II Kings 15-16

“And the bronze altar that was before the LORD he removed … (16:14).  In these days, the Assyrian empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel because they had abandoned God (15:29). Despite this warning, Ahaz of Judah (the southern kingdom) still asked Assyria for protection against other enemies (16:7).  Ahaz was so impressed by Assyrian power that he copied a pagan altar in Damascus and installed it in front of Jerusalem’s Temple, moving aside the bronze altar of the Lord.

“He saw the altar that was at Damascus” (16:10). Putting our hope in anything but the Lord (however powerful or attractive) leads to disappointment, and eventually to sin.  Jesus wants to capture our hearts exclusively and receive all our worship.