Ahaz, King of Judah
      Unlike his father, king Jotham, who the Bible says "Became mighty, and ordered his ways before the Lord", Ahaz became a wicked ruler. The Bible records that he even sacrificed his own sons in the fire, not much unlike the practice of modern day abortionists who sacrifice the sons and daughters of many for mere profit.
 
       A mention of Ahaz, found outside of the Bible, was taken from a clay building inscription of Tiglath-Pileser III. In accounts from his battles against Israel, between 744 and 727 B.C., he records the following:
 
      "From these I received tribute . . . Ahaz, the king of Judah . . . including gold, silver, iron, fine cloth and many garments made from wool that was dyed in purple . . . as well as all kinds of lavish gifts from many nations and from the kings that rule over them."
 
      This confirms 2 Kings 16:8 which states:
 
       "And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasuries of the king's house, and sent it as a present to the king of Assyria."
 
      The reason God sent Tiglath-Pileser III and his horde of Assyrians against Ahaz can be found in 2 Chronicles 28:19-21:
       "For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had encouraged moral decline in Judah and had been continually unfaithful to the LORD.
       Also Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came to him and distressed him, and did not assist him. For Ahaz took part of the treasures from the house of the LORD, from the house of the king, and from the leaders, and he gave it to the king of Assyria; but he did not help him."
GOD’S GREATEST STATEMENT TO AHAZ:
 
      Moreover the LORD spoke again to Ahaz, saying, "Ask a sign for yourself from the LORD your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above."
       But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!"
       Then he said, "Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also?
       "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.  Isaiah 7:10-14 (NKJV)
      This article is a chapter from our 3 volume book series "Bible Believer's Archaeology" which can be downloaded for your ebook reader or mobile device by visiting our resource download page by Clicking Here.
Photo Links to Artifacts Mentioned in this Article
Tiglath-Pileser Inscription mentioning "Ahaz of Judah" ANET 282
British Museum  K.3751
Sources:
 
Halley's Bible Handbook - Author: Henry H. Halley
ISBN: 0-310-25720-4 Pg.224 Ahaz and Tiglath-Pileser inscriptions
 
The Ancient Near East - Volume 1 - An Anthology of Texts and Pictures Edited by James B. Pritchard. ISBN 0-691-00200-2
pg.193 Tiglath-Pileser III Campaigns against Syria and Israel. (ANET 282) British Museum K.3751
 
Biblical Archaeology Review - May/June 1998 pg.54-56
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