Amaziah Reigns in Judah 1In the second year of the reign of Jehoasha son of Jehoahaz over Israel, Amaziah son of Joash became king of Judah. 2He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem. 3And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not as his father David had done. He did everything as his father Joash had done. 4Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away, and the people continued sacrificing and burning incense on the high places. 5As soon as the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, Amaziah executed the servants who had murdered his father the king. 6Yet he did not put the sons of the murderers to death, but acted according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, where the LORD commanded: “Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.”b 7Amaziah struck down 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He took Sela in battle and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this very day. Jehoash Defeats Amaziah 8Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. 9But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. 10You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” 11But Amaziah would not listen, so Jehoash king of Israel advanced. He and King Amaziah of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh in Judah. 12And Judah was routed before Israel, and every man fled to his home. 13There at Beth-shemesh, Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Ahaziah. Then Jehoash went to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate—a section of four hundred cubits.c 14He took all the gold and silver and all the articles found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace, as well as some hostages. Then he returned to Samaria. Jeroboam II Succeeds Jehoash in Israel 15As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash, along with his accomplishments, his might, and how he waged war against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 16And Jehoash rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. And his son Jeroboam reigned in his place. The Death of Amaziah 17Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah lived for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel. 18As for the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 19And conspirators plotted against Amaziah in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But men were sent after him to Lachish, and they killed him there. 20They carried him back on horses and buried him in Jerusalem with his fathers in the City of David. Azariah Succeeds Amaziah in Judah 21Then all the people of Judah took Azariah,d who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. 22Azariah was the one who rebuilt Elathe and restored it to Judah after King Amaziah rested with his fathers. Jeroboam II Reigns in Israel 23In the fifteenth year of the reign of Amaziah son of Joash over Judah, Jeroboam son of Jehoash became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria forty-one years. 24And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from all the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit. 25This Jeroboam restored the boundary of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah,f according to the word that the LORD, the God of Israel, had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher. 26For the LORD saw that the affliction of the Israelites, both slave and free, was very bitter. There was no one to help Israel, 27and since the LORD had said that He would not blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash. 28As for the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, along with all his accomplishments and might, and how he waged war and recovered both Damascus and Hamath for Israel from Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 29And Jeroboam rested with his fathers,g the kings of Israel. And his son Zechariah reigned in his place. Footnotes: 1 a Hebrew Joash, a variant of Jehoash; also in verses 13, 23, and 27 6 b Deuteronomy 24:16 13 c 400 cubits is approximately 600 feet or 182.9 meters. 21 d Azariah is also called Uzziah; see 2 Chronicles 26:1. 22 e Elath is a variant of Eloth; see 1 Kings 9:26. 