3 But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel. 4 And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree. (2 Kings 16:3-4 KJV)
Thomas Scott
Verses 3-4. Ahaz imitated the kings of Israel in worshipping idols, and rebelling against the Lord. It is said in Chronicles that he “ burnt his children in the fire;” and here, that he “made his son to pass through the fire,” to consecrate him to the demon which he worshipped (2Ch 28:1-4; Le 18:21; 20:2-5). In short, he copied the crimes of the Canaanites, whom God had destroyed by Israel (Note, Le 18:24-30); and not only allowed, but set the people an example of a variety of idolatrous practices.—Hezekiah was born some years before the death of Jotham; if he was the son here intended, he was past his infancy at the time. (Note, 2Ki 18:2) He, however, proved an eminently pious prince, and an entire contrast to his most wicked father. (Notes, 2Ki 18:1-37; 19:1-37; 20:1-21)