Why did God become angry with Amaziah according to 2 Chronicles 25:15? Setting the Scene • Amaziah had just experienced a decisive victory over the Edomites, a triumph the LORD Himself granted (2 Chron 25:11–12). • Instead of responding with gratitude and renewed devotion, “Amaziah returned from striking down the Edomites, brought the gods of the men of Seir, set them up as his gods, bowed down before them, and burned sacrifices to them” (2 Chron 25:14). Specific Sin that Provoked God’s Anger • Idolatry: Amaziah adopted the idols of the very nation he had conquered. • Misplaced trust: He credited powerless gods for the victory the LORD had given. • Direct violation of God’s first and second commandments (Exodus 20:3-5; Deuteronomy 5:7-9). 2 Chron 25:15 states: “Therefore 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?’ ” Why This Offense Was So Serious • Rejection of God’s exclusive covenant—Israel’s king led the nation into spiritual adultery (Jeremiah 3:6-9). • Utter irrationality—worshiping defeated gods insulted the LORD’s glory (Isaiah 42:8). • Leadership influence—Amaziah’s example threatened to drag Judah back into widespread apostasy (2 Chron 24:18). • Ingratitude—refusing to glorify God after victory mirrored the sin of the wilderness generation (Deuteronomy 32:15-18). Lessons for Today • Victory tests hearts as surely as hardship; success must point us back to the One who grants it (Deuteronomy 8:10-14). • Idolatry is not merely ancient; anything that receives the trust, gratitude, or worship due to God alone invites His jealousy (1 John 5:21). • Spiritual compromise always starts with small concessions—guard early, repent quickly (1 Corinthians 10:14; James 4:8). |
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