2 Kings 16:3

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

2 Kings 16:3 describes the wicked reign of King Ahaz of Judah, highlighting his extreme departure from the worship of the LORD and adoption of pagan practices. This verse serves as a stark warning about the dangers of idolatry and syncretism.

Historical and Cultural Context

King Ahaz, who reigned in Judah from approximately 735-715 BC, is depicted as one of the most ungodly kings in Judah's history. The phrase "walked in the way of the kings of Israel" indicates that he adopted the idolatrous practices prevalent in the northern kingdom of Israel, which had long abandoned the pure worship of God. Unlike many of his predecessors in Judah who, despite their flaws, largely maintained allegiance to the LORD, Ahaz actively embraced foreign religions.

The most shocking act mentioned is that he "made his son to pass through the fire." This refers to the horrific practice of child sacrifice, typically associated with the worship of the Ammonite god Molech. This ritual involved dedicating children to the deity, often by burning them alive. Such practices were characteristic of the "abominations of the heathen," referring to the Canaanite nations whom the LORD had previously "cast out from before the children of Israel" precisely because of their detestable rituals, including child sacrifice (Deuteronomy 18:10).

Key Themes

  • Extreme Apostasy: Ahaz's reign marks a significant low point for Judah, as he intentionally abandoned the covenant with God and led his people into gross idolatry.
  • The Horror of Child Sacrifice: This verse underscores the profound wickedness and inhumanity of sacrificing one's own children, an act explicitly forbidden and abhorred by God.
  • Consequences of Imitation: By mimicking the "abominations of the heathen," Ahaz repeated the very sins that led to the displacement of the Canaanites, foreshadowing Judah's own eventual judgment.
  • Divine Displeasure: The verse implicitly conveys God's intense displeasure and the breaking of the covenant relationship due to such practices.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "made his son to pass through the fire" (Hebrew: הֶעֱבִיר אֶת־בְּנוֹ בָּאֵשׁ, he'evir et-b'no ba'esh) is a euphemism often used for child sacrifice, especially to Molech. While some ancient interpretations suggested a ritual of purification by fire without death, the strong biblical condemnations and parallels with Canaanite practices confirm it was a literal act of burning children as offerings. The term "abominations" (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah) is a powerful Hebrew word used throughout the Old Testament to describe acts or practices that are morally repugnant and deeply offensive to God, particularly in a religious or ethical context.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

While child sacrifice is no longer a widespread practice, 2 Kings 16:3 remains profoundly relevant. It serves as a reminder of:

  • The Dangers of Syncretism: Mixing genuine faith with worldly practices or beliefs can lead to spiritual corruption and a complete departure from God's commands. We must be vigilant against subtly adopting values or practices contrary to biblical truth.
  • The Call to Pure Worship: God demands exclusive worship and devotion. Any form of idolatry, whether worshipping physical idols or prioritizing possessions, power, or self above God, draws us away from His will.
  • The Gravity of Sin: This verse highlights the extreme depravity human hearts are capable of when separated from God. It calls us to recognize the seriousness of sin and to seek repentance and God's transforming grace.
  • Protecting the Innocent: The abhorrence of child sacrifice underscores the sanctity of human life, particularly the vulnerable. It challenges us to protect and care for those who cannot defend themselves.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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