2 Kings 16:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the covert {H4329}{H4329} for the sabbath {H7676} that they had built {H1129} in the house {H1004}, and the king's {H4428} entry {H3996} without {H2435}, turned {H5437} he from the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} for {H6440} the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and, because of the king of Ashur, he removed from the house of ADONAI the colonnade used on Shabbat that had been built for it and the king's entranceway outside it.

Berean Standard Bible

And on account of the king of Assyria, he removed the Sabbath canopy they had built in the temple and closed the royal entryway outside the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And the covered way for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king’s entry without, turned he unto the house of Jehovah, because of the king of Assyria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Ahaz of Judah, in a profound act of apostasy and subservience to Assyria, deliberately dismantled or altered sacred structures within the Temple precincts. This verse details his removal of the "covert for the sabbath" and the "king's entry without," actions undertaken specifically to appease Tiglath-Pileser III, the Assyrian monarch. These acts underscore Ahaz's prioritizing of political expediency over divine faithfulness, his willingness to profane consecrated space, and his systematic erosion of established religious practices to curry favor with a pagan superpower, marking a low point in Judah's spiritual history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic and damning conclusion to the detailed account of King Ahaz's egregious religious and political apostasy in [2 Kings 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign"). The chapter opens by firmly establishing Ahaz's wicked reign, highlighting his radical departure from the righteous path of his ancestor David and his embrace of abhorrent idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice ([2 Kings 16:2-4](/2_kings/16-2-4 "2 Kings 16:2-4 - Ahaz's Idolatry")). The narrative then pivots to the Syro-Ephraimite War, where Judah faces a severe threat from the combined forces of Aram and Israel. Instead of heeding the prophet Isaiah's call to trust in the LORD, Ahaz, driven by fear, desperately appeals to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for military intervention, thereby becoming his vassal ([2 Kings 16:5-9](/2_kings/16-5-9 "2 Kings 16:5-9 - Ahaz's Alliance with Assyria")). The zenith of Ahaz's spiritual betrayal unfolds during his visit to Damascus, where he encounters an Assyrian altar and, upon his return, commands the priest Urijah to construct a precise replica in the Jerusalem Temple, effectively replacing the divinely ordained bronze altar ([2 Kings 16:10-16](/2_kings/16-10-16 "2 Kings 16:10-16 - Ahaz Replaces the Altar")). Thus, [2 Kings 16:18](/2_kings/16-18 "2 Kings 16:18 - Ahaz Desecrates the Temple") functions as a final, comprehensive indictment of Ahaz's religious perversion, demonstrating his continued dismantling of Temple structures not out of necessity, but as a deliberate and public act of subservience to Assyrian religious and political dominance, solidifying his legacy as one of Judah's most unfaithful kings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahaz's reign over Judah (c. 735-715 BC) coincided with a period of intense geopolitical instability in the ancient Near East. The burgeoning Neo-Assyrian Empire, under the formidable Tiglath-Pileser III, was aggressively expanding its dominion, posing an existential threat to smaller, independent nations like Judah. Faced with the immediate military pressure from the Syro-Ephraimite coalition, Ahaz's decision to forgo reliance on the LORD's promised deliverance, as conveyed by Isaiah ([Isaiah 7:1-9](/isaiah/7-1-9 "Isaiah 7:1-9 - Isaiah's Prophecy to Ahaz")), in favor of a military alliance with Assyria, was a pivotal moment. This alliance came with a heavy cost, demanding not only political vassalage and burdensome tribute payments but also significant religious compromise. Assyrian imperial policy frequently involved the imposition of their own deities and cultic practices upon conquered or allied states, viewing local gods as subordinate to their own pantheon. Ahaz's actions, particularly his adoption of the Damascus altar and the subsequent alterations to the Temple, were likely calculated attempts to publicly demonstrate his absolute loyalty and submission to Assyria. These acts may have even been intended to integrate Assyrian cultic elements into the Jerusalem Temple, thereby symbolizing and solidifying Judah's new political reality. The "covert for the sabbath" and "king's entry," being prominent and likely symbolic features of the Temple, would have made their alteration or removal a highly visible and undeniable sign of Judah's subservient status and Ahaz's profound rejection of Yahweh's exclusive worship.
* **Key Themes:** The actions of King Ahaz throughout [2 Kings 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign"), culminating in the specific desecrations detailed in [2 Kings 16:18](/2_kings/16-18 "2 Kings 16:18 - Ahaz Desecrates the Temple"), powerfully illuminate several critical theological themes. Foremost among these is **Apostasy and Idolatry**. Ahaz deliberately deviates from the exclusive worship of Yahweh, actively embracing foreign cults and practices. His profound fear of earthly enemies leads him to abandon divine trust, directly contravening the covenantal imperative for singular devotion to God ([Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema")). Second, the **Desecration of Sacred Space** is a pervasive theme. The Temple, divinely consecrated as the dwelling place of God's presence and the epicenter of Israelite worship ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - God's Glory Fills the Temple")), is systematically defiled by Ahaz's impious innovations and removals. These acts undermine the sanctity of the Temple and its divinely ordained rituals, demonstrating a profound disrespect for God's holiness and covenantal stipulations. Finally, **Political Compromise and Subservience** highlight the perilous consequences of prioritizing worldly alliances over unwavering faithfulness to God. Ahaz's alliance with Assyria was far more than a mere political maneuver; it necessitated deep religious concessions, starkly revealing how worldly pressures can inexorably lead to spiritual compromise and, ultimately, national decline. This chapter stands as a severe warning against syncretism and the abandonment of God's covenant for perceived geopolitical security, foreshadowing Judah's eventual judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **covert (Hebrew, _mêyçâk'_):** From H4329, meaning "a portico (as covered); covert." This term refers to a covered structure, likely a portico, colonnade, or sheltered walkway within the Temple precincts. Its association with the Sabbath (as "covert for the sabbath") strongly suggests a specific, sacred function related to Sabbath observance, perhaps providing shelter for worshippers, priests, or the king during Sabbath rituals or processions. Ahaz's action against this "covert" was not merely an architectural modification but a direct assault on a structure deeply integrated into the sacred rhythm and practice of Yahweh worship, demonstrating his disregard for the sanctity of the Sabbath.
