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Notable Sources
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The Unsuccessful Siege of Jerusalem
TANAKH
Despite the combined efforts of King Rezin of Aram and King Pekah of Israel to attack Jerusalem during Ahaz's reign, they were ultimately unsuccessful. The book of Isaiah recounts the historical event of Ahaz's reign and the failed attempt by Rezin and Pekah to conquer Jerusalem.
The Redeeming Quality of King Achaz
COMMENTARY
Despite his many faults, King Achaz did not persecute the prophet Isaiah, which grants him a place in the World to Come. This contemporary study of the book of Kings explores the nuanced evaluation of King Achaz's reign, particularly his relationship with the prophet Isaiah.
Condemning Child Sacrifice
COMMENTARY
The practice of child sacrifice, introduced by figures like Ahaz and Menashe, is condemned as a pagan practice that starkly contrasts with Jewish values. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explores the historical context and ethical implications of child sacrifice in the ancient world, as mentioned in the Tanakh.
The Spiritual Decline Under King Ahaz
TALMUD
King Ahaz's actions led to a deliberate spiritual decline in Israel by undermining religious institutions and leadership. The Jerusalem Talmud, a central text in Rabbinic Judaism, reflects on the consequences of Ahaz's actions on Jewish religious life.
Isaiah's Prophecy to the Philistines
COMMENTARY
Isaiah prophesied to the Philistines in the year of Ahaz's death. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz in his commentary on the Hebrew Bible explains the significance of the timing of the prophecy.
The Downfall of King Ahaz
SECOND TEMPLE
King Ahaz's reliance on foreign powers and gods led to his downfall and death. Josephus, in his first-century historical work, details Ahaz's desecration of the Temple and his ultimate disregard for the worship of the true God.
Leah and Her Wicked Descendants
MIDRASH
King Ahaz was among the matriarch Leah's descendants. Aggadat Bereshit, a midrashic compilation, explains a phrase referring to her as 'hated' with the moral failings of her descendants, including Ahaz.
Restoring Sacred Vessels
TANAKH
The restoration and sanctification of the temple utensils defiled by King Ahaz symbolize a return to religious purity and devotion. II Chronicles recounts the history of the kings of Judah, focusing on their religious actions and the consequences for the Temple.
The Unworthy King
COMMENTARY
Ahaz was deemed unworthy to be buried in the tombs of the kings of Israel. Radak, a prominent medieval biblical commentator, provides historical and exegetical insights into the Hebrew Bible.
The Suffering During Ahaz's Reign
COMMENTARY
The reign of King Ahaz was marked by divine punishment and lamentation over the misfortunes brought upon Judah and Israel. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century Jewish commentator, provides context for Isaiah 9:11:2, detailing the invasions by Aram and the Philistines during Ahaz's reign.
Divine Invitations
MIDRASH
Ahaz is one of a few individuals to whom God explicitly offered to make a request, highlighting a unique divine interaction. The midrash Bereshit Rabbah explores this phenomenon of divine invitation.
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