldly alliances or false comforts rather than trusting in the LORD? The "God of our fathers" remains the same, demanding our exclusive devotion and offering true peace and security only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "high places" or competing loyalties might exist in my own life or in my community that subtly or overtly draw devotion away from God?**
* **How does the concept of God being "provoked to anger" by idolatry shape my understanding of His holiness and justice?**
* **In what practical ways can I ensure that my worship and allegiance are exclusively directed towards the LORD, learning from Ahaz's tragic example?**

### FAQ
**What does "every several city of Judah" imply about King Ahaz's idolatry?**

Answer: The phrase "every several city of Judah" emphasizes the comprehensive and systematic nature of King Ahaz's idolatry. It indicates that his promotion of pagan worship was not an isolated incident or a personal practice confined to Jerusalem, but a deliberate, nationwide policy. Ahaz actively established cultic sites, or "high places," in individual cities throughout the entire kingdom, ensuring that false worship permeated every corner of Judah. This highlights the depth of his rebellion and his intention to lead the entire nation into apostasy, contrasting sharply with kings who sought to centralize worship at the Temple in Jerusalem as commanded by the Law ([Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5-7 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - Centralization of Worship")).

**Why was God "provoked to anger" by Ahaz's actions?**

Answer: God was "provoked to anger" because Ahaz's actions constituted a direct and blatant violation of the most fundamental commands of the Mosaic covenant. The LORD had established an exclusive covenant relationship with Israel, demanding their sole allegiance and forbidding the worship of any other gods ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")). By making high places and burning incense to "other gods," Ahaz engaged in spiritual adultery, betraying the "LORD God of his fathers" who had faithfully delivered and sustained Israel for generations. God's anger is not an irrational outburst but a righteous, holy response to such profound unfaithfulness and rebellion against His divine authority and character. This righteous indignation is a consistent theme in the Old Testament, demonstrating God's commitment to His covenant and His justice against sin ([Deuteronomy 6:14-15](/deuteronomy/6-14-15 "Deuteronomy 6:14-15 - Do Not Go After Other Gods")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound idolatry of King Ahaz, detailed in [2 Chronicles 28:25](/2_chronicles/28-25 "2 Chronicles 28:25 - Ahaz's Widespread Idolatry"), vividly illustrates humanity's inherent tendency to turn from the true God and create false gods in His place, thereby provoking divine wrath. This persistent pattern of sin and rebellion throughout Israel's history underscores the desperate need for a radical, redemptive intervention that no king or human effort could provide. Ahaz's failure to trust the "LORD God of his fathers" and his embrace of pagan deities ultimately points to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. He is the true and faithful King, unlike Ahaz, who perfectly embodies obedience to God, never seeking foreign alliances or worshipping false gods. In Christ, the righteous anger of God against sin and idolatry, which Ahaz so flagrantly provoked, was fully satisfied. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of humanity's idolatry and rebellion on the cross, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to reconcile us to the "God of our fathers" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, where Ahaz led his people into widespread apostasy, Christ, through His Spirit, gathers a new people from every nation, tribe, and tongue, calling them to exclusive devotion to the one true God and to worship Him in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the one who breaks the power of idolatry in our hearts, enabling us to [love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength](/mark/12-30 "Mark 12:30 - The Greatest Commandment"), fulfilling the very commandment Ahaz so grievously violated.

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

2 Chronicles 28:3

Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.