2 Kings 16:15

Then King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest, "Offer on the great altar the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering, and the king's burnt offering and grain offering, as well as the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings of all the people of the land. Sprinkle on the altar all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices. But I will use the bronze altar to seek guidance."

Study Bible

Then King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest
King Ahaz, a ruler of Judah, is depicted here as taking a direct role in religious practices, which is significant given his reputation for unfaithfulness to God. The Hebrew root for "commanded" (צִוָּה, tzivah) implies a strong directive, indicating Ahaz's authoritative and perhaps overreaching influence in spiritual matters. Uriah the priest, whose name means "Yahweh is my light," is seen here as compliant, reflecting the compromised state of the priesthood under Ahaz's reign.

On the great altar
The "great altar" refers to a new altar that Ahaz had constructed, modeled after one he saw in Damascus. This altar represents a departure from traditional worship practices ordained by God. The Hebrew word for "great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) emphasizes its prominence and perhaps its imposing nature, symbolizing Ahaz's shift towards foreign influences and idolatry.

offer the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering
These offerings were part of the daily sacrificial system established by God in the Torah. The "morning burnt offering" and "evening grain offering" were meant to be acts of worship and atonement, signifying a continual dedication to God. The Hebrew terms for "burnt offering" (עֹלָה, olah) and "grain offering" (מִנְחָה, minchah) highlight the sacrificial system's role in maintaining a covenant relationship with God.

the king’s burnt offering and grain offering
Ahaz's personal offerings suggest an attempt to integrate his own practices into the national religious life. This personalization of worship could be seen as an attempt to legitimize his religious reforms. The mention of the king's offerings underscores the blending of personal and public worship, which can lead to the corruption of true worship when not aligned with God's commands.

as well as the burnt offerings of all the people of the land
This phrase indicates that Ahaz's directives were not limited to his own offerings but extended to the entire nation. The Hebrew word for "people" (עַם, am) signifies the collective body of Israel, whose worship was being redirected by Ahaz's influence. This reflects the broader impact of a leader's spiritual direction on the nation.

their grain offerings, and their drink offerings
These offerings were part of the prescribed worship in the Mosaic Law, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God. The inclusion of "drink offerings" (נֶסֶךְ, nesekh) alongside grain offerings highlights the comprehensive nature of the sacrificial system, which Ahaz was altering to fit his own agenda.

Sprinkle on the altar all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices
The act of sprinkling blood was a critical component of the sacrificial system, symbolizing purification and atonement. The Hebrew word for "sprinkle" (זָרַק, zaraq) conveys the ritualistic aspect of this practice. By commanding this action on the new altar, Ahaz was attempting to maintain a semblance of traditional worship while fundamentally altering its context.

The bronze altar will be for me to seek guidance
Ahaz's statement about the bronze altar, originally designed by Solomon for the temple, reveals his intention to use it for divination or personal guidance rather than its intended purpose. The Hebrew word for "seek guidance" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash) implies a search or inquiry, often associated with seeking divine will. This misuse of the altar reflects Ahaz's departure from true worship and reliance on God, substituting it with his own methods and understanding.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Ahaz
The king of Judah who is known for his unfaithfulness to God, including adopting pagan practices and altering the temple worship.

2. Uriah the Priest
A priest who complied with King Ahaz's orders, demonstrating a lack of resistance to the king's unfaithful commands.

3. The Great Altar
A new altar built by King Ahaz, modeled after one he saw in Damascus, which he prioritized over the original bronze altar.

4. The Bronze Altar
The original altar in the temple, which Ahaz relegated to a secondary role for his personal use in seeking guidance.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where these events took place, under the rule of King Ahaz.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Worship
Ahaz's actions remind us of the importance of adhering to God's instructions for worship. Altering God's commands to suit personal preferences leads to spiritual decline.

Leadership and Influence
Leaders have a profound impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Ahaz's unfaithfulness led Judah away from God, highlighting the responsibility of leaders to guide others in righteousness.

The Danger of Compromise
Ahaz's decision to adopt pagan practices illustrates the danger of compromising one's faith to align with worldly influences. Believers are called to remain steadfast in their commitment to God.

The Role of Priests and Spiritual Leaders
Uriah's compliance with Ahaz's orders shows the need for spiritual leaders to stand firm in their convictions, even when pressured by authority figures.

Seeking Guidance from God
Ahaz's misuse of the bronze altar for personal guidance underscores the importance of seeking God's will through His established means, rather than creating our own methods.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does King Ahaz's alteration of the temple worship reflect his spiritual state, and what can we learn from this about the importance of maintaining purity in worship?

2. In what ways can leaders today ensure they are guiding their communities in accordance with God's Word, rather than personal or cultural preferences?

3. How does the account of Ahaz challenge us to examine areas in our lives where we might be compromising our faith?

4. What role should spiritual leaders play in resisting ungodly influences, and how can they effectively stand firm in their convictions?

5. How can we ensure that we are seeking guidance from God in the ways He has prescribed, rather than relying on our own understanding or methods?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1-7
These chapters outline the proper procedures for offerings and sacrifices, which Ahaz disregarded by altering the temple practices.

2 Chronicles 28
Provides a parallel account of Ahaz's reign, highlighting his idolatry and the consequences for Judah.

Isaiah 7
The prophet Isaiah's interactions with Ahaz, offering him a sign from God, which Ahaz rejects, showing his lack of faith.

Exodus 27:1-8
Describes the original design and purpose of the bronze altar, emphasizing its significance in Israelite worship.