Amaziah Reigns in Judah 1Amaziah 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. 2And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly. 3As soon as the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, Amaziah executed the servants who had murdered his father the king. 4Yet he did not put their sons to death, but acted according to what is written in the Law, in the Book 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.”a Amaziah’s Victories 5Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he numbered those twenty years of age or older throughout Judah and Benjamin and found 300,000 chosen men able to serve in the army, bearing the spear and shield. 6He also hired 100,000 mighty men of valor from Israel for a hundred talents of silver.b 7But a man of God came to him and said, “O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the LORD is not with Israel—not with any of the Ephraimites. 8Even if you go and fight bravely in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has power to help and power to overthrow.” 9Amaziah asked the man of God, “What should I do about the hundred talents I have given to the troops of Israel?” And the man of God replied, “The LORD is able to give you much more than this.” 10So Amaziah dismissed the troops who had come to him from Ephraim and sent them home. And they were furious with Judah and returned home in great anger. 11Amaziah, however, summoned his strength and led his troops to the Valley of Salt, where he struck down 10,000 men of Seir, 12and the army of Judah also captured 10,000 men alive. They took them to the top of a cliff and threw them down so that all were dashed to pieces. 13Meanwhile the troops that Amaziah had dismissed from battle raided the cities of Judah, from Samaria to Beth-horon. They struck down 3,000 people and carried off a great deal of plunder. Amaziah Rebuked for Idolatry 14When Amaziah returned from the slaughter of the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the Seirites, set them up as his own gods, bowed before them, and burned sacrifices to them. 15Therefore the anger of the LORD burned against Amaziah, and He sent him a prophet, who said, “Why have you sought this people’s gods, which could not deliver them from your hand?” 16While he was still speaking, the king asked, “Have we made you the counselor to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but he said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not heeded my advice.” Jehoash Defeats Amaziah 17Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent word to the king of Israel Jehoashc son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. 18But 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. 19You have said, ‘Look, I have defeated Edom,’ and your heart has become proud and boastful. Now stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” 20But Amaziah would not listen, for this had come from God in order to deliver them into the hand of Jehoash, because they had sought the gods of Edom. 21So Jehoash king of Israel advanced, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh in Judah. 22And Judah was routed before Israel, and every man fled to his own home. 23There at Beth-shemesh, Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz.d Then Jehoash brought him to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate—a section of four hundred cubits.e 24He took all the gold and silver and all the articles found in the house of God with Obed-edom and in the treasuries of the royal palace, as well as some hostages. Then he returned to Samaria. The Death of Amaziah 25Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah lived for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel. 26As for the rest of the acts of Amaziah, from beginning to end, are they not written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel? 27From the time that Amaziah turned from following the LORD, a conspiracy was formed against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But men were sent after him to Lachish, and they killed him there. 28They carried him back on horses and buried him with his fathers in the City of Judah.f Footnotes: 4 a Deuteronomy 24:16 6 b 100 talents is approximately 3.77 tons or 3.42 metric tons of silver; also in verse 9. 17 c Jehoash is a variant of Joash; also in verses 18, 21, 23, and 25. 23 d Jehoahaz is a variant of Ahaziah. 23 e 400 cubits is approximately 600 feet or 182.9 meters. 28 f Most Hebrew manuscripts; some Hebrew manuscripts, LXX, Vulgate, and Syriac City of David; see 2 Kings 14:20. 