2 Kings 16:3

KJV

But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

But he walked {H3212} in the way {H1870} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, yea, and made his son {H1121} to pass through {H5674} the fire {H784}, according to the abominations {H8441} of the heathen {H1471}, whom the LORD {H3068} cast out {H3423} from before {H6440} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rather, he lived in the manner of the kings of Isra'el; he even made his son pass through fire [as a sacrifice], in keeping with the abominable practices of the pagans, whom ADONAI had thrown out ahead of the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

American Standard Version

But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations, whom Jehovah cast out from before the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Ahaz of Judah, unlike many of his predecessors, is depicted as a monarch who deliberately and profoundly deviated from the covenant with the LORD. This verse specifically condemns his adoption of the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom of Israel and, most shockingly, his participation in child sacrifice, an abomination characteristic of the pagan nations whom God had previously dispossessed from the land. It serves as a stark indictment of Ahaz's extreme apostasy and foreshadows the severe consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the book of 2 Kings, which chronicles the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, consistently evaluating them based on their fidelity to the Mosaic covenant. [2 Kings 16:1-2](/2_kings/16-1 "2 Kings 16:1-2 - Ahaz Begins to Reign") introduces Ahaz's reign, immediately establishing his wickedness by noting he "did not what was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father." Verse 3 then details the specific and egregious nature of his sin, particularly the horrific act of child sacrifice, which is further elaborated upon in [2 Kings 16:4](/2_kings/16-4 "2 Kings 16:4 - Ahaz's Idolatry on High Places"). This account of Ahaz's depravity is contrasted sharply with the righteous reign of his son, Hezekiah, in [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign"), highlighting the cyclical nature of apostasy and reform in Judah's history. The narrative here emphasizes the theological principle that a king's righteousness (or lack thereof) directly impacts the spiritual well-being and destiny of the nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahaz reigned over Judah from approximately 735 to 715 BC, a period of significant geopolitical instability. During his reign, Judah faced threats from the Syro-Ephraimite coalition (Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel), leading Ahaz to seek an alliance with Assyria, a move condemned by the prophet Isaiah ([Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - Isaiah's Prophecy to Ahaz")). Culturally, the "way of the kings of Israel" refers to the long-standing idolatry practiced in the northern kingdom, particularly the worship of Baal and Asherah, and the golden calves at Bethel and Dan, established by Jeroboam I ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idols")). The most shocking act, "made his son to pass through the fire," is a direct reference to child sacrifice, primarily associated with the Ammonite deity Molech. This detestable practice involved burning children as offerings, often in the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) outside Jerusalem, a site that became synonymous with divine judgment ([Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Tophet in the Valley of Hinnom")). Such rituals were explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law and were characteristic of the Canaanite nations whom the LORD had driven out precisely because of these "abominations" ([Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominations of the Nations")).

