2 Kings 16 recounts the reign of Ahaz, who became king of Judah at the age of 20. Ahaz did not follow the ways of his father, David, and instead pursued idolatry. He worshiped false gods, even going as far as making his son pass through the fire in an offering to the god Moloch. Ahaz also adopted the practices of the neighboring nations and introduced idolatrous altars in the temple of the Lord.
In response to these actions, the Lord allowed the kingdom of Aram to attack Judah, resulting in Ahaz losing territories and many people being taken captive. Ahaz sought assistance from the king of Assyria, Tiglath-Pileser, and offered him silver and gold from the temple and the royal palace. Tiglath-Pileser agreed to help and attacked Aram, capturing its capital, Damascus.
Despite this temporary relief, Ahaz did not turn to the Lord but continued his wicked ways. He altered the temple, removing elements of worship prescribed by God and replacing them with foreign customs.
Ahaz's reign, marked by his idolatry and disobedience to God's laws, set a dangerous precedent for future generations in Judah.