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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 16 - Verse 3

16:3
But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.

Meaning

This verse from 2 Kings 16:3 describes the actions of Ahaz, a king of Judah. Despite being the ruler of God's chosen people, Ahaz chose to follow the sinful ways of the kings of Israel and even went further by participating in the detestable practices of the surrounding nations. The act of passing his son through the fire was a form of child sacrifice, a horrific practice that was strictly forbidden by God. This verse serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and following the ways of the world. It showcases the tragic result of allowing the influence of pagan cultures to corrupt one's faith and morals. The Lord's judgment eventually fell on Ahaz and his kingdom, highlighting the importance of remaining faithful to God's commandments and resisting the temptations of the sinful world.

Theological Overview

This verse from 2 Kings 16:3 reveals the tragic downfall of King Ahaz of Judah, who chose to follow the sinful ways of the kings of Israel instead of obeying the commandments of the Lord. The phrase "pass through the fire" likely refers to the horrific practice of child sacrifice, which was a common abomination among the pagan nations surrounding Israel. By adopting such detestable practices, Ahaz showed his disregard for the Lord's commands and chose to embrace the ways of the heathen nations that the Lord had driven out before His people. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of straying from God's will and following the customs of the world. It highlights the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord and rejecting the temptations and evil practices of the surrounding culture. Through this verse, we are called to uphold the commandments of the Lord and to avoid conforming to the sinful ways of the world.

American Standard Version

But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations, whom Jehovah cast out from before the children of Israel.
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