* **Key Themes:** [2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign") powerfully underscores several critical themes. First, it highlights **Extreme Apostasy**, showcasing Ahaz's deliberate and profound rejection of the covenant God of Israel. Unlike some kings who merely tolerated pagan practices, Ahaz actively embraced and participated in them, even introducing them into the very heart of Judah's worship. Second, the verse emphasizes the **Horror of Child Sacrifice**, revealing the ultimate depths of human depravity and the profound wickedness of a practice that violated the sanctity of human life, the covenant, and God's very character ([Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")). Third, it illustrates the **Consequences of Imitation**, as Ahaz mimicked the "abominations of the heathen" – the very sins that led to the displacement of the Canaanites. This act foreshadows Judah's own eventual judgment and exile, demonstrating that God's standards for His people were no less stringent than for the nations He dispossessed ([Deuteronomy 12:29-31](/deuteronomy/12-29 "Deuteronomy 12:29-31 - Warning Against Imitating Nations")). Finally, the verse implicitly conveys **Divine Displeasure** and the breaking of the covenant relationship, as such practices were an affront to God's holiness and an act of spiritual adultery.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pass through the fire (Hebrew, _he'evir ba'esh'_):** This phrase, הֶעֱבִיר בָּאֵשׁ (from the Hiphil of עָבַר, _'avar_, "to pass over" or "to cause to pass"), is a euphemism for child sacrifice, particularly to Molech. While some ancient interpretations debated whether it meant merely passing children through flames for purification or dedication, the overwhelming biblical context and explicit condemnations (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice"), [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abomination of Child Sacrifice")) confirm it involved the literal burning and death of children as offerings. It represents the most extreme form of idolatry and a profound violation of human dignity and divine law.
* **Abominations (Hebrew, _to'evah'_):** The Hebrew word תּוֹעֵבָה (_to'evah_) is a strong term used throughout the Old Testament to describe practices, objects, or behaviors that are morally repugnant, detestable, and deeply offensive to God, especially in a religious or ethical context. It signifies something that God utterly detests and considers an affront to His holy character and covenant. In this verse, it specifically refers to the pagan rituals of the Canaanites, including child sacrifice, which were the very reasons God commanded their expulsion from the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel,"**: This clause immediately establishes Ahaz's profound apostasy. Unlike the righteous kings of Judah who, despite their flaws, generally maintained allegiance to the LORD and the Davidic covenant, Ahaz deliberately adopted the idolatrous practices prevalent in the northern kingdom of Israel. This "way" included the worship of Baal, Asherah, and other foreign deities, often involving cultic prostitution and other detestable rituals, signifying a complete departure from the exclusive worship of Yahweh.
* **"yea, and made his son to pass through the fire,"**: The conjunction "yea" (or "even") emphasizes the extreme nature of Ahaz's sin, highlighting this act as the pinnacle of his wickedness. Making his son "pass through the fire" refers to the horrific practice of child sacrifice, typically associated with the worship of Molech. This was an act of profound spiritual and moral depravity, a direct violation of God's law, and an act that sacrificed the most precious gift—one's own child—to a false god.
* **"according to the abominations of the heathen,"**: This phrase clarifies the source and nature of Ahaz's detestable practices. The "heathen" refers to the surrounding pagan nations, particularly the Canaanites, whose religious practices were characterized by extreme immorality and cruelty. The term "abominations" (Hebrew _to'evah_) underscores God's utter detestation of these rituals, which included not only child sacrifice but also various forms of divination, sorcery, and cultic prostitution.
* **"whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel."**: This final clause provides a crucial theological justification for God's judgment and a severe warning for Judah. It reminds the reader that the very reason God had dispossessed the Canaanites from the land and given it to Israel was because of these detestable practices. By adopting these same "abominations," Ahaz and Judah were effectively inviting the same divine judgment that had befallen the previous inhabitants, foreshadowing their own eventual exile.

#### Literary Devices
[2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign") employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "walked in the way of the kings of Israel" uses **Metonymy**, where "the way" stands for the entire system of idolatrous practices and policies of the northern kingdom, signifying a complete moral and spiritual alignment. The inclusion of "yea, and made his son to pass through the fire" serves as a powerful **Climax** or **Hyperbole**, intensifying the description of Ahaz's wickedness by highlighting the most egregious and shocking of his sins, demonstrating the depth of his depravity. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Foreshadowing** by explicitly linking Ahaz's actions to the "abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out." This connection subtly but powerfully warns the reader that Judah, by imitating these very sins, is setting itself on a path toward the same judgment and expulsion from the land that befell the Canaanites. The entire verse functions as a concise **Indictment**, a formal accusation against Ahaz, leaving no doubt about his guilt and the severity of his actions in the eyes of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign") serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of covenant fidelity, the sanctity of human life, and the consequences of apostasy. Ahaz's actions represent a deliberate and public breaking of the covenant God made with Israel, which demanded exclusive worship and abhorred the practices of the surrounding nations. The act of child sacrifice, in particular, was an ultimate affront to God's holiness and His character as the Giver of life, demonstrating the depths of spiritual blindness and moral depravity to which a people can sink when they abandon the one true God. This verse underscores that God's standards for His people are absolute and that syncretism or the adoption of pagan practices leads inevitably to divine judgment, mirroring the fate of those whom Israel was commanded to dispossess.

