For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.

2 CHRONICLES 28:21KJV
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2 Chronicles 28:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 28:21 mean?

2 Chronicles 28:21 describes how King Ahaz took treasures from the temple of the LORD, the royal palace, and the leaders, and gave them to the king of Assyria as a gift, hoping for help. However, the king of Assyria did not help Ahaz in return.

This verse is set during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, who was facing threats from neighboring nations. In desperation, Ahaz tried to buy the support of the Assyrian king by giving away valuable items from both religious and royal sources. The verse highlights that this costly attempt to secure foreign aid failed, leaving Ahaz without the help he sought.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 28:21

  • יְהוָה (YHWH, transliterated "Yahweh" or "the LORD"): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that Ahaz took treasures from the temple dedicated to the LORD, not just any religious site.
  • חֵלֶק (ḥēleq, "portion"): This word means a part or share, showing that Ahaz did not empty the temple or palace entirely but took a significant part of their treasures.
  • נָתַן (nathan, "gave"): This verb means to give or hand over, stressing that Ahaz willingly transferred these treasures to Assyria, rather than losing them by force.
  • עֶזְרָה (ezrah, "helped"): This word means help or assistance, and its use here underscores the irony that, despite Ahaz’s costly gift, the expected help from Assyria never came.

Why 2 Chronicles 28:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Ahaz’s alliance with Assyria was not just political but involved sacrificing sacred and royal resources, showing the depth of his desperation.
  • The verse emphasizes the futility of relying on foreign powers instead of trusting in God, a theme that runs throughout the surrounding chapters.
  • It connects to the wider narrative by explaining why Judah’s situation worsened under Ahaz, setting the stage for later reforms under his successors.

Where else these words appear

“helped” Hebrew H5833 · used in 25 verses

  • Judges 5:23 Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.
  • Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
  • Psalms 108:12 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

“Ahaz” Hebrew H271 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:38 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 16:20 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.

“portion” Hebrew H2505 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 1 Kings 18:6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
  • Proverbs 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

“Assyria” Hebrew H804 · used in 138 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 20:6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
  • Isaiah 36:13 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.