Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 16
Ahaz believed that his father Jotham had been wrong only to serve one God. In Ahaz’s opinion, religion was a source of power in the spirit world. So, he considered that a person with many gods had many sources of power in the spirit world.
In addition, it seemed to him that his many gods had different kinds of power. The false god Baal, whose name means ‘master’, seemed to give him authority over other people (2 Chronicles 28:2). The false god Molech, to whom he offered his sons, seemed a source of powerful magic. The false gods of Damascus, whom he served later, seemed to give help in war (2 Chronicles 28:23). He even believed that the true God was useful as a source of wisdom and advice (16:15). So, Ahaz wanted to please all of these false gods, and even to please the true God.
Solomon had provided a place for people to pray to Molech near to Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:7). Perhaps there Ahaz learned from the priests of Molech about the terrible price that Molech demanded. For his strong magic, it was necessary to give Molech a truly valuable gift. Ahaz did not kill his son because he hated his son – rather, he chose to offer his son to Molech because he truly loved his son. So, Ahaz killed his son and burned the body completely as his gift to Molech. He had given to Molech the son that he truly loved – so in return, Ahaz expected Molech to use his powerful magic to support him (Ahaz). Ahaz later killed other sons for the same reason (2 Chronicles 28:3).
Ahaz established many places where the people could pray to these gods in the hills and on street corners. He himself constantly went to such places to carry on his acts of religion.
Next part: Ahaz's defeats in war (2 Kings 16:5-6)
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