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 Chronicles 25 Summary Jehoash Defeats AmaziahVerses 1–4 – A Mixed Start to Amaziah’s Reign Verses 5–10 – Counting Soldiers and Dismissing Mercenaries Verses 11–16 – Victory over Edom, Then Idolatry and Rebuke Verses 17–24 – Pride, Taunts, and Defeat at Beth-shemesh Verses 25–28 – Fifteen Years of Decline and an Assassin’s Blade 2 Chronicles 25 captures the reign of Amaziah, the king of Judah. The chapter takes the reader through a spectrum of his actions - from initial obedience to God's commandments to eventual rebellion. His journey serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that come from forsaking God's law and guidance. Historical Setting Amaziah rules c. 796–767 BC, early in the long reign of Jeroboam II in Israel. Judah is still licking the wounds from Joash’s assassination (2 Chronicles 24). Internationally, Assyria is quiet for a season, giving local kings space to jockey for power. Edom, subdued by Amaziah’s father, revolts again, prompting the campaign recorded here. Portrait of Amaziah • Begins well—upholds the Law by sparing children of traitors (cf. Deuteronomy 24:16). • Relies on numbers and hired help (v. 6) before relying on the LORD. • Listens to a prophet once (vv. 7–10), then rejects the next warning (v. 16). • Allows pride to drive foreign policy (vv. 17–19). • Ends isolated, hunted, and assassinated (vv. 27–28). His life illustrates James 1:8: “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Military Reforms and Census The term “choice men” (v. 5) echoes the elite troops David formed (1 Chronicles 12). Amaziah’s census mirrors his ancestor’s ill-fated count (1 Chronicles 21), yet his motives differ: he seeks readiness, not self-glory—at first. The 100 talents he pays Israel—about 7,500 pounds of silver—shows Judah’s relative wealth after years of peace. Idolatry and Spiritual Drift Bringing Edomite idols home (v. 14) recalls Solomon importing foreign gods (1 Kings 11). Worshiping the defeated gods of Seir is irrational—“which could not deliver them” (v. 15). Romans 1:22–23 captures the folly: “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” Prophetic Voice and Accountability • Unnamed “man of God” (v. 7): speaks before the battle, saves Judah from partnering with apostate Israel. • Unnamed prophet (v. 15): speaks after Edom, is threatened with death, but boldly predicts Amaziah’s ruin. Prophetic ministry hinges on fidelity, not safety (cf. Jeremiah 26:12–15). Political Alliances and the Israel Question Judah’s chronic temptation is alliance with northern Israel (see 2 Chronicles 18 with Ahab and Jehoshaphat). Here, partnership is blocked because “the LORD is not with Israel” (v. 7). Amos 7:8 pictures Israel’s plumb line failure in the same century. Judah’s setback teaches that shared ancestry does not equal shared devotion. Battle of Beth-shemesh: Archaeological Notes Beth-shemesh lies on the Sorek Valley frontier, excavated at Tell er-Rumeileh. Strata from the 8th century BC show destruction layers matching the biblical timeline. The broken stretch of Jerusalem’s wall—“about four hundred cubits” (v. 23, roughly 600 feet)—likely ran along the northern defense line, the city’s most vulnerable side. The Spoils Carried to Jerusalem Jehoash seizes temple vessels “with Obed-edom” (v. 24)—probably treasures kept since 2 Chronicles 25:24. The act echoes Shishak’s plunder centuries earlier (2 Chronicles 12:9) and foreshadows Nebuchadnezzar’s haul (2 Kings 24:13). Earthly riches prove fleeting; compare Matthew 6:19. Parallels in Kings and Samuel • 2 Kings 14 records the same events, adding that Amaziah pursued conspirators. • The thistle-and-cedar taunt (v. 18) resembles Jotham’s parable of the bramble and trees (Judges 9). • Like Saul, Amaziah wins a battle but loses the kingdom through disobedience (1 Samuel 15). Lessons on Obedience and Pride 1. Partial obedience (v. 2) sets a shaky foundation. 2. Trust in numbers or money, not God, leads to trouble (Psalm 20:7). 3. Pride after victory invites defeat (Proverbs 16:18). 4. Spurning correction hardens destiny (Proverbs 29:1). 5. God can “help or overthrow” (v. 8); outcomes hinge on loyalty, not odds. Messianic Foreshadow and New Testament Echoes Amaziah’s refusal to kill the assassins’ children honors individual accountability, paving the moral ground for Ezekiel 18 and, ultimately, Romans 14:12: “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” In contrast to Amaziah’s mixed heart, Jesus fulfills wholehearted devotion (John 8:29). Amaziah’s unjust execution at Lachish reminds that even a flawed king evokes longing for a righteous, unassailable King (Revelation 19:11–16). Application for Modern Readers • Begin well but finish better; early zeal must mature into steadfast faith. • Seek counsel and heed it—especially when it challenges comfort. • Evaluate partnerships: shared goals are not enough; shared allegiance to God is decisive. • Celebrate wins with humility, giving the glory back to the LORD. • Guard