* **entry (Hebrew, _mâbôwʼ'_):** From H3996, meaning "an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with preposition) towards." In this context, it refers to a specific, likely ceremonial, entrance or access point. The phrase "king's entry without" indicates it was a distinct royal approach, probably leading into the outer courts of the Temple or connecting the royal palace directly to the Temple complex. This entrance was not merely functional but symbolic, representing the king's unique access to God's house and his divinely appointed role in the nation's worship. Its alteration by Ahaz was a highly visible and symbolic act of dismantling even the structures associated with the royal presence in the Temple, all to appease his Assyrian overlord.
* **turned (Hebrew, _çâbab'_):** From H5437, meaning "to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively; bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back)." The Hiphil form used here (הֵסֵב, _hesev_) specifically means "to turn away," "to remove," "to divert," or "to change the direction/purpose of." This verb choice emphasizes Ahaz's deliberate, active, and decisive agency in altering, dismantling, or repurposing these structures. It was not a passive neglect but an intentional act of desecration, highlighting his direct involvement and responsibility in undermining the established order of Yahweh worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house,"**: This clause identifies the first of two specific structures within the sacred Temple precincts that King Ahaz targeted for alteration. The "covert for the sabbath" refers to a dedicated, likely roofed or sheltered, area or passage, which had been "built in the house" (referring to the broader Temple complex). The phrase "they had built" suggests it was an established, perhaps long-standing, architectural feature, constructed by previous generations for the specific purpose of facilitating Sabbath observance, thereby carrying significant religious, historical, and traditional weight.
* **"and the king's entry without,"**: This clause introduces the second structure, a distinct and likely ceremonial entrance specifically designated for the king. It was located "without," meaning outside the main sanctuary building, perhaps providing access to the outer courts or a direct connection from the royal palace. This entry was not merely functional but profoundly symbolic, representing the king's unique access to and role within the Temple's life and the nation's worship. Its mention alongside the "covert for the sabbath" underscores Ahaz's comprehensive assault on both the sacred rituals (Sabbath observance) and the divinely sanctioned royal relationship with the Temple.
* **"turned he from the house of the LORD"**: This is the core action of the verse, explicitly attributing the desecration to Ahaz. The verb "turned" (Hebrew: _hesev_) signifies a deliberate act of removing, diverting, or repurposing these structures "from the house of the LORD." This indicates a conscious and active dismantling, rendering these areas unusable for their original, consecrated functions within the Temple complex. It is a direct and intentional act of profanation, stripping away elements integral to the pure worship of Yahweh.
* **"for the king of Assyria."**: This concluding phrase reveals the shocking and deeply apostate motivation behind Ahaz's actions. These profound and sacrilegious alterations to the Temple were not undertaken for the glory of God, nor for the benefit or spiritual well-being of Judah, but explicitly "for the king of Assyria," Tiglath-Pileser III. This phrase encapsulates Ahaz's complete subservience and spiritual compromise, demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice the sanctity of God's dwelling place and the integrity of Israelite worship to appease a pagan overlord and secure a worldly, temporary alliance. It underscores the depth of his apostasy and the tragic extent of his spiritual blindness.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of profound apostasy and desecration. **Irony** is strikingly evident, as the king, who, by covenantal duty, should be the protector and upholder of Yahweh's law and the sanctity of the Temple, instead becomes its chief desecrator. Ahaz, a descendant of the faithful King David, actively dismantles the very structures that symbolize Judah's unique covenantal relationship with Yahweh, doing so "for the king of Assyria," a foreign, pagan overlord. This act of appeasement, ostensibly intended to secure safety, ultimately leads to greater spiritual and national peril. **Symbolism** is heavily at play; the "covert for the sabbath" and the "king's entry" are not merely architectural features but profound symbols representing the established order of Yahweh worship, the sanctity of the Sabbath, and the divinely ordained role of the king within that worship. Their removal or alteration symbolizes Ahaz's comprehensive rejection of God's law, the sacredness of the Sabbath, and his own proper role as Judah's king, in favor of embracing foreign dominion and idolatrous practices. The narrative also employs **Contrast** to highlight the severity of Ahaz's actions, setting his profanation against the backdrop of the Temple's intended purpose as a holy sanctuary, a place of God's presence, and the center of pure worship. This stark contrast emphasizes the depth of his betrayal and the gravity of his sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Kings 16:18](/2_kings/16-18 "2 Kings 16:18 - Ahaz Desecrates the Temple") powerfully illustrates the profound dangers of spiritual compromise driven by fear and political expediency. Ahaz's actions are far more than mere architectural changes; they represent a deep theological betrayal, demonstrating a king who values the fleeting favor of a human empire more than the eternal covenant faithfulness to the Almighty God. This verse underscores the pervasive theme of apostasy, where the visible symbols and established practices of Yahweh's worship are systematically dismantled and defiled to accommodate pagan influences, revealing a heart that has definitively turned away from divine trust. It serves as a stark and enduring warning that prioritizing worldly security over spiritual integrity inevitably leads to the desecration of what is holy and a profound loss of divine favor, setting a dangerous precedent for Judah's future and ultimately contributing to its eventual downfall.

