2 Kings 16: Faithless in Trouble

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of 2 Kings.

We had two girls, but we had planned two more children—boys, we hoped. Already, I had lost one baby in the first trimester. Pregnant again, I prayed my way through those first three months. Shortly into the second trimester I lost the baby. And I was mad! I had done all the right things. I had been especially careful about diet, medicines, activities. I had prayed constantly. But the baby had died inside me anyway. I prayed one angry prayer to God and then stopped praying altogether. For a while. But God is merciful. He gave us two boys (adopted). Later I had to ask, "Why was I so mad? Is God only God for the good times?" My response to trouble was not so different from that of King Ahaz. When the going got tough, Ahaz switched sides.

Warming Up to God

Think of difficult times you have experienced, for example, a fight within your church, the death of someone you have prayed for, unemployment, family or friends going through a divorce. What are some negative ways you have responded to such situations? What are some positive ways you have responded?

Read 2 Kings 16

Discovering the Word

• In what different ways did Ahaz express his idolatry?
• What military crisis did Ahaz face (vv. 5-6)? (Use the map in the introduction to picture this.)
• Why do you think Ahaz appealed to Assyria (vv. 7-9)?
• What specific changes did Ahaz make in the temple (vv. 8, 10-18)?
• God gave Moses specific instructions for arrangements in his tabernacle. In view of this, what was Ahaz saying by his actions in the temple?

Applying the Word

• In what ways does your response to trouble seem to be a search for other gods and other altars?
• To what extent does your response to trouble reflect a determined faith in God?
• Much of our worship can become, like Ahaz's, an attempt to get what we want out of God. When this occurs, we need to ask ourselves, "Who is my god: God or me?" How can you make your worship less self-centered and more God centered?

Responding in Prayer

Focus your prayers on God, reflecting on his character and good works.