### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼÂchâz**, represented by `{{H271}}`, means **possessor**. It appears **41 times** across **39 unique verses** in the Bible. The name primarily refers to a king of Judah who is a central figure in a period of significant political and spiritual decline, documented in the books of Kings, Chronicles, and the prophecies of Isaiah and Hosea.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Ahaz's reign is defined by faithlessness and idolatry. When faced with a military threat from King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel, Ahaz rejected the LORD's counsel through the prophet Isaiah and instead sought an alliance with Tiglathpileser, king of Assyria ([[Isaiah 7:1]], [[2 Kings 16:7]]). To secure this alliance, he plundered the treasures from the house of the LORD [[2 Kings 16:8]]. His apostasy deepened when he saw an altar in Damascus and commanded the priest Urijah to build a replica, which he then used for sacrifices in Jerusalem, displacing the LORD's brasen altar [[2 Kings 16:10-15]]. The scriptures condemn his actions, stating he "did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God" [[2 Kings 16:2]] and "transgressed sore against the LORD" [[2 Chronicles 28:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the narrative of Ahaz's life and reign:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): The lineage of Ahaz is consistently highlighted. He is identified as the **son** of Jotham [[Isaiah 7:1]] and the father of the righteous king Hezekiah [[2 Kings 18:1]], placing him as a crucial, though unfaithful, link in the royal line of David.
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (an altar): The **altar** is a central symbol of Ahaz's corruption. He not only built a new **altar** based on a pagan design from Damascus [[2 Kings 16:10]], but he also "made him **altars** in every corner of Jerusalem" [[2 Chronicles 28:24]], fundamentally desecrating the worship of the LORD.
* `{{H4603}}` **mâʻal** (to transgress): This word captures the essence of Ahaz's character. The record states he "transgressed sore against the LORD" [[2 Chronicles 28:19]], and that even "in the time of his distress did he **trespass** yet more against the LORD" [[2 Chronicles 28:22]], showing a pattern of escalating unfaithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of the story of `{{H271}}` Ahaz serves as a powerful negative example.
* **Faithless Leadership:** Ahaz models a leader who places his trust in human power rather than God. Despite the LORD's promise of deliverance, Ahaz appealed to the king of Assyria, declaring, "I am thy servant and thy son" [[2 Kings 16:7]], demonstrating a complete failure of faith in God's sovereignty.
* **Idolatrous Corruption:** His reign is a case study in the pollution of true worship. By replacing the LORD's altar, shutting the doors of the temple, and cutting in pieces the holy vessels, Ahaz actively dismantled the worship system established by God [[2 Chronicles 28:24]].
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** The narrative clearly links Ahaz's sin to divine judgment. It states that "the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz" [[2 Chronicles 28:19]]. Furthermore, his trust in foreign power was misplaced, as the king of Assyria "helped him not" [[2 Chronicles 28:21]], showing the futility of seeking security outside of God.
### Summary
In summary, the narrative of **ʼÂchâz** `{{H271}}` is a cautionary tale of a king who failed to possess the faith required of his office. He stands as a stark contrast to both his father, Jotham, and his son, Hezekiah. His story is a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, illustrating how a leader's personal unfaithfulness and reliance on worldly power over God leads to national decline and divine judgment.
TRV