King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 28:1 Mean?

2 Chronicles 28:1 in the King James Version says “Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which w...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:”

2 Chronicles 28:1 · KJV

Context

1

Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:

2

For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.

3

Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. burnt: or, offered sacrifice

Read 2 Chronicles 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Total rejection of God bringing catastrophic judgment. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
בֶּן1 of 17

“old”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֶשְׂרִ֤ים2 of 17

“was twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שָׁנָ֔ה3 of 17

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אָחָ֣ז4 of 17

“Ahaz”

H271

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

מָלַ֖ךְ5 of 17

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וְשֵׁשׁ6 of 17

“sixteen”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה7 of 17
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָ֔ה8 of 17

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מָלַ֖ךְ9 of 17

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם10 of 17

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְלֹֽא11 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָשָׂ֧ה12 of 17

“but he did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַיָּשָׁ֛ר13 of 17

“not that which was right”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֵ֥י14 of 17

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֖ה15 of 17

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כְּדָוִ֥יד16 of 17

“like David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִֽיו׃17 of 17

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 28:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 28:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 1:11 Chronicles 3:132 Chronicles 17:3Matthew 1:9Micah 1:1Hosea 1:1

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 28 →

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