2 Kings 16:8

And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent [it for] a present to the king of Assyria.

And Ahaz {H271} took {H3947} the silver {H3701} and gold {H2091} that was found {H4672} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and in the treasures {H214} of the king's {H4428} house {H1004}, and sent {H7971} it for a present {H7810} to the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}.

Achaz took the silver and gold that was in the house of ADONAI and in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as a present to the king of Ashur.

Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria.

And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of Jehovah, and in the treasures of the king’s house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.

Commentary

This verse describes a pivotal and deeply problematic action taken by King Ahaz of Judah during a period of national crisis. Facing a severe threat from the allied forces of Aram (Syria) and Israel, Ahaz chose to rely on human power rather than divine intervention, leading him to desecrate sacred treasures for political gain.

Context

King Ahaz reigned over Judah during the Syro-Ephraimite War. Judah was under siege by King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel, who aimed to overthrow Ahaz and install a puppet king. Instead of heeding the prophet Isaiah's counsel to trust in the Lord and remain calm (Isaiah 7:9), Ahaz panicked. He sought an alliance with Tiglath-Pileser III, the powerful king of Assyria, hoping Assyrian might would deliver him from his immediate enemies. To secure this aid, Ahaz stripped the Temple of its valuable silver and gold, along with treasures from his own palace, to send as tribute.

Key Themes

  • Lack of Faith and Trust in God: Ahaz's decision highlights a profound failure to trust in the Lord's ability to protect Judah, despite God's explicit promises through Isaiah. His actions demonstrate a reliance on worldly power and alliances over divine sovereignty. This stands in stark contrast to the divine call to trust in the name of the Lord our God, not in chariots or horses.
  • Desecration of Sacred Space: The "house of the LORD" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which housed sacred vessels and treasures dedicated to God. By taking these items to bribe a pagan king, Ahaz not only plundered the Temple but also profaned its sanctity, prioritizing political expediency over reverence for God.
  • Consequences of Unbelief: While Ahaz's immediate goal (repelling Syria and Israel) was achieved, his alliance with Assyria led to Judah's increasing subjugation and the introduction of Assyrian idolatry into Jerusalem, further corrupting the nation (see 2 Kings 16:10-18).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "present" (מִשְׁלַחַת, mishlachath) in this context signifies a sending or a delegation, often implying a tribute or bribe rather than a mere voluntary gift. It underscores that Ahaz's action was a payment for military intervention, a desperate measure of subjugation to a more powerful empire.

Practical Application

Ahaz's story serves as a cautionary tale for believers today. When faced with overwhelming challenges or fears, it is tempting to seek immediate, human-centered solutions instead of waiting on and trusting in God's provision. This verse reminds us:

  • To prioritize faith in God's power and promises above all else, even in dire circumstances.
  • To respect and value what is sacred, recognizing that God's resources are not to be used for ungodly or self-serving purposes.
  • That short-term "solutions" born of unbelief can lead to long-term spiritual and practical consequences, drawing us further away from God's intended path.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 12:17

    ¶ Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.

  • 2 Kings 12:18

    And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold [that was] found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent [it] to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.

  • Isaiah 8:7

    Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, [even] the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

  • Isaiah 8:8

    And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:20

    And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:21

    For Ahaz took away a portion [out] of the house of the LORD, and [out] of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave [it] unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.

  • 2 Kings 16:17

    ¶ And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that [were] under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones.
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