2 Chronicles 28:20
And Tilgath–pilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.
2 Chronicles 28:20 (KJV)
Context
2 Chronicles 28 focuses on King Ahaz of Judah, who ruled during the 8th century BC. Ahaz was an unfaithful king who turned away from the Lord and engaged in idolatry. As a consequence of his disobedience, God allowed the king of Aram and the king of Israel to wage war against him. This verse specifically records the approach of Tiglath-pileser, the king of Assyria, who further distressed Ahaz but did not provide any real assistance or support.
Meaning
The Hebrew narrative emphasizes that the Assyrian king brought trouble instead of support. Commentators note that Tiglath-pileser came not to Jerusalem but to Damascus, where he took the city and met Ahaz, as recorded in 2 Kings 16:9. Rather than genuinely aiding Judah, he exhausted Ahaz’s treasures and laid tribute upon him, and he did not help against the Edomites and Philistines or recover the cities they had taken. In taking Damascus, he served his own interests more than Ahaz’s. The chapter continues by noting that Ahaz took treasure from the house of the LORD and gave it to the king of Assyria, but he helped him not (2 Chronicles 28:21). Even in his distress, Ahaz trespassed yet more against the LORD, sacrificing to the gods of Damascus, which became the ruin of him and of all Israel (2 Chronicles 28:22-23).
Biblical connections
The account of King Ahaz in 2 Chronicles 28 serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and embracing idolatry. Ahaz’s unfaithfulness led to distress and trouble for himself and his kingdom. It reminds us that our choices have consequences, and when we choose to disobey God, we can expect negative outcomes in our lives.
In this verse, we see that Tiglath-pileser, the king of Assyria, did not provide any real help or strength to King Ahaz, despite his distress. This highlights the futility of placing our trust in human aid and worldly powers rather than relying on God. It serves as a reminder that true strength and deliverance come from the Lord, and it is essential for us to put our faith in Him rather than relying on human solutions alone.
Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God used foreign nations to discipline His people when they turned away from Him. In this case, God allowed Assyria to come against Ahaz as a consequence of his disobedience. It highlights God’s sovereignty and His willingness to discipline His people to bring them back to a place of repentance and obedience.
Application
The distress faced by Ahaz was meant to turn his heart back to God. It was an opportunity for him to recognize his sin, repent, and seek restoration with God. Likewise, when we face difficult circumstances as a result of our disobedience, it is important for us to humbly acknowledge our wrongdoing, repent, and seek reconciliation with God. God is gracious and forgiving, and He is always ready to restore those who turn to Him in repentance.
This passage encourages us to examine our lives and assess if we are faithfully following God or if we have turned away from Him. It reminds us of the importance of obedience and the consequences that come from disobedience. It also urges us to place our trust in God alone and not rely on human aid or worldly solutions. Finally, it prompts us to humbly repent and seek restoration with God when we have strayed from His path. May this reminder of the significance of obedience and trust in God encourage you to live a life that honours and pleases Him.