25 f That is, the Dead Sea 29 g Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts include and he was buried in Samaria with Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Kings 14 Summary Amaziah, Jehoash, Jeroboam, AzariahVerses 1–7 — Amaziah’s Early Rule and Edomite War Verses 8–14 — Foolish Challenge to Israel and Defeat Verses 15–16 — Jehoash’s Death Recorded Verses 17–20 — Conspiracy and Death of Amaziah Verses 21–22 — Rise of Azariah/Uzziah Verses 23–29 — Jeroboam II’s Long Reign in Israel 2 Kings 14 illustrates the complex dynamics of leadership, ambition, prophecy, and divine intervention during the reigns of Amaziah, King of Judah, and Jeroboam II, King of Israel. It delves into themes of conflict and spiritual failure, but also mercy and restoration. We witness the destructive outcomes of pride and disobedience, coupled with God's relenting mercy in the face of repentance and His faithfulness to His promises. Historical and Cultural Setting • Mid-8th century BC: Assyria is temporarily weak, giving Israel and Judah breathing room. • Edom regained independence during Jehoram’s reign (2 Kings 8:20-22) and was now re-subjugated by Amaziah. • Trade routes through Elath (modern Eilat/Aqaba) made control of Edom economically vital. The Kings in Focus: Amaziah and Jeroboam II Amaziah starts well—keeping the Law in v. 6—but slides into pride. Jeroboam II, though spiritually wayward, becomes Israel’s most powerful northern monarch since Solomon. God’s mercy, not their merit, drives the national recoveries (v. 26). Obedience, Partial Obedience, and Consequences 1. Right action: Amaziah enforces justice without violating the Law (Deuteronomy 24:16). 2. Partial reform: high places remain, mirroring Jehoash’s compromise (2 Kings 12:3). 3. Pride: his Edomite victory breeds arrogance, recalling Proverbs 16:18. 4. Defeat: Judah’s walls, treasures, and dignity are stripped; seventy-five years later Babylon will do the same on a larger scale. Mosaic Law Applied: The Execution of the Conspirators (v. 6) “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children…each is to die for his own sin” (Deuteronomy 24:16). Amaziah’s act highlights individual accountability, a principle echoed in Ezekiel 18 and ultimately in Romans 14:12—“So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God”. Edom and Sela/Joktheel: Geography and Archaeology • Sela means “rock,” likely the cliff-fortress later known as Petra. • Nabataean and earlier Edomite layers show heavy fortification matching the biblical description of a difficult siege. • Joktheel (“God is able”) signals Amaziah’s momentary recognition of divine help. The Thistle and the Cedar: A Parable about Pride Jehoash’s account (v. 9) contrasts the lowly thistle (Judah’s limited strength) with the majestic cedar (Israel’s superior army). The beast’s trampling pictures inevitable defeat. Comparable imagery appears in Judges 9:8-15 and Isaiah 2:13 on human arrogance. Lachish and Beth-shemesh: Fortifications Unearthed • Excavations at Tel Lachish reveal siege ramps and burned layers from later Assyrian and Babylonian attacks, confirming its strategic value. • Beth-shemesh’s Iron Age walls and gate complex show it could host a large battle, aligning with Amaziah’s rout. Prophet Jonah and Jeroboam II Verse 25 gives the only Old Testament mention of Jonah outside his book. His prophecy of border restoration shows that the God who sent Jonah to Nineveh also cared for His rebellious covenant people. Jonah’s hometown, Gath-hepher, has been identified a few miles north of Nazareth, matching 2 Kings 14:25. Divine Compassion Despite Sin “The LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter… and there was no one to help Israel” (v. 26). God’s mercy operates even when leaders persist in wrongdoing, prefiguring Romans 5:8—“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. Threads to the New Testament • Personal responsibility (v. 6 → Romans 14:12). • Pride leading to downfall (v. 10 → 1 Corinthians 10:12). • God’s patience with flawed rulers (v. 27 → 2 Peter 3:9). • Line of David preserved through Amaziah and Azariah, culminating in Matthew 1:8-9. Key Themes 1. God honors partial obedience but calls for total devotion. 2. Military success can tempt leaders into overconfidence. 3. National deliverance springs from divine compassion, not human merit. 4. The Davidic line, though threatened by conspiracies, remains intact. Life Application • Success should deepen dependence on God, not inflate self-importance. • Obey Scripture even when culture allows shortcuts. • Trust God’s mercy: He can bring relief despite collective failure, but lasting peace requires wholehearted loyalty. Connections to Additional Scriptures Wholehearted Devotion Compare with 1 Kings 11:4, where Solomon's heart was not fully devoted to the LORD. Justice and Mercy Reflect on Micah 6:8, which calls us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Pride and Consequences Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride goes before destruction, a theme evident in Amaziah's story. Heeding Warnings Proverbs 12:15 emphasizes the wisdom of listening to advice. Teaching Points Amaziah's Reign and ObedienceHe did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like his father David (2 Kings 14:3). Amaziah's reign began with a commitment to righteousness, but it was incomplete, highlighting