Ahaz

Ahaz was a king of the Judah (2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28). He did give exclusive worship to God, but was involved in idolatry. He died at the age of 35, after reigning 16 years (732 BC-716 BC according to E.R. Thiele), and was succeeded by his son Hezekiah. He is one the kings mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.
Kings records that Ahaz lived a life full of evil practices, introducing many pagan and idolatrous customs (Isaiah 8:19; Kings 23:12). 
In 733 BC, Israel (and Aram) tried to pressure Ahaz into joining a coalition against Assyria (the armies of which were sweeping across the Middle East under King Tiglath-Pileser III). Ahaz, ignoring the warnings of the prophets Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah, appealed to Tiglath-Pileser III for help – a decision that was condemned by Isaiah. Assyria assisted Judah and conquered the northern Kingdom exiling the people. This also brought Ahaz humiliating subjection to the Assyrians (2 Kings 16:7,9; 15:29).
He died at the age of 35, after reigning 16 years, and was succeeded by his son Hezekiah. Because of his sins he was "not brought into the sepulchre of the kings."
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==Links==
* Wikipedia - Ahaz
 Christianity -> Bible -> Bible Characters Index