Amaziah, the son of Joash, was the ninth king of Judah, reigning in the 9th century BC. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 14 and 2 Chronicles 25. Amaziah's reign is marked by a mixture of fidelity to God and significant failures, reflecting the complex nature of his leadership and spiritual life.

Early Reign and Military Successes

Amaziah ascended to the throne after the assassination of his father, Joash. He began his reign with a commitment to justice, executing the servants who had killed his father, but sparing their children in accordance with the Mosaic Law: "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin" (2 Kings 14:6).

Amaziah's early reign was characterized by military ambition. He organized a formidable army and successfully waged war against the Edomites, capturing Sela and renaming it Joktheel (2 Kings 14:7). This victory was a significant achievement, as it reasserted Judah's dominance over Edom, a long-standing adversary.

Religious Failures and Idolatry

Despite his initial adherence to the Law, Amaziah's spiritual fidelity wavered. After his victory over Edom, he brought back their gods and began to worship them, bowing down and burning incense to them. This act of idolatry provoked the anger of the Lord, who sent a prophet to rebuke Amaziah: "Why have you sought this people’s gods, which could not deliver their own people from your hand?" (2 Chronicles 25:15). Amaziah's refusal to heed this warning marked a turning point in his reign, leading to further decline.

Conflict with Israel

Amaziah's pride and overconfidence led him to challenge Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle. Despite a warning from Jehoash, who likened Amaziah to a thistle challenging a cedar, Amaziah persisted. The ensuing battle at Beth-shemesh resulted in a devastating defeat for Judah. Jehoash captured Amaziah, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and plundered the temple and royal palace (2 Kings 14:11-14).

Later Years and Assassination

Amaziah's reign ended in turmoil. After his defeat, he faced growing discontent among his people. He fled to Lachish, but conspirators pursued and killed him there. His body was brought back to Jerusalem and buried with his ancestors in the City of David (2 Kings 14:19-20).

Legacy

Amaziah's reign is a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride and idolatry. While he began with a commitment to justice and achieved military success, his failure to remain faithful to God ultimately led to his downfall. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of steadfast devotion to the Lord and the consequences of turning away from Him.

Prudence and Faith
... 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? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/prudence and faith.htm

Preparation for Advent
... Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, who was worshipping (absurd as it may seem to us)
God and the golden calf at the same time in King Jeroboam's court, complained ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon ii preparation for advent.htm

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... And then Amaziah's association with 100,000 of Israel, 2 Chronicles 25:7, 8, 9,
10: "But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm

Footnotes
The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning. <. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Amaziah's (2 Occurrences)
...Amaziah's (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 14:18 Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are
they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? ...
/a/amaziah's.htm - 6k

Amaziah (41 Occurrences)
...Amaziah began to worship some of the idols he took from the Edomites, and this was
his ruin, for he was vanquished by Joash, king of Israel, whom he challenged ...
/a/amaziah.htm - 30k

Amazi'ah (37 Occurrences)
... Amaziah, Amazi'ah. Amaziah's . ... 2 Kings 14:1 In the second year of Joash son
of Joahaz king of Israel began Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah to reign. ...
/a/amazi'ah.htm - 17k

Uzziah (27 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A contracted form of Azari'ah the Lord is my strength.
(1.) One of Amaziah's sons, whom the people made king of Judah in his father's ...
/u/uzziah.htm - 27k

Amazing (5 Occurrences)

/a/amazing.htm - 7k

Chronology
... Another difficulty is found at the beginning of Uzziah's reign, where he is said
to have succeeded his father Amaziah at the age of 16, but is also said to ...
/c/chronology.htm - 74k

Old (3966 Occurrences)

/o/old.htm - 101k

Testament (13 Occurrences)

/t/testament.htm - 101k

Who was King Amaziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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