the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. Justice and Mercy Amaziah executed the officials who had murdered his father but spared their children, in accordance with the Law of Moses: Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers (2 Kings 14:6). This act underscores the balance between justice and mercy. Pride and Its Consequences Amaziah's pride led him to challenge Jehoash, king of Israel, resulting in a disastrous defeat for Judah (2 Kings 14:8-14). This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and overconfidence. The Importance of Heeding Warnings Jehoash's parable (2 Kings 14:9-10) was a warning to Amaziah, which he ignored. This illustrates the importance of listening to wise counsel and warnings. Practical Applications Wholehearted DevotionStrive to serve God with complete devotion, not just partial obedience. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be holding back from fully following God's commands. Balancing Justice and Mercy In your interactions with others, seek to balance justice with mercy, following the example set by Amaziah in sparing the children of the guilty. Guard Against Pride Regularly examine your heart for pride and seek humility, recognizing that pride can lead to downfall and destruction. Listen to Wise Counsel Be open to receiving and heeding warnings and advice from others, especially when they align with biblical principles. People 1. AmaziahHe is the king of Judah, the son of Joash. Amaziah began his reign at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years in Jerusalem. He is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD, though not like his ancestor David (2 Kings 14:1-3). 2. Joash (Jehoash) The father of Amaziah and former king of Judah. His reign is referenced in relation to Amaziah's lineage and actions (2 Kings 14:1). 3. Jehoash (Joash) of Israel The king of Israel during Amaziah's reign in Judah. He is the son of Jehoahaz and grandson of Jehu. He engaged in conflict with Amaziah (2 Kings 14:8-14). 4. Jehoahaz The father of Jehoash (Joash) of Israel. His lineage is mentioned to establish the background of Jehoash (2 Kings 14:8). 5. Jehu The grandfather of Jehoash (Joash) of Israel. His mention helps trace the royal lineage of the kings of Israel (2 Kings 14:8). 6. David The former king of Israel, mentioned as a standard of righteousness against which Amaziah's reign is compared (2 Kings 14:3). 7. Elisha The prophet whose death is referenced in the context of the events during the reign of Jehoash of Israel (2 Kings 14:15). 8. Jeroboam II The son of Jehoash (Joash) of Israel, who succeeded his father as king. His reign is noted for the restoration of Israel's boundaries (2 Kings 14:23-25). 9. Jonah The prophet, son of Amittai, who prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam II. His prophecy is mentioned in relation to the expansion of Israel's territory (2 Kings 14:25). 10. Amittai The father of Jonah, mentioned to establish Jonah's prophetic authority (2 Kings 14:25). Places 1. JerusalemJerusalem is the capital city of Judah, where Amaziah, the king of Judah, reigned. It is a significant city in biblical history, often associated with the temple and the Davidic line of kings. In Hebrew, Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim). 2. Edom Edom is a region southeast of Judah, inhabited by the descendants of Esau. In 2 Kings 14, Amaziah led a campaign against Edom and achieved victory. The Hebrew name for Edom is "אֱדוֹם" (Edom), which means "red." 3. Sela Sela is a city in Edom that Amaziah captured and renamed Joktheel. The name "Sela" in Hebrew is "סֶלַע" (Sela), meaning "rock," indicating its strategic and fortified nature. 4. Beth-shemesh Beth-shemesh is a city in Judah where Amaziah faced Jehoash, king of Israel, in battle. The name in Hebrew is "בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ" (Beit Shemesh), meaning "house of the sun." 5. Samaria Samaria is the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel. Jehoash, the king of Israel, captured Amaziah at Beth-shemesh and brought him to Samaria. In Hebrew, Samaria is "שֹׁמְרוֹן" (Shomron). Events 1. Amaziah's Reign BeginsAmaziah, the son of Joash, becomes king of Judah. He begins his reign at the age of 25 and rules for 29 years in Jerusalem. His mother's name is Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. (2 Kings 14:1-2) 2. Amaziah's Righteousness Amaziah does what is right in the eyes of the LORD, but not like his ancestor David. He follows the example of his father Joash. However, the high places are not removed, and the people continue to offer sacrifices and burn incense there. (2 Kings 14:3-4) 3. Execution of the Murderers Amaziah executes the officials who had murdered his father, King Joash. However, he does not put the children of the