How does Amon's behavior contrast with Deuteronomy's teachings on kingship? Setting the Scene • 2 Kings 21:19: “Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem two years. His mother’s name was Meshullemeth daughter of Haruz; she was from Jotbah.” • The surrounding verses (20–22) sum up his short reign: “He did evil in the sight of the LORD… he served and worshiped the idols his father had served… he forsook the LORD.” God’s Blueprint for Kingship (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) Deuteronomy lays out six clear expectations: 1. The king must be God’s choice, “from among your brothers” (v. 15). 2. He must not “multiply horses” or rely on military might (v. 16). 3. He must not “send the people back to Egypt” (v. 16)—no return to bondage-style alliances. 4. He must not “multiply wives” so that “his heart may not go astray” (v. 17). 5. He must not accumulate “very great amounts of silver and gold” (v. 17). 6. He must write for himself a copy of the Law, keep it with him, and “read it all the days of his life” so that he may: • “learn to fear the LORD” • “observe all the words” • keep his heart humble • avoid turning “to the right or to the left” (vv. 18-20). Point-by-Point Contrast • Loyalty to God – Deuteronomy: Total allegiance to the LORD. – Amon: “He forsook the LORD… and did not walk in the way of the LORD” (2 Kings 21:22). • Idolatry versus Covenant Faithfulness – Deuteronomy assumes wholehearted fidelity. – Amon “served and worshiped the idols his father had served” (v. 21). • Humble Heart versus Pride – The daily reading of the Law was meant to keep the king’s heart “from being lifted up above his brothers” (Deuteronomy 17:20). – Amon rejects the Law altogether, exalting his own preferences. • Moral Influence on the Nation – A king who clings to Scripture was to be a stabilizing blessing “for him and his descendants” (v. 20). – Amon’s reign ends in conspiracy and assassination after only two years (2 Kings 21:23), illustrating the chaos that follows disobedience. • Longevity of Reign – Deuteronomy promises extended rule if the king obeys (v. 20). – Amon’s reign is notably brief—another stark reversal of the promise. Consequences of Ignoring the Blueprint • Personal downfall—Amon is murdered by his own officials. • National instability—Judah lurches from the wicked reign of Manasseh to the violent overthrow of Amon before Josiah finally brings reform. • Spiritual darkness—Idolatry entrenches itself deeper, provoking divine judgment foretold in 2 Kings 21:11-15. Takeaways for Today • God’s standards for leadership are clear and timeless. • Neglecting Scripture leads to moral drift and societal breakdown. • Faithful obedience, not position or power, secures God’s blessing on leaders and the people they serve. |
    |