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Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 28 - Verse 23

28:23
For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Chronicles illustrates the consequences of turning away from the one true God and worshipping false idols. King Ahaz of Judah turned to the gods of Damascus in a misguided attempt to seek help and protection. However, in doing so, he angered the Lord and ultimately brought ruin not only upon himself but also upon the entire nation of Israel. The verse serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of staying faithful to God. It shows how easily people can be swayed by the perceived power of other gods, but ultimately these false idols will only lead to destruction. It is a cautionary tale that warns against putting our trust in anything other than the Almighty. As readers reflect on this verse, they are encouraged to evaluate their own beliefs and ensure that they are aligning their worship with the true source of strength and salvation.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the actions of King Ahaz of Judah are described as he turned away from the one true God and instead sacrificed to the gods of Damascus, believing that they had the power to help him in times of trouble. His reasoning was that if these gods were able to aid the kings of Syria, they would surely be able to do the same for him. However, this decision ultimately led to his downfall and the ruin of all Israel. The theological interpretation of this verse serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of turning away from the Lord and putting one's faith in false gods. It emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in one's loyalty to God and trusting in His power alone. Through word studies, we can further delve into the significance of sacrificing to other gods and the impact it can have on an individual and a nation. This verse serves as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God.

American Standard Version

For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him; and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria helped them, [therefore] will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.
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