2 Kings 16:8

silver and gold that was foundin the house of the Lord Ahaz appears to have dealt very irreverently with the treasures of the temple. The Chronicler says he -gathered together the vessels of the house of God and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God". This looks as if he melted down the gold and silver to send to Tiglath-pileser.

for a present The word is not that term for present which literally signifies -blessing" (see note on v. 15). This word has rather the sense of a -bribe". In Exodus 23:8 it is -the giftthat blindeth the wise". In Deuteronomy 27:25 it is -the rewardtaken for slaying the innocent". In 1 Samuel 8:3 it is a - bribe". In Ezekiel 22:12 it is a gifttaken for shedding blood. So that the presentof Ahaz is not represented by this word as of a noble character.