2 Chronicles 28:22
And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
Original Language Analysis
וּבְעֵת֙
And in the time
H6256
וּבְעֵת֙
And in the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
1 of 9
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הָצֵ֣ר
of his distress
H6887
הָצֵ֣ר
of his distress
Strong's:
H6887
Word #:
2 of 9
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
וַיּ֖וֹסֶף
yet more
H3254
וַיּ֖וֹסֶף
yet more
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
4 of 9
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
לִמְע֣וֹל
did he trespass
H4603
לִמְע֣וֹל
did he trespass
Strong's:
H4603
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
בַּֽיהוָ֑ה
against the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֑ה
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 9
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
Ahaz's reign (c. 735-715 BCE) was marked by idolatry, child sacrifice, and political alliances with Assyria against God's will. Even Assyrian oppression didn't produce repentance but drove him deeper into pagan worship, demonstrating that only God's grace, not circumstances, changes hearts.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond to distress - by drawing closer to God or distancing yourself through increased sin?
- What spiritual disciplines help ensure affliction softens your heart toward God rather than hardening it?
Analysis & Commentary
The summary of wicked King Ahaz: 'And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.' The phrase 'in the time of his distress' shows Ahaz responded to hardship by intensifying sin rather than repenting. Most people either soften toward God in affliction or harden against Him - Ahaz hardened. The bitter conclusion 'this is that king Ahaz' marks him as an example of one who learned nothing from discipline. This warns that adversity doesn't automatically produce repentance; hard hearts can be further hardened by difficulty. Christ alone perfectly learned obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:8), modeling the proper response to affliction.