²² In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful^(A) to the Lord.

²³ He offered sacrifices to the gods^(A) 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.”^(B) But they were his downfall and the downfall of all Israel.^(C)