²² In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful^(A) to the Lord. ²³ He offered sacrifices to the gods^(B) of Damascus, who had defeated him; for he thought, “Since the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them so they will help me.”^(C) But they were his downfall and the downfall of all Israel.^(D)

²⁴ Ahaz gathered together the furnishings^(E) from the temple of God^(F) and cut them in pieces. He shut the doors^(G) of the Lord’s temple and set up altars^(H) at every street corner in Jerusalem.