And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.

2 KINGS 16:8KJV
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2 Kings 16:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 16:8 mean?

2 Kings 16:8 describes how King Ahaz took silver and gold from both the temple of the LORD and the royal treasury and sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. This was done to gain the favor or help of the Assyrian king during a time of political trouble.

In this verse, the focus is on Ahaz, the king of Judah, who is under threat from neighboring nations. Instead of relying on God, Ahaz chooses to use the valuable resources from the temple (the house of the LORD) and his own palace to try to secure military assistance from Assyria. The verse shows a moment where sacred and royal treasures are used for political bargaining.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 16:8

  • "house of the LORD" (בֵּית יְהוָה, beit YHWH): This phrase refers specifically to the temple in Jerusalem, highlighting that Ahaz took treasures from a place considered holy and dedicated to God.
  • "present" (שֹׁחַד, shochad): This word often means a bribe or tribute, not just a friendly gift. It suggests that Ahaz was trying to buy the Assyrian king’s support rather than simply offering a gesture of goodwill.
  • "treasures" (אוֹצָר, otzar): This word refers to stored-up wealth or valuables, emphasizing that Ahaz was giving away significant resources, not just a small token.

Why 2 Kings 16:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Ahaz’s actions involved both religious and royal wealth, showing the seriousness of his decision and the lengths he was willing to go for political help.
  • The use of the word for "present" as a kind of bribe or tribute highlights the desperation and political maneuvering of Ahaz, rather than simple diplomacy.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the broader narrative of 2 Kings 16, where Ahaz’s reliance on foreign powers instead of God leads to negative consequences for Judah.

Where else these words appear

“present” Hebrew H7810 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
  • 2 Chronicles 19:7 Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.
  • Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

“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 17:1 In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.

“treasures” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 2 Chronicles 5:1 Thus all the work that Solomon made for the house of the LORD was finished: and Solomon brought in all the things that David his father had dedicated; and the silver, and the gold, and all the instruments, put he among the treasures of the house of God.
  • Isaiah 2:7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:

“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 23:29 In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
  • 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.