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2 Kings 16:5-7
Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcomehim…

Isaiah 7:1-9,17
And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah,that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it…

King Ahaz
Ahaz was the twelfth king of Judah and is often remembered for his unfaithfulness to God. He is described in the Bible as a king who did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. His reign is characterized by idolatry and alliances with foreign powers, which were contrary to the covenantal faithfulness expected of the Davidic kings.

sent for help
This action reflects Ahaz's lack of faith in God and his reliance on human alliances for security. Instead of seeking the Lord's guidance and protection, Ahaz turned to political and military solutions. This decision is a significant departure from the example set by earlier kings like David, who sought the Lord's counsel in times of trouble. It also contrasts with the prophetic counsel given by Isaiah, who urged trust in God rather than foreign alliances (Isaiah 7:4-9).

from the king of Assyria
The king of Assyria at this time was Tiglath-Pileser III, a powerful ruler known for his military conquests and expansion of the Assyrian Empire. Assyria was a dominant force in the ancient Near East, and its kings were often seen as formidable allies or enemies. By seeking help from Assyria, Ahaz was aligning Judah with a nation that would later become a significant threat to both Israel and Judah. This alliance had long-term consequences, as it eventually led to Assyrian dominance over the region and the eventual fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC.

“ At that time ” (2 Chronicles 28:16) points us back to the immediate crisis Judah was facing.

• Earlier in the chapter, the LORD “gave him (Ahaz) into the hand of the king of Aram… and into the hand of the king of Israel” (28:5). Defeat, captivity, and devastating losses filled the land.

•2 Kings 16:5-6 records the same siege, whileIsaiah 7:1-2 describes hearts “shaken like the trees of the forest.”

• This was not a random misfortune; verse 19 says, “For the LORD humbled Judah because of Ahaz.” God’s discipline was active, and “that time” was the moment it pressed in hardest.

Ahaz ruled Judah about 735-715 BC. Scripture sketches his character plainly.

• “He did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD… even making cast images for the Baals” (2 Chron 28:1-4; cf.2 Kings 16:2-4).

• He burned his sons in the fire and “shut the doors of the LORD’s temple” (28:3, 24).

•Romans 1:22-23 later echoes the folly of exchanging God’s glory for idols; Ahaz is a living example. His spiritual rebellion sets the backdrop for every political move that follows.

Instead of humbling himself before the LORD who had sent the discipline, Ahaz looked horizontally.

•2 Kings 16:7 reveals his message: “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me.”

•Psalm 146:3 warns, “Do not put your trust in princes… in whom there is no salvation.”

•Isaiah 30:1-3 calls alliances like this “a covering but not of My Spirit,” whileJeremiah 17:5 says, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man.”

• The irony is sharp: the covenant-keeping God stood ready to defend Judah (Isaiah 7:4-9), yet Ahaz preferred an earthly savior.

Assyria, led by Tiglath-Pileser III, was the rising superpower.

• 2 Chron 28:20-21 recounts that the Assyrian king “came against him and afflicted him instead of strengthening him.” Human help became heavier bondage.

•2 Kings 16:9 shows Assyria gladly taking the silver and gold from the temple and royal treasuries.

•Isaiah 7:17-20 forewarned that the very razor Ahaz hired would “shave” the land; judgment often rides in on the alliances we forge outside God’s will.

• The lesson is timeless: any refuge sought apart from God eventually exacts a costly tribute.

2 Chronicles 28:16 captures the pivotal misstep of Ahaz: under pressure, he turned from the LORD to Assyria. The verse exposes a heart issue—trust misplaced. Scripture consistently contrasts the cursed path of leaning on human power with the blessed security of relying on God alone (Psalm 118:8-9). Ahaz’s choice brought deeper affliction, proving that political calculations cannot substitute for covenant faithfulness.

(16)At that time.--Apparently after the events above narrated; how soon after we can hardly decide.

The kings of Assyria.--A generalised expression, as in2Chronicles 28:3 (comp.2Chronicles 28:20-21), where the actual king is named. All the old versions have "king."