* [2 Kings 16:2](/2_kings/16-2 "2 Kings 16:2 - Ahaz's Age and Reign") - Provides the immediate context, stating Ahaz did "not what was right in the sight of the LORD."
* [2 Chronicles 28:1-4](/2_chronicles/28-1 "2 Chronicles 28:1-4 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign in Detail") - Offers a parallel and more detailed account of Ahaz's abominable practices, including making molten images for Baalim.
* [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Giving Children to Molech") - Explicitly prohibits giving one's offspring to Molech, stating it profanes the name of God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling account of King Ahaz's reign in [2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign") offers timeless and sobering lessons for believers today. While literal child sacrifice is largely absent in contemporary society, the spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to examine the "gods" we might implicitly serve in our modern lives—whether it be the pursuit of wealth, power, comfort, or self-gratification—that demand the sacrifice of our time, integrity, relationships, or even our spiritual well-being. It serves as a stark warning against syncretism, the insidious blending of biblical truth with worldly values, which can subtly erode our devotion to God and lead us down paths of spiritual compromise. We are called to exclusive worship, to love the LORD our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to discern and reject any practice or ideology that stands in opposition to His holy character. Furthermore, Ahaz's actions underscore the profound value of human life, particularly the vulnerable, reminding us of our responsibility to protect and advocate for those who cannot defend themselves, reflecting God's own abhorrence of anything that diminishes human dignity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might I be "walking in the way of the kings of Israel" by adopting worldly values or practices that compromise my devotion to God?**
* **What "sacrifices" am I making in my life—of time, energy, or resources—that are not truly offered to God but to other idols?**
* **How does the horror of child sacrifice in this verse challenge my understanding of the sanctity of human life in all its stages?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my worship of God remains pure, exclusive, and unadulterated by the "abominations" of modern culture?**

### FAQ
**What does "made his son to pass through the fire" truly mean, and why was it so offensive to God?**

Answer: The phrase "made his son to pass through the fire" (Hebrew: הֶעֱבִיר אֶת־בְּנוֹ בָּאֵשׁ, _he'evir et-b'no ba'esh_) refers to the horrific practice of child sacrifice, primarily associated with the worship of the Ammonite god Molech. While some ancient interpretations suggested a ritual of purification or dedication without death, the strong biblical condemnations and parallels with Canaanite practices confirm it was a literal act of burning children alive as offerings. This practice was profoundly offensive to God for several reasons: it violated the sanctity of human life, which is created in God's image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")); it was an act of ultimate spiritual adultery, giving one's most precious possession to a false god ([Deuteronomy 32:17](/deuteronomy/32-17 "Deuteronomy 32:17 - Sacrificing to Demons")); and it defiled God's holy name and His covenant with Israel ([Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")). God had explicitly forbidden this practice and had driven out the Canaanites from the land precisely because of such "abominations" ([Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominations of the Nations")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark account of Ahaz's reign and his egregious act of making his son "pass through the fire" in [2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign") powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a true and righteous King, one who would not lead His people into apostasy but into perfect communion with God. Ahaz's sin of child sacrifice, offering his own flesh to a false god, stands in stark contrast to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of God's own Son, Jesus Christ. Unlike Ahaz, who sacrificed his son out of depravity and fear, God the Father, out of boundless love, "gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not "pass through the fire" of Molech, but through the fiery judgment of God for our sins on the cross, becoming the perfect and final atonement ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once for All Sacrifice")). He is the true King who perfectly fulfilled the Davidic covenant, never deviating from God's will, and leading His people in righteousness, not idolatry ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Through Christ, the "abominations" of our hearts—our idolatry and rebellion—are cleansed, and we are brought into a pure and exclusive worship of the one true God, no longer sacrificing to false gods but offering ourselves as living sacrifices to Him ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

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

Deuteronomy 12:31

Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

Leviticus 18:21

And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through [the fire] to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.

2 Kings 21:2

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

Psalms 106:37

Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,

Psalms 106:38

And shed innocent blood, [even] the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.

2 Kings 21:11

Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, [and] hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which [were] before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:

2 Kings 17:17

And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.