Old Testament
2 Kings 16:15
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, King Ahaz gives specific instructions to Urijah the priest about how to conduct offerings at the temple.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Then King Ahaz instructed Urijah the priest, saying, 'Use the great altar for the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering, the king’s burnt sacrifice, and his grain offering, along with all the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings of the people. Sprinkle all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices on it. The bronze altar will be for me to inquire by.'
And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king’s burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, King Ahaz gives specific instructions to Urijah the priest about how to conduct offerings at the temple. He emphasizes the importance of using the great altar for various sacrifices, including morning and evening offerings. Ahaz wants to ensure that both his personal sacrifices and those of the people are properly presented. He also mentions that the bronze altar will be reserved for his inquiries, indicating a desire for guidance. This reflects Ahaz's approach to worship, blending personal and communal practices. His actions show a focus on ritual, but they also reveal a deeper need for connection with the divine. The detailed instructions highlight the significance of these offerings in their culture, serving as a way to seek favor and guidance from God. Ahaz's leadership in this context illustrates the intersection of power, religion, and community in ancient Israel, reminding us of the importance of seeking direction in our own lives through meaningful practices.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 16:15 to your life
Consider how you seek guidance in your life. Just as King Ahaz sought direction through offerings, think about what practices help you connect with your values and beliefs. Engaging in meaningful rituals can provide clarity and strengthen your sense of purpose. Reflect on how you can incorporate these into your daily routine for deeper insight and connection with your community and self.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 16:15 mean?
In 2 Kings 16:15, King Ahaz instructs Urijah the priest on how to perform various offerings at the temple, emphasizing the use of the great altar for both personal and communal sacrifices. This reflects Ahaz's desire for divine guidance and the importance of ritual in their worship practices.
What is the significance of the great altar in 2 Kings 16:15?
The great altar in 2 Kings 16:15 is significant because it is designated for the morning and evening offerings, as well as the king's sacrifices. This highlights its central role in worship and the importance of proper rituals in seeking favor from God.
What offerings are mentioned in 2 Kings 16:15?
In 2 Kings 16:15, the offerings mentioned include the morning burnt offering, evening grain offering, the king's burnt sacrifice, and the people's burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings. These offerings represent both personal devotion and communal worship.
How does 2 Kings 16:15 reflect leadership?
2 Kings 16:15 reflects leadership through King Ahaz's directive to Urijah the priest, showing how a leader can influence worship practices and community rituals. His instructions indicate a blend of personal authority and religious responsibility.
The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
Unlock the full 2 Kings summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 2 Kings — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 25 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 2 Kings summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.