May 2, 2026 - 2 Chronicles 28

King Ahaz and Judah found themselves opposed by Syria and Israel.  This was because of their idolatry and rejection of God, and “The LORD his God gave him into the hand of the king of Syria, who defeated him and took captive a great number of his people and brought them to Damascus. He was also given into the hand of the king of Israel, who struck him with great force” (28:5).  Rather than turning away from the idols and back to the Lord in repentance, Ahaz “ sent to the king of Assyria for help” (28:16), thus trusting in an alliance with one of Israel’s longtime enemies.  How foolish, for rather than assisting Ahaz, “Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came against him and afflicted him instead of strengthening him” (28:20).  Ahaz, like we sometimes do, looked for help in the wrong place.  Our great help is the Lord God.  What hope is ours as we rest in him!

Our God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home:

Under the shadow of your throne

Your saints have dwelt secure;

Sufficient is your arm alone,

And our defense is sure.   –Isaac Watts (1719)