against subtle idols that sneak in after success—honor, wealth, nationalism, or self-reliance. Connections to Additional Scriptures Wholehearted Devotion Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Trust in God Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Pride and Humility James 4:6 - But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Heeding Warnings Hebrews 3:15 - As it has been said: 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.' Teaching Points Amaziah's Initial ObedienceAmaziah did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly (2 Chronicles 25:2). His obedience was superficial, lacking full commitment. Military Preparations and Reliance on God Amaziah initially sought to strengthen his army by hiring mercenaries from Israel, but a prophet warned him against this. He obeyed the prophet and dismissed the troops, trusting in God's provision (2 Chronicles 25:7-10). Victory and Pride God granted Amaziah victory over the Edomites, but instead of giving glory to God, he brought back their idols and worshiped them, provoking God's anger (2 Chronicles 25:14-16). Consequences of Idolatry Amaziah's idolatry led to his downfall. His pride and refusal to heed further prophetic warnings resulted in his defeat by Joash, king of Israel, and ultimately his assassination (2 Chronicles 25:17-28). Practical Applications Wholehearted DevotionStrive to serve God with a whole heart, not just outwardly. Examine areas of your life where your obedience may be half-hearted. Trust in God's Provision When faced with challenges, rely on God's strength and guidance rather than worldly solutions or alliances. Guard Against Pride Recognize the dangers of pride and idolatry. Give glory to God for victories and successes, acknowledging His sovereignty. Heed God's Warnings Be attentive to God's warnings through Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel. Ignoring them can lead to spiritual and personal downfall. People 1. AmaziahAmaziah is the central figure in 2 Chronicles 25. He is the son of Joash and becomes king of Judah. His reign is marked by both obedience and disobedience to God. The Hebrew root of his name, "אֲמַצְיָה" (Amatsyah), means "Yahweh is mighty." 2. Joash Joash is mentioned as the father of Amaziah. He was the previous king of Judah. His reign ended tragically due to his turning away from God. 3. Jehoiada Although not directly mentioned in 2 Chronicles 25, Jehoiada's influence is felt as he was the priest who guided Joash, Amaziah's father, during his early reign. 4. The LORD (Yahweh) The LORD is referenced throughout the chapter as the God whom Amaziah initially obeys but later disobeys. The Hebrew name "יהוה" (YHWH) is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. 5. The People of Judah The people of Judah are the subjects of King Amaziah. They are involved in the military campaigns and religious practices described in the chapter. 6. The People of Seir (Edomites) The Edomites, referred to as the people of Seir, are defeated by Amaziah in battle. Their defeat is a significant event in Amaziah's reign. 7. The Gods of the Edomites After defeating the Edomites, Amaziah brings back their gods and begins to worship them, which leads to his downfall. The Hebrew term for gods, "אֱלֹהִים" (elohim), is used here to denote the false deities of Edom. 8. A Prophet A prophet is sent by God to rebuke Amaziah for worshiping the gods of the Edomites. The Hebrew word for prophet, "נָבִיא" (navi), signifies one who speaks on behalf of God. 9. Joash, King of Israel Joash, the king of Israel (not to be confused with Amaziah's father), is challenged by Amaziah to battle. This Joash is the son of Jehoahaz and grandson of Jehu. 10. Jehoahaz Mentioned as the father of Joash, king of Israel. His lineage is part of the northern kingdom's royal line. 11. Jehu The grandfather of Joash, king of Israel, Jehu was a previous king known for eradicating Baal worship in Israel. Places 1. JerusalemJerusalem is the capital city of Judah where King Amaziah reigned. It is a central location in the narrative, serving as the political and spiritual hub of the kingdom. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which is often associated with peace. 2. Seir Seir refers to the region inhabited by the Edomites, descendants of Esau. In 2 Chronicles 25, Amaziah leads a campaign against the Edomites in Seir. The Hebrew root "שֵׂעִיר" (Se'ir) can mean "hairy" or "shaggy," reflecting the rugged terrain of the area. 3. Ephraim Although not a specific location in this chapter, Ephraim is mentioned in the context of the conflict between Amaziah and the northern kingdom of Israel. Ephraim often represents the larger northern kingdom due to its prominence among the tribes. The Hebrew root "אֶפְרַיִם" (Ephraim) means "fruitful." 4. Beth-shemesh Beth-shemesh is the site of a battle between Amaziah of Judah and Jehoash of Israel. It is located in the territory of Judah. The name "Beth-shemesh" (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ) means "house of the sun" in Hebrew, indicating its possible historical significance as a place of sun worship. Events 1. Amaziah's Reign BeginsAmaziah becomes king of Judah at the age of 25 and reigns for 29 years in Jerusalem. He is noted for doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly (2 Chronicles 25:1-2). 2. Execution of the Murderers Amaziah executes the servants who had killed his father, King Joash, but he spares their children, in obedience to the Law of Moses, which states, "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers" (2 Chronicles 25:3-4). 3. Preparation for War Amaziah organizes an army of 300,000 choice men and hires an additional 100,000 mighty warriors from Israel for a hundred talents of silver (2 Chronicles 25:5-6). 4. Prophetic Warning A man of God warns Amaziah not to let the Israelite troops go with him, as the LORD is not with Israel. Amaziah listens and sends the hired troops back, which angers them greatly (2 Chronicles 25:7-10). 5. Victory over Edom Amaziah leads his troops to the Valley of Salt and defeats 10,000 Edomites. He captures Sela and renames it Joktheel (2 Chronicles 25:11-12). 6. Idolatry and Divine Rebuke After his victory, Amaziah brings back the gods of the Edomites and worships them. The LORD sends a prophet to rebuke him, questioning why he would worship gods that could not save their own people (2 Chronicles 25:14-16). 7. Challenge to Joash of Israel Amaziah, emboldened by his victory, challenges Joash, king of Israel, to battle. Joash warns him with a parable about a thistle and a cedar, advising him to stay home and not seek trouble (2 Chronicles 25:17-19). 8. Defeat by Israel Ignoring the warning, Amaziah goes to battle against Israel at Beth-shemesh. Judah is defeated, and Amaziah is captured. Joash breaks down the wall of Jerusalem and takes treasures from the temple and the king's palace (2 Chronicles 25:20-24). 9. Amaziah's Death Amaziah lives for 15 years after the death of Joash. Eventually, a conspiracy is formed against him in Jerusalem, and he flees to Lachish, where he is killed. His body is brought back to Jerusalem and buried with his ancestors (2 Chronicles 25:25-28). Topics 1. Amaziah's Reign and ObedienceAmaziah, the son of Joash, becomes king of Judah and initially does what is right in the eyes of the LORD, though not wholeheartedly. The Hebrew root for "wholeheartedly" (שָׁלֵם, shalem) suggests completeness or fullness, indicating that Amaziah's obedience was partial. 2. Execution of the Murderers Amaziah executes the servants who killed his father, King Joash, but spares their children, in accordance with the Law of Moses. This reflects the principle found in Deuteronomy 24:16, emphasizing individual responsibility for sin. 3. War Preparations and Hiring of Mercenaries Amaziah prepares for war against Edom and hires 100,000 mighty men of valor from Israel. The term "mighty men of valor" (גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל, gibbori chayil) indicates warriors of great strength and courage. 4. Prophetic Warning and Dismissal of Israelite Troops A man of God warns Amaziah not to use the Israelite troops, as the LORD is not with Israel. Amaziah obeys and dismisses them, trusting in God's power rather than human strength. 5. Victory over Edom Amaziah leads his troops to victory against the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, capturing Sela. This victory demonstrates God's favor when His commands are followed. 6. Idolatry and God's Anger After the victory, Amaziah brings back the gods of the Edomites and worships them, provoking the LORD's anger. This act of idolatry is a direct violation of the first commandment and shows a turning away from God. 7. Prophetic Rebuke and Amaziah's Defiance A prophet rebukes Amaziah for his idolatry, but the king responds with defiance, refusing to listen. This highlights the danger of pride and the rejection of divine correction. 8. Conflict with Israel and Defeat Amaziah challenges King Joash of Israel to battle, resulting in his defeat and capture. The Hebrew term for "challenge" (נִתְגָּרָה, nitgarah) implies a provocation or stirring up of conflict. 9. Plundering of Jerusalem Joash of Israel breaks down the wall of Jerusalem and takes treasures from the temple and the king's palace, illustrating the consequences of Amaziah's pride and disobedience. 10. Amaziah's Death Amaziah is eventually assassinated by conspirators in Lachish, and his body is brought back to Jerusalem for burial. His death marks the end of a reign that began with promise but ended in failure due to unfaithfulness. Themes 1. Obedience to God’s CommandsAmaziah initially follows the Lord's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 25:2, "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly." The Hebrew root for "wholeheartedly" (שָׁלֵם, shalem) suggests completeness or fullness, indicating that partial obedience is insufficient. 2. Divine Guidance and Intervention God provides guidance to Amaziah through a prophet, advising him against hiring Israelite soldiers. In 2 Chronicles 25:7, "But a man of God came to him and said, 'O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the LORD is not with Israel—not with any of the Ephraimites.'" This highlights the importance of seeking and heeding divine counsel. 3. Trust in God Over Military Might Amaziah is reminded to trust in God rather than military strength. In 2 Chronicles 25:8, "Even if you go and fight bravely in battle, God will make you stumble before the enemy, for God has power to help and power to overthrow." The Hebrew word for "help" (עָזַר, azar) emphasizes reliance on divine assistance. 4. Consequences of Disobedience Despite initial obedience, Amaziah later turns to idolatry, leading to his downfall. 2 Chronicles 25:14-16 describes how he worships the gods of Edom, prompting God's anger. This illustrates the theme of consequences following disobedience to God’s commands. 5. Pride and Its Downfall Amaziah's pride leads to his challenge against Joash, king of Israel, resulting in his defeat. In 2 Chronicles 25:19, "You have said, ‘Look, I have defeated Edom,’ and now you are arrogant and proud. But stay at home! Why provoke disaster, so that you will fall—you and Judah with you?" The Hebrew root for "arrogant" (גָּאָה, ga'ah) conveys a sense of haughtiness that precedes a fall. 6. The Futility of Idolatry Amaziah's turn to idolatry is depicted as futile and self-destructive. In 2 Chronicles 25:20, "But Amaziah would not listen, for this was from God, that He might deliver them into the hand of their enemies because they had sought the gods of Edom." This underscores the theme that idolatry leads to ruin. 7. Divine Justice and Retribution The chapter concludes with Amaziah's assassination as a result of his turning away from God. 2 Chronicles 25:27 states, "From the time that Amaziah turned away from following the LORD, a conspiracy was formed against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish, but they sent men after him to Lachish and killed him there." This reflects the theme of divine justice and retribution for unfaithfulness. Answering Tough Questions 1. In 2 Chronicles 25:4, how can Amaziah’s execution of his father’s assassins yet sparing their children be reconciled with other Old Testament commands on punishment and inheritance of guilt? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Amaziah's initial righteousness contribute to his early success as king? 2. What does Amaziah's decision to spare the children of his father's murderers reveal about him? 3. Discuss the significance of Amaziah's decision to dismiss the Israelite troops despite financial loss. How does this decision resonate in today's world? 4. Why did the dismissed Israelite soldiers raid towns in Judah, and what can we learn from their actions? 5. How does Amaziah's transition to worshipping the gods of Edom reflect his spiritual downfall? 6. What lessons can we learn from Amaziah's reaction to the warning of the prophet against his idolatry? 7. How might pride have contributed to Amaziah's challenge to King Jehoash? 8. How does Jehoash's response to Amaziah's challenge demonstrate wisdom? 9. Discuss the consequences of Amaziah's defeat to Jehoash. How could this situation have been avoided? 10. In what ways did Amaziah's choices lead to his eventual assassination? 11. How can we apply the lessons learned from Amaziah's life to our current lives? 12. What can we learn from the change in Amaziah's heart during his reign? 13. How does Amaziah's story show the importance of humility in spiritual leadership? 14. In today's world, what could be seen as parallel to Amaziah's idolatry? 15. Discuss the role of obedience and faith in the Christian journey using Amaziah's story as a reference. 16. What does Amaziah's life teach us about the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency? 17. How can we guard ourselves from the influences that led Amaziah astray? 18. How does Amaziah's story illustrate the consequences of disregarding prophetic warnings? 19. Discuss the importance of making alliances and partnerships that are in line with God's will. 20. How can we maintain our faith and obedience to God in times of success and abundance, as seen in Amaziah's early reign? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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