murderers to death, in accordance with what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin." (2 Kings 14:5-6) 4. War Against Edom Amaziah gathers his forces and strikes down 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He also captures Sela in battle and renames it Joktheel, which remains its name to this day. (2 Kings 14:7) 5. Challenge to Jehoash of Israel Amaziah sends messengers to Jehoash, king of Israel, challenging him to face him in battle. (2 Kings 14:8) 6. Jehoash's Response Jehoash responds with a parable, warning Amaziah of the consequences of pride and advising him to stay at home. He compares Amaziah to a thistle in Lebanon that wants to marry a cedar. (2 Kings 14:9-10) 7. Battle at Beth-shemesh Despite Jehoash's warning, Amaziah does not heed it, and they meet in battle at Beth-shemesh in Judah. Judah is defeated by Israel, and every man flees to his home. (2 Kings 14:11-12) 8. Capture of Amaziah Jehoash captures Amaziah, king of Judah, at Beth-shemesh. He then goes to Jerusalem and breaks down 400 cubits of the wall from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate. (2 Kings 14:13) 9. Plundering of Jerusalem Jehoash takes all the gold and silver, and all the articles found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king's house, along with hostages, and returns to Samaria. (2 Kings 14:14) 10. Death of Jehoash Jehoash dies and is buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. His son Jeroboam succeeds him as king. (2 Kings 14:15-16) 11. Amaziah's Later Years and Death Amaziah lives for 15 years after the death of Jehoash. A conspiracy is formed against him in Jerusalem, and he flees to Lachish, but he is pursued and killed there. He is brought back on horses and buried in Jerusalem with his ancestors in the City of David. (2 Kings 14:17-20) 12. Azariah Becomes King All the people of Judah take Azariah, who is 16 years old, and make him king in place of his father Amaziah. He rebuilds Elath and restores it to Judah after Amaziah's death. (2 Kings 14:21-22) 13. Summary of Jeroboam II's Reign Jeroboam II, the son of Jehoash, reigns in Israel for 41 years. He does evil in the sight of the LORD, continuing the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat. However, he restores the boundaries of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, fulfilling the word of the LORD spoken through Jonah son of Amittai. (2 Kings 14:23-25) 14. The LORD's Compassion The LORD sees the bitter affliction of Israel and saves them through Jeroboam II, not allowing their name to be blotted out. (2 Kings 14:26-27) 15. Death of Jeroboam II Jeroboam II dies and is buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. His son Zechariah succeeds him as king. (2 Kings 14:28-29) Topics 1. Reign of Amaziah in JudahAmaziah, the son of Joash, begins his reign over Judah. He is noted for doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD, though not with a perfect heart. The Hebrew term "לֵבָב" (levav) is used here, indicating the inner man or heart, suggesting that Amaziah's devotion was not wholehearted. 2. Amaziah's Military Actions Amaziah executes the officials who murdered his father but spares their children, in accordance with the Law of Moses. This reflects adherence to Deuteronomy 24:16, emphasizing justice and the principle that each person is responsible for their own sin. 3. Victory over Edom Amaziah successfully defeats the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, capturing Sela. This victory is significant as it demonstrates God's favor and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel regarding their enemies. 4. Challenge to Jehoash of Israel Amaziah challenges Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle. This reflects a moment of pride and overconfidence, as Amaziah seeks to assert his power beyond what God had granted him. 5. Defeat by Israel Jehoash warns Amaziah with a parable, but Amaziah does not heed the warning. Consequently, Judah is defeated, and Jerusalem's wall is breached. This event underscores the consequences of pride and the importance of humility before God. 6. Plundering of Jerusalem Jehoash plunders the temple and the royal palace, taking hostages back to Samaria. This act signifies the vulnerability of Judah when they stray from God's guidance and protection. 7. Death of Amaziah Amaziah's reign ends with a conspiracy against him, leading to his assassination. His death serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of seeking God's will in leadership. 