1. Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did not do what was pleasing in the sight of the lord, as his ancestor David had done.
2. Instead, he followed the example of the kings of Israel. He cast metal images for the worship of Baal.
3. He offered sacrifices in the valley of Ben-Hinnom, even sacrificing his own sons in the fire. In this way, he followed the detestable practices of the pagan nations the lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.