King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 28:22 Mean?

2 Chronicles 28:22 in the King James Version says “And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.”

2 Chronicles 28:22 · KJV

Context

20

And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.

21

For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.

22

And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.

23

For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. Damascus: Heb. Darmesek

24

And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.

Read 2 Chronicles 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The summary of wicked King Ahaz: 'And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.' The phrase 'in the time of his distress' shows Ahaz responded to hardship by intensifying sin rather than repenting. Most people either soften toward God in affliction or harden against Him - Ahaz hardened. The bitter conclusion 'this is that king Ahaz' marks him as an example of one who learned nothing from discipline. This warns that adversity doesn't automatically produce repentance; hard hearts can be further hardened by difficulty. Christ alone perfectly learned obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:8), modeling the proper response to affliction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ahaz's reign (c. 735-715 BCE) was marked by idolatry, child sacrifice, and political alliances with Assyria against God's will. Even Assyrian oppression didn't produce repentance but drove him deeper into pagan worship, demonstrating that only God's grace, not circumstances, changes hearts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to distress - by drawing closer to God or distancing yourself through increased sin?
  2. What spiritual disciplines help ensure affliction softens your heart toward God rather than hardening it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וּבְעֵת֙1 of 9

“And in the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הָצֵ֣ר2 of 9

“of his distress”

H6887

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

ל֔וֹ3 of 9
H0
וַיּ֖וֹסֶף4 of 9

“yet more”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לִמְע֣וֹל5 of 9

“did he trespass”

H4603

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

בַּֽיהוָ֑ה6 of 9

“against the LORD”

H3068

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

ה֖וּא7 of 9
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ8 of 9

“this is that king”

H4428

a king

אָחָֽז׃9 of 9

“Ahaz”

H271

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

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 28:22 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 28:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 21:13Jeremiah 5:3Isaiah 1:5Revelation 16:9-11Psalms 52:72 Chronicles 33:12

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