2 Kings 16:10-18 - Exposition

Religious changes introduced into Judea by Ahaz . The new position into which Ahaz had brought himself with respect to Assyria was followed by certain religious changes, which were probably, in part at any rate, its consequence, though some of them may have been the result of his own religious (or irreligious) convictions. He had a new altar made and introduced into the temple, which at first he used for his own private sacrifices ( 2 Kings 16:10-13 ); then, that his new altar might occupy the pest of honor, he removed from its place the old brazen altar of Solomon, and put it in an inferior position ( 2 Kings 16:14 ). After this, he required all sacrifices to be offered on the new altar ( 2 Kings 16:15 ). Finally, he proceeded to interfere with several other of Solomon's arrangements, with what particular object is not very apparent ( 2 Kings 16:17 , 2 Kings 16:18 ). In carrying out all these changes, he had the high priest of the time for his obsequious servant.