◄ 2 Chronicles 25:17 ►
Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent word to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. "Come, let us meet face to face," he said.
Study Bible
Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel
Amaziah, the ninth king of Judah, reigned during a period of relative stability. His decision to take counsel suggests he sought advice from his advisors or elders, a common practice for kings in ancient Israel and Judah. This reflects the importance of counsel in leadership, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, which emphasizes the value of guidance.

and sent word to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu.
Jehoash, also known as Joash, was the king of Israel, ruling in the northern kingdom. He was the grandson of Jehu, who was known for eradicating the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal in Israel (2 Kings 10). This lineage highlights the ongoing conflict and division between the northern and southern kingdoms, a result of the split after Solomon's reign. The mention of Jehoash's lineage underscores the historical enmity and political tension between Judah and Israel.

“Come, let us meet face to face,” he said.
Amaziah's challenge to Jehoash for a face-to-face meeting was likely a call to battle, reflecting the common practice of kings settling disputes through warfare. This phrase indicates Amaziah's confidence, possibly stemming from his recent victory over Edom (2 Chronicles 25:11-12). The confrontation between the two kings can be seen as a microcosm of the larger struggle between the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This meeting foreshadows the eventual downfall of Amaziah, as pride and reliance on military might rather than on God often led to disaster, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Amaziah
King of Judah, known for his initial obedience to God but later pride and idolatry. His reign is marked by both military success and failure.

2. Joash (Jehoash)
King of Israel, son of Jehoahaz, and grandson of Jehu. His reign involved conflict with Judah and a focus on military strength.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, ruled by Amaziah during this period. Known for its capital, Jerusalem, and the Davidic line of kings.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom, ruled by Joash at this time. Often in conflict with Judah, both politically and religiously.

5. The Challenge
Amaziah's challenge to Joash to "meet face to face" signifies a call to battle, reflecting the tension and rivalry between the two kingdoms.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride
Amaziah's challenge to Joash reflects a prideful heart. Pride can lead to unnecessary conflict and downfall. Believers are called to humility and reliance on God.

Seeking Godly Counsel
Amaziah "took counsel" before challenging Joash, but the nature of this counsel is questionable. It is crucial to seek godly wisdom and discernment in decision-making.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Amaziah's account is a reminder that partial obedience is not enough. True obedience to God involves following His commands fully and faithfully.

The Importance of Unity
The division between Judah and Israel weakened both kingdoms. In the body of Christ, unity is essential for strength and effective witness.

Learning from History
The accounts of the kings of Israel and Judah serve as lessons for us today. Reflecting on their successes and failures can guide us in our spiritual journey.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Amaziah's decision to challenge Joash, and how does pride manifest in our own lives today?

2. How can we ensure that the counsel we seek and follow is aligned with God's will?

3. In what ways does partial obedience to God affect our relationship with Him and others?

4. How can the division between Judah and Israel inform our understanding of the importance of unity within the church?

5. Reflect on a time when you learned from a past mistake. How can the accounts of the kings in 2 Chronicles guide us in avoiding similar pitfalls?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 14:8-14
Provides a parallel account of the same event, offering additional details about the confrontation and its outcome.

Proverbs 16:18
Highlights the theme of pride leading to downfall, which is evident in Amaziah's actions and subsequent defeat.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Discusses the importance of obedience over sacrifice, relevant to Amaziah's initial obedience and later disobedience.
Sermons
Human PresumptionW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 25:17-24
The Battle of Beth-Shemesh; Or, the Downfall of a BoasterT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 25:17-24
People
Ahaziah, Amaziah, Benjamin, David, Edomites, Jehoaddan, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Joash, Obededom, Seir
Places
Beth-horon, Beth-shemesh, Corner Gate, Edom, Ephraim Gate, Jerusalem, Lachish, Lebanon, Samaria, Seir, Valley of Salt
Topics
Acting, Advice, Advisers, Amaziah, Amazi'ah, Challenge, Consulted, Counsel, Face, Jehoahaz, Jeho'ahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Joash, Jo'ash, Judah, Meet, Meeting, Saying, Servants, Suggestion, Taketh
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 25:17

     8401   challenges

2 Chronicles 25:1-28

     5366   king

2 Chronicles 25:17-24

     7245   Judah, kingdom of

Library
Prudence and Faith
'And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this.'--2 CHRON. xxv. 9. The character of this Amaziah, one of the Kings of Judah, is summed up by the chronicler in a damning epigram: 'He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.' He was one of your half-and-half people, or, as Hosea says, 'a cake not turned,' …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Amaziah
BY REV. J. G. GREENHOUGH, M.A. "And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this."--2 CHRON. xxv. 9. Amaziah, King of Judah, belonged to that numerous class of men who wish to stand well with both worlds. He was what we call in religious matters half-and-half. He wanted to secure the favour and protection of God without losing much or anything …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

The Blessedness of Giving
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble." "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase, so shalt thy barns be filled with plenty." "There is that scattereth and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it lendeth to poverty." "The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that …
Various—The Wonders of Prayer

The Unmerciful Servant.
"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
2 Chronicles 25:17 NIV
2 Chronicles 25:17 NLT
2 Chronicles 25:17 ESV
2 Chronicles 25:17 NASB
2 Chronicles 25:17 KJV

2 Chronicles 25:17 Commentaries

Bible Hub
2 Chronicles 25:16
Top of Page
Top of Page