* [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Destroying Idolatrous Places")
* [Jeremiah 7:9-11](/jeremiah/7-9-11 "The Temple as a Den of Robbers")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matt/6-24 "Serving Two Masters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of King Ahaz's systematic desecration of the Temple, culminating in the specific actions described in [2 Kings 16:18](/2_kings/16-18 "2 Kings 16:18 - Ahaz Desecrates the Temple"), serves as a timeless and poignant cautionary tale for believers today. In a world relentlessly pressuring us to conform, compromise our convictions, or seek security in fleeting worldly alliances, Ahaz's story powerfully reminds us of the paramount importance of unwavering fidelity to God alone. We are called, as God's people, to guard the sanctity of our faith, diligently ensuring that our worship, our core values, and our daily decisions are rooted exclusively in devotion to Christ, rather than being swayed by the pursuit of social acceptance, financial gain, or political favor. Just as Ahaz allowed external pressures to defile the physical house of God, we must be exceedingly vigilant against allowing the pervasive "spirit of the age" to subtly or overtly defile the spiritual temple of our hearts and lives, which the Apostle Paul declares to be the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies are Temples of the Holy Spirit")). Our ultimate trust must be solely and unequivocally in the Lord, for any attempt to secure our future through spiritual compromise inevitably leads to barrenness, a loss of true peace, and a forfeiture of divine blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my faith or convictions for the sake of worldly security, acceptance, or advancement?**
* **How do I actively ensure that my "sacred spaces"—my time dedicated to God, my personal worship, my conscience, and my moral boundaries—remain undefiled by external pressures and the values of the world?**
* **What does it practically mean to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" ([Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord")) in the face of fear or uncertainty?**
* **Are there any "covert for the sabbath" or "king's entries" in my spiritual life—practices, principles, or areas of devotion—that I have subtly "turned from" or neglected for the sake of worldly appeasement or convenience?**

### FAQ

**What was the "covert for the sabbath" and why was its alteration significant?**

Answer: The "covert for the sabbath" (Hebrew: *musakh ha-shabbat*) was likely a specific covered structure, possibly a portico, colonnade, or sheltered area within the Temple complex in Jerusalem. While its exact architectural form and precise function are debated among scholars, its explicit connection to "the sabbath" indicates its sacred and established role in Israelite worship. It may have been used for royal or priestly processions, or as a designated sheltered space for the king or other dignitaries during Sabbath observances and rituals. Ahaz's alteration or removal of this structure was highly significant because it represented a deliberate and public attack on the sanctity of the Sabbath, which was a foundational element of the Mosaic Law and a central pillar of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")). By tampering with this structure, Ahaz not only defiled the physical Temple but also undermined the spiritual and ritual practices that defined Israel's unique identity and relationship with God, all in a desperate attempt to appease the powerful Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser III.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound desecration of the Temple by King Ahaz in [2 Kings 16:18](/2_kings/16-18 "2 Kings 16:18 - Ahaz Desecrates the Temple") stands in stark and illuminating contrast to the ultimate purity, divine authority, and redemptive purpose embodied by Jesus Christ. While Ahaz, a flawed earthly king, defiled the physical temple for temporary worldly gain and political appeasement, Jesus, as the true and ultimate Temple of God ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple")), came not to destroy but to cleanse, fulfill, and ultimately transcend its purpose. The "covert for the sabbath" and the "king's entry" that Ahaz removed point to the inherent limitations of the Old Covenant's physical structures and the profound need for a perfect King and a perfect High Priest. Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, not only entered the Temple but purified it with divine zeal, driving out those who defiled it with their worldly commerce ([Matthew 21:12-13](/matt/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")), thereby demonstrating His inherent authority over God's house. Furthermore, Jesus is the undisputed Lord of the Sabbath ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")), fulfilling its true meaning not through adherence to physical structures or rigid legalism, but through His redemptive work, offering true rest and liberation from the bondage of sin and the law. Unlike Ahaz, who desperately sought alliances with pagan kings for earthly security, Jesus established an eternal kingdom not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), inviting all humanity to find their ultimate refuge, true worship, and eternal peace in Him, the perfect High Priest who intercedes on our behalf ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")) and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

1 Kings 10:5

And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

2 Kings 11:5

And he commanded them, saying, This [is] the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king's house;

Ezekiel 46:2

And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.