2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 17; Psalm 66; 1 Corinthians 7

2 Chronicles 28
King Ahaz was one of the most wicked kings of Judah. His wickedness, both personal and that of the people, was tied to their imitation of the surrounding pagan nations in their trust (they trusted in their false gods) and in their way of life (they sought pleasure in sinful indulgences). Ahaz led the people to a critical point of wickedness: "He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, following the detestable ways of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites" (2 Chronicles 28:3).

This led to God's severe punishment: "Therefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hands of the king of Aram. The Arameans defeated him and, took many of his people as prisoners and brought them to Damascus. He was also given into the hands of the king of Israel, who inflicted heavy casualties on him" (2 Chronicles 28:5). 120,000 Judeans were killed, and 200,000 were taken captive.

Instead of seeking help from God, Ahaz turned to the Assyrian kings, but they did not help him. During this time, the Lord allowed attacks from the Edomites and the Philistines, bringing trouble from all sides: "The Lord had humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had promoted wickedness in Judah and had been most unfaithful to the Lord" (2 Chronicles 28:19). Yet Ahaz continued to live in rebellion against God. His actions were driven by a pagan mindset: "In his time of trouble, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord. He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, who had defeated him, for he thought, 'Since the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them so they will help me.' But they were his downfall and the downfall of all Israel" (2 Chronicles 28:22-23).

2 Kings 17
A similar fate befell the northern kingdom of Israel: "The Lord rejected all the descendants of Israel; He afflicted them and gave them into the hands of plunderers, until He thrust them from His presence" (2 Kings 17:20). Due to their departure from God, the northern kingdom was com wholly taken to captivity, fulfilling the prophetic warnings given through Moses: "So the people of Israel were taken from their homeland into exile in Assyria, and they are still there" (2 Kings 17:23).

Psalm 66
Observing the Lord's works in nature, the world, and our personal lives should lead us to worship Him.

1 Corinthians 7
The Lord ordains marriage, and living for the Lord is the key element in marriage. Paul emphasizes this repeatedly. Live for the Lord; you will be blessed in marriage or singleness, as the Lord determines.