Ahaz (Hebrew origin: Possessor)
Ahaz was the eleventh king of Judah after the partition of the United Monarchy. He succeeded to the throne at the age of twenty and ruled for sixteen years. In contrast to his father and grandfather, who were faithful to God, Ahaz reverted to idolatry and even sacrificed one of his sons to pagan gods. His reign was a succession of military defeats.
Rezin, king of Aram, and Pekah, king of Israel, invaded Judah and besieged Jerusalem, though both failed in capturing the city. Their objective was to depose Ahaz, and install
a son of Tabeel in his place (Isaiah 7:6). The prophet Isaiah, accompanied by his son Shearjashub, met with King Ahaz and told him not to fear because the invaders would not succeed. The Edomites raided the kingdom around that time and took many prisoners (2 Chronicles 28:17), while the Philistines captured several cities and settled there permanently. Ahaz introduced Aramean cults into the Temple of Jerusalem, installed a sundial in the Temple, made changes in the Temple ritual, and set up pagan altars in many cities. Ahaz was buried in Jerusalem, but not in the royal tombs. His son Hezekiah reigned in his place.
Read more biographies from Who's Who in the Jewish Bible.
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