8. Succession of Azariah (Uzziah) Azariah, also known as Uzziah, succeeds Amaziah as king of Judah. His ascension marks a new chapter in Judah's history, with potential for both faithfulness and failure, depending on adherence to God's commands. Themes 1. Obedience and Partial Faithfulness2 Kings 14:3 states, "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like his father David." This theme highlights the importance of obedience to God, though it also points out the partial faithfulness of Amaziah, who did not fully emulate David's complete devotion. The Hebrew root for "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) implies a straight or correct path, indicating the importance of aligning one's actions with God's will. 2. Consequences of Sin In 2 Kings 14:6, it is noted, "Yet he did not put the children of the murderers to death, according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses." This theme underscores the principle of individual responsibility for sin, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew term for "sin" (חֵטְא, chet) conveys the idea of missing the mark, emphasizing the need for personal accountability. 3. Divine Justice and Retribution The narrative in 2 Kings 14:7-14 describes Amaziah's military victories and subsequent defeat by Jehoash of Israel. This theme illustrates the concept of divine justice, where pride and overconfidence lead to downfall. The Hebrew word for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) reflects God's righteous judgment and the consequences of human actions. 4. Pride and Its Downfall In 2 Kings 14:10, Jehoash warns Amaziah, "You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud." This theme highlights the dangers of pride, which often precedes a fall. The Hebrew root for "proud" (גָּבַהּ, gabah) suggests being high or exalted, warning against self-exaltation that leads to ruin. 5. The Sovereignty of God Throughout 2 Kings 14, the unfolding events demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and kings. Despite human actions, God's purposes prevail, as seen in the rise and fall of leaders. The Hebrew term for "sovereignty" (מַלְכוּת, malkut) signifies God's ultimate authority and control over all creation. 6. The Importance of the Law Reference to the "Book of the Law of Moses" in 2 Kings 14:6 emphasizes the centrality of God's law in guiding the actions of the king and the nation. The Hebrew word for "law" (תּוֹרָה, torah) means instruction or teaching, underscoring its role as a divine guide for righteous living. Answering Tough Questions 1. How does 2 Kings 14:7’s claim of killing 10,000 Edomites align with the lack of archaeological evidence for such a battle? 4. Where is the archaeological proof that Amaziah seized the city of Sela (2 Kings 14:7)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How did Amaziah's actions reflect the balance of justice and mercy in Deuteronomy 24:16? 2. In verses 7-14, how did pride and ambition lead to Amaziah's downfall? 3. How does Jehoash's parable speak to the potential consequences of overestimating one's strength or capabilities? 4. How does the story of Amaziah challenge us to consider our response to warnings and advice today? 5. How did the consequences of Amaziah's defiance affect not just him but the whole of Judah? 6. Considering verses 15-22, how does the transfer of power in these verses reflect on the stability or instability of leadership in Israel and Judah? 7. How do the reigns of these kings reflect their spiritual state and their relationship with God? 8. What lessons can we take from the life of Jeroboam II, particularly with respect to God’s mercy and punishment? 9. How does Jonah’s prophecy and its fulfillment showcase God's compassion despite the failures of Israel's leadership? 10. How does this chapter contribute to our understanding of God's sovereignty and patience with His people? 11. How might the outcomes of these leaders' actions have been different if they had wholly followed the Lord's commandments? 12. How can we apply the lessons about pride and humility from this chapter to our lives today? 13. In today's society, where can we see the consequences of leaders ignoring wise counsel, similar to Amaziah? 14. What do the events of this chapter teach us about the relationship between our actions and their consequences? 15. How do the reigns of Amaziah and Jeroboam II inform our understanding of the relationship between political power and spiritual obedience? 16. In what ways do the themes of mercy and judgment manifest in our own lives? 17. What aspects of God's character can we learn from His treatment of Israel and Judah in this chapter? 18. How might we interpret and apply the prophetic messages in this chapter in our current context? 19. How does this chapter inspire us to act differently in positions of leadership or influence? 20. In your personal life, how can you prevent ambition from leading to pride and downfall as it did with Amaziah? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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