Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 16 - Verse 7

In this verse from the book of 2 Kings in the Bible, King Ahaz of Judah reaches out to Tiglathpileser, the king of the powerful Assyrian Empire, for help against his enemies. Ahaz acknowledges himself as a servant and son of Tiglathpileser, showing a posture of submission and seeking protection. The king of Syria and the king of Israel were threatening Ahaz, and in a moment of desperation, he turns to a foreign power for assistance. This verse serves as a reminder of the political complexities and power dynamics present in the ancient world. It also highlights the consequences of relying on foreign alliances rather than trusting in God for protection. The story of Ahaz and Tiglathpileser is a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing faith in human powers rather than in divine providence.

In this verse, Ahaz, the king of Judah, seeks help from the king of Assyria, Tiglathpileser, against the threats posed by the kings of Syria and Israel. Ahaz's desperate plea for assistance reflects a lack of faith in God's protection and a reliance on foreign powers for deliverance. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the consequences of turning away from God and seeking help from earthly sources. By bowing down to foreign rulers and claiming to be their servant and son, Ahaz demonstrates a departure from the trust that should have been placed in God alone. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of putting trust in human strength rather than in divine providence. Word studies on key terms such as "servant" and "son" reveal the depth of Ahaz's submission to foreign powers and the implications of his actions on the integrity of his leadership and the spiritual condition of the nation.