Who was Achaz?

Achaz, also known as Ahaz, was a king of Judah and a descendant of King David. His name in Hebrew, אָחָז (Achaz), means “he has grasped” or “he has held.” He is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:9, where it says, “Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.”

Achaz reigned as king of Judah in the 8th century BC, during a time of spiritual decline and political instability. His reign is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28, and Isaiah 7–8. He is known for his lack of faith in God, idolatry, and political alliances that ultimately led Judah into deeper trouble. Despite his failures, he is included in the genealogy of Christ, which highlights God’s grace and sovereignty in using even the worst of kings in His redemptive plan.

Biblical References

• Matthew 1:9 – Mentions Achaz in the genealogy of Jesus.

• 2 Kings 16 – Detailed account of the reign of Ahaz, including his political dealings and idolatry.

• 2 Chronicles 28 – Chronicles his unfaithfulness and Judah’s suffering under his rule.

• Isaiah 7:10-16 – Contains the prophecy of Immanuel given to Ahaz, despite his refusal to trust God.

Achaz’s Reign and Decisions

Achaz became king at age 20 and reigned for 16 years in Jerusalem. He is remembered for rejecting the Lord and leading Judah into idolatry. Among his grievous sins were:

• Offering sacrifices to false gods and even burning his own son as an offering (2 Kings 16:3; 2 Chronicles 28:3).

• Altering the temple worship by introducing a pagan altar modeled after one he saw in Damascus (2 Kings 16:10-16).

• Making an alliance with Assyria, paying tribute to the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III instead of relying on the Lord (2 Kings 16:7-9).

• Closing the doors of the Temple, effectively shutting down the worship of the true God during his reign (2 Chronicles 28:24).

Rather than turning to the Lord during national crisis, Achaz turned to foreign nations and their gods. He refused to listen to the prophet Isaiah, who urged him to trust in the Lord rather than in human alliances (Isaiah 7:1-17).

The Sign of Immanuel

In Isaiah 7, God sent the prophet Isaiah to encourage Achaz during a time when Judah was under threat from Israel and Syria. Isaiah offered a divine sign to assure him that Judah would not be destroyed. Achaz hypocritically refused the sign, claiming he didn’t want to test God (Isaiah 7:12), but in reality, he had already decided to rely on Assyria.

Nevertheless, God gave a sign anyway: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). This prophecy had a near-term fulfillment in Isaiah’s day but found its ultimate fulfillment in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:23). This shows how even Achaz’s rebellion became a backdrop for God’s greater promise of salvation through His Son.

What This Means for Today’s Christians

Achaz serves as a sobering reminder of the danger of turning away from God in times of fear and uncertainty. His refusal to trust in God and his pursuit of worldly solutions led to ruin for himself and suffering for his people. Christians today are challenged by his example to place their hope in the Lord, especially when confronted with pressure, crisis, or fear.

Even so, the inclusion of Achaz in the genealogy of Christ is a powerful testimony to God’s grace. It shows that God’s plan of salvation is not hindered by human failure. Christ’s lineage includes sinners and idolaters—yet God used them to bring forth the Savior of the world. This is good news for all who know their need for grace.

How Achaz Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Achaz rejected God‘s offer of a sign, yet God gave the greatest sign anyway: the promise of Immanuel, “God with us.” In contrast to Achaz, Jesus fully trusted the Father and obeyed Him perfectly. Where Achaz shut the temple and corrupted worship, Jesus came as the true and better King to restore worship and bring us into the presence of God through His own body (John 2:19-21).

The contrast between Achaz and Jesus highlights the gospel: Jesus came not from a line of perfect men but from a line of broken sinners. The grace of God in Jesus reaches down even through the darkest chapters of human history to bring light and redemption.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Grace and Sovereignty in Genealogy

Achaz’s inclusion in Matthew’s genealogy reminds readers that God’s grace reaches even the most unfaithful. The Messiah’s royal line was not preserved by human merit but by God’s faithfulness.

2. Trust in God vs. Trust in Man

Achaz embodies the failure of trusting in human power. His refusal to believe God’s word through Isaiah is a warning for all generations to rely on God, not political or worldly solutions.

3. Christ as the True and Righteous King

Where Achaz brought idolatry and judgment, Jesus brings righteousness and peace. Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise made to the house of David (Isaiah 9:6-7), bringing salvation, not condemnation.

Reflection Questions

1. What can we learn from Achaz’s failure to trust God during crisis?

2. How does God’s faithfulness in Achaz’s story point us to Jesus?

3. In what ways are we tempted to rely on human solutions instead of seeking the Lord?

4. How does the prophecy of Immanuel in Isaiah 7 give hope to us today?

5. What does Achaz’s inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy teach us about grace?

6. How can we encourage others to trust God when they are fearful or facing hardship?

7. What idols do we tolerate in our own lives that keep us from wholehearted worship?

8. How does Christ reverse the damage caused by sinful kings like Achaz?

9. In what areas do you need to renew your trust in God’s promises?

10. How can you reflect the character of Christ, the righteous King, in your own leadership or influence?