What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 25:25? Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah – This phrase identifies the subject of the verse. Amaziah inherited the throne of Judah after the assassination of his father, Joash (2 Chronicles 24:25–27; 2 Kings 14:1). – Scripture records that Amaziah “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly” (2 Chronicles 25:2). His half-hearted devotion explains later missteps, including bringing Edomite idols back to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 25:14). – By naming both Amaziah and his father, the historian links two generations and reminds the reader of God’s faithfulness—and Judah’s mixed record—in preserving David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12–16; 2 Chronicles 23:3). lived for fifteen years – The verse notes a specific span: Amaziah remained alive and on the throne for fifteen years beyond a key northern benchmark. This precision underscores Scripture’s historical reliability (Luke 1:3–4). – Fifteen years is long enough to show God’s patience yet short enough to demonstrate the consequences of Amaziah’s compromises. Compare how God granted Hezekiah an extra fifteen years after his prayer (2 Kings 20:6); Hezekiah used those years unevenly, much like Amaziah used his. – The number also helps harmonize the broader timeline: Amaziah reigned twenty-nine years total (2 Chronicles 25:1). The first fourteen years overlapped with Jehoash of Israel; the final fifteen followed Jehoash’s death (2 Kings 14:17). after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel – Mentioning Jehoash (also spelled Joash) fixes Amaziah’s remaining reign in relation to Israel’s chronology (2 Kings 13:9–10). The two kings’ lives intersected dramatically when Amaziah challenged Jehoash and suffered defeat at Beth-shemesh (2 Chronicles 25:17–23). – By outliving Jehoash, Amaziah had opportunity to repent and rebuild. Instead, his heart turned further from the LORD, leading to conspiracy and assassination in Lachish (2 Chronicles 25:27). – The contrast highlights covenant accountability: Judah’s king could not blame Israel’s influence after Jehoash died; Amaziah bore personal responsibility, echoing principles found in Ezekiel 18:20 and Galatians 6:7-8. summary 2 Chronicles 25:25 roots Amaziah’s final fifteen years in concrete history, linking Judah and Israel’s timelines. The verse underscores God’s precise record-keeping, His patience toward imperfect leaders, and each king’s individual accountability. Amaziah’s extended reign became a testing ground that revealed the dangers of half-hearted obedience and the certainty of divine justice. |
    |