When the king came back from Damascus, the king viewed the altar; then the king drew near and went up on the altar — Ahaz's personal approach to the newly constructed altar and his ascent upon it indicate a ceremonial inauguration. The king's action—ascending the altar himself—suggests either priestly assumption of sacrificial prerogatives (contrary to normal temple protocol where only the Aaronic priesthood could perform altar rites) or at minimum ceremonial authorization of the altar. Ahaz's physical approach to the foreign altar embodies the theological violation: the Davidic king, ideally the upholder of Davidic covenant and temple sanctity, actively participates in cultic desecration.

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