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Ahaz

Ahaz in the Bible — King of Judah, son of Jotham (2KI 15:38). Ahaz belonged to the tribe of Judah. Referenced in 6 scripture passages.

Name meaning: one that takes or possesses

Profile

Gender
male
Tribe
Judah
Scripture References
6 references
Known Names
3 names
Relationships
3 connections

Biography

The son of Jotham who became king of Judah, Ahaz was one of the most wicked kings of Judah. He practiced idolatry, burned his sons as offerings, and desecrated the temple. When threatened by Syria and Israel, he appealed to Assyria rather than God, bringing Judah under Assyrian domination. He even made a replica of a pagan altar and placed it in God's temple.

Significance

Ahaz exemplifies spiritual apostasy and the consequences of trusting in political alliances rather than God, demonstrating how far a leader can fall from his godly heritage.

Key Events

Became king of Judah(2 Kings 16:2)
Sacrificed his sons to idols(2 Kings 16:3)
Asked Assyria for help instead of God(2 Kings 16:7-9)
Replaced temple altar with pagan copy(2 Kings 16:10-16)
Death(2 Kings 16:2)

Names & Labels (3)

Ahazproper name
Hebrew
אָחָז
Transliteration
achaz
Meaning
he has grasped
Greek
Αχαζ
Reference
2KI 15:38
Strong's
H271
King Ahaztitle
Hebrew
מֶּלֶךְ אָחָז
Transliteration
melek achaz
Meaning
king Ahaz
Greek
βασιλεὺς Αχαζ
Reference
2KI 16:10
Strong's
H4428, H271
King of Judahtitle
Hebrew
מֶלֶך יְהוּדָה
Transliteration
melek yəhudah
Meaning
king of Judah
Greek
βασιλεῖ Ιουδα
Reference
2KI 17:1
Strong's
H4428, H3063

Family & Relationships (3)

son

Jotham(2KI 15:38)

father

Hezekiah(2KI 16:20)
Maaseiah(2CH 28:7)

Notes

He did not do right in the sight of the LORD as David his father had done (2CH 28:1)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ahaz in the Bible?

Ahaz is described in the Bible as King of Judah, son of Jotham (2KI 15:38). Ahaz belonged to the tribe of Judah.

What does the name Ahaz mean?

The name Ahaz means “one that takes or possesses” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

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