Amaziah, the son of Joash, was the ninth king of Judah, reigning in Jerusalem. His military actions are recorded primarily in 2 Kings 14 and 2 Chronicles 25. Amaziah's reign is marked by both commendable and flawed military decisions, reflecting his partial adherence to the ways of the Lord.

Campaign Against Edom

Amaziah's most notable military campaign was against the Edomites. Early in his reign, he sought to strengthen his kingdom by subduing Edom, a neighboring nation that had been a persistent adversary of Judah. According to 2 Chronicles 25:5-6, Amaziah assembled a formidable army, numbering 300,000 choice men of Judah, capable of handling spear and shield. Additionally, he hired 100,000 mighty warriors from Israel for a hundred talents of silver.

However, a man of God intervened, advising Amaziah not to rely on the Israelite mercenaries, as the Lord was not with Israel. The prophet warned, "O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the LORD is not with Israel—not with any of the Ephraimites" (2 Chronicles 25:7). Heeding this divine counsel, Amaziah dismissed the hired troops, albeit reluctantly, as he was concerned about the financial loss. The prophet assured him, "The LORD can give you much more than this" (2 Chronicles 25:9).

Amaziah proceeded with his campaign against Edom with his own forces. The Lord granted him victory, and he struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. Furthermore, his forces captured Sela, renaming it Joktheel, as recorded in 2 Kings 14:7.

Conflict with Israel

Despite his initial success, Amaziah's military actions took a turn for the worse due to his pride. After his victory over Edom, he brought back the gods of the Edomites and set them up as his own, bowing down to them and burning sacrifices. This idolatry provoked the Lord's anger, and a prophet rebuked Amaziah for his actions (2 Chronicles 25:14-16).

Emboldened by his earlier triumph, Amaziah challenged Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle. Jehoash responded with a parable, warning Amaziah of the consequences of his prideful challenge: "A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle" (2 Kings 14:9). Despite the warning, Amaziah proceeded with his challenge.

The two armies met at Beth-shemesh in Judah. The battle ended in disaster for Amaziah, as his forces were defeated by the Israelites. Jehoash captured Amaziah, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and looted the temple and the king's palace (2 Kings 14:11-14).

Aftermath and Legacy

Amaziah's military actions, particularly his defeat by Israel, had lasting repercussions for Judah. His initial reliance on the Lord brought success, but his subsequent pