What can we learn about obedience from Amaziah's actions in 2 Chronicles 25:10? Setting the scene Amaziah, king of Judah, had hired 100,000 mercenaries from Israel for the coming war with Edom (2 Chron 25:6). A man of God warned, “O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the LORD is not with Israel” (v. 7). Verse 10 records Amaziah’s response. Key verse “ So Amaziah dismissed the troops that had come to him from Ephraim and sent them home. They were furious with Judah and left for home in a rage.” (2 Chronicles 25:10) Insights on obedience • Trusting God above human logic – Amaziah had already paid 100 talents of silver (v. 6). Turning the soldiers away looked wasteful and militarily risky, yet he chose God’s counsel over his own plan. – Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Obedience can be costly – Finances lost, allies angered—obedience is not always comfortable. – Luke 14:33: following the Lord means “giving up everything you own.” • Obedience may invite opposition – The dismissed troops “were furious… and left… in a rage.” Their later raids on Judah (v. 13) show that doing right can provoke short-term trouble. – 2 Timothy 3:12 reminds, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life… will be persecuted.” • Obedience positions us for God’s help – Immediately afterward, “Amaziah strengthened himself and led his people to the Valley of Salt, where he struck down 10,000 men of Seir” (v. 11). God honored the king’s earlier obedience with victory. – Deuteronomy 28:1: blessings follow hearing and doing the Lord’s commands. • Obedience must be continual, not one-time – Amaziah later bowed to Edomite idols (v. 14) and was judged. His story warns that yesterday’s obedience does not excuse tomorrow’s compromise. – 1 Samuel 15:22: “To obey is better than sacrifice,” and that obedience must be ongoing. Takeaways for today • Choose God’s word over the most persuasive human strategy. • Accept that obedience can cost money, comfort, and popularity. • Expect resistance, yet know God fights for those who honor Him. • Keep obeying—initial surrender must mature into lifelong faithfulness. |
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