How did Amaziah's actions align with "what was right in the eyes of the LORD"? Setting the Scene • Amaziah, son of Joash, began to reign over Judah at age twenty-five (2 Kings 14:1–2). • Verse 3 summarizes his character: “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like his father David; he did everything as his father Joash had done”. • The phrase “what was right” points to actions that conformed, at least in part, to God’s revealed Law. Concrete Ways Amaziah Lived “Right in the Eyes of the LORD” • Obeyed Mosaic justice: – After solidifying his throne, Amaziah executed the officials who murdered his father (2 Kings 14:5). – He spared the conspirators’ children, honoring Deuteronomy 24:16: “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin”. – By upholding this statute, he distinguished himself from common Near-Eastern practice and showed reverence for God’s explicit command. • Followed Joash’s earlier reforms: – Joash had repaired the temple and reinstated proper worship financing (2 Kings 12:4–16). – Amaziah maintained that restored worship structure, continuing temple-centered offerings rather than abandoning them. • Exercised measured leadership: – Secured justice without succumbing to excessive vengeance, reflecting a heart attentive to divine boundaries (compare Romans 12:19). – Initially relied on the LORD for military strength (2 Chronicles 25:5–10), dismissing hired Israelite troops when warned by a prophet—a step of faith that cost him 100 talents yet honored God. Where Amaziah Fell Short • Tolerated compromise: “Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places” (2 Kings 14:4). – Allowing these unauthorized sites ignored Deuteronomy 12:2–14, where God required worship only in the place He chose. – His obedience was partial; he mirrored Joash’s inconsistency rather than David’s wholehearted devotion (1 Kings 15:5). • Later idolatry: After defeating Edom, Amaziah brought home their gods, bowed to them, and provoked the LORD’s anger (2 Chronicles 25:14–16). His earlier faithfulness eroded into folly. Lessons Emerging from Amaziah’s Mixed Record • Partial obedience still counts as “right” in a limited sense—God acknowledges the good—but it never replaces full devotion. • Respect for Scripture’s detail (e.g., Deuteronomy 24:16) pleases God; ignoring other commands (e.g., abolishing high places) undermines that righteousness. • Starting well does not guarantee finishing well; constant alignment with God’s Word remains essential (Galatians 5:7). Amaziah’s story reminds us that doing “what is right in the eyes of the LORD” involves both honoring the letter of God’s Law and cultivating a wholehearted, enduring allegiance to Him. |
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