The year that Ahaz ascended to the throne in Judah was the same year that Isaiah began his ministry. This is perhaps an indication that things are ‘heating up’. It is at this time that we also see the rapid demise of the northern kingdom of Israel. Both north and south are in critical condition and the prognosis that Isaiah gives is not good. He announces that Israel will fall to Assyria because of her sins. Judah, however, will stand for a while longer, thanks largely to Hezekiah, as we shall see. It is, however, important to note that, at this time, both the northern and southern kingdoms are in a similar state. It helps us to see that restoration is always possible no matter how critical the situation. It all depends on our willingness to place ourselves in the hands of God. Ahaz plunged Judah into the same level of spiritual degradation from which Israel suffered at this time. His sins were greater than any recorded in Judah up to this time. It is possible that worse things were happening in Judah during his reign than in Israel. But, because his son Hezekiah would throw the nation back into God’s hands, Judah would not fall to the Assyrians as Israel did. It goes to prove that you are never beyond restoration no matter how impossible your situation is or how dysfunctional you are. You just need to put yourself in God’s hands and let him lead you through transformation.
Surrender yourself to God.
Read 2 Kings 15:32-16:20 and 2 Chronicles 27-28
