Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 16 - Verse 11

Urijah the priest's actions in building an altar according to King Ahaz's instructions from Damascus reflect a troubling trend in Israel's history. King Ahaz had embraced the idolatrous practices of the nations surrounding Israel, including setting up altars to false gods. By following the king's orders, Urijah compromised his own beliefs and responsibilities as a priest of the Lord. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to worldly influences and straying from true faith. It highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in one's devotion to God and resisting the pressures to conform to the ways of the world. Despite Urijah's actions, the verse also hints at the imminent return of King Ahaz from Damascus, suggesting that his reign of idolatry and disobedience would soon come to an end. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder to readers to prioritize their faith and allegiance to God above all else, even in the face of powerful figures or cultural influences.

In this verse, we see the mention of Urijah the priest building an altar according to the instructions sent by King Ahaz of Damascus. This act raises questions about the theological implications of building altars outside of the designated places of worship in ancient Israel. The building of altars was typically seen as an act of worship, a way for individuals to connect with God through sacrifice and prayer. However, in this particular instance, the construction of the altar by Urijah against the backdrop of King Ahaz's idolatrous practices raises concerns about the priest's fidelity to Yahweh. The word study of 'altar' in this context could shed light on the significance of altars in ancient Jewish religion and the potential consequences of building altars contrary to God's commands. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to God's word and not compromising one's faith for the sake of political alliances or personal gain.