2 Kings, 16
17. And king Achaz took away the graven bases, and the laver that was upon them: and he took down the sea from the brazen oxen that held it up, and put it upon a pavement of stone.
17. And king Achaz took away the graven bases, and the laver that was upon them: and he took down the sea from the brazen oxen that held it up, and put it upon a pavement of stone.
Chapter 16 of 2 kings deals with the story of Ahaz, king of Judah, and his relationship with Tiglate-Pileser, king of Assyria. Ahaz refuses to join a coalition of kingdoms against Assyria, and instead calls for help to Tiglate-Pileser. Below are five verses related to the topics covered in 2 Kings 16.
2 Kings 15:29: "In the days of Peca, king of Israel, Tiglate-Pileser, King of Assyria, came and took Ijom, Abel-Bete-Maca, Janaa, what, Hazor, Gilead, Galilee, all the land of Naphtali and took them captives to Assyria. " This verse shows Assyria's presence in the region and its ability to conquer territories near Israel and Judah.
2 Kings 15:19: "Then Pul, king of Assyria, came against the earth; and Menahem gave Pull a thousand talents of silver, that his hand go with him and strengthen his kingdom in his hand." This verse shows the policy of bribery that Meném, king of Israel, adopted in relation to Assyria to protect himself.
Isaiah 7:2: "The house of David was said, 'Syria allied with Ephraim.' Then the heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people have shaken like the trees of the woods are shaken by the wind. " This verse shows Acaz's concern for the threat of an alliance between Syria and Efraim, which could represent a threat to Judah.
Isaiah 7:6: "Let's go up against Judah, harass him, and we will open a gap in him, and set a king in his midst, yes, the son of Table." This verse shows the intention of Syria and Ephraim to invade Judah and establish a king of his choice.
Isaiah 7:17: "But the Lord will bring upon you, over your people, and over your father's house, days as it has never been since the day Efraim separated from Judah - until at the end of the days you will not be destroyed but you will be saved. " This verse shows God's promise that He and His Kingdom would not be completely destroyed despite the threat of invasion by Syria and Ephraim.
“Comunguemos com santo temor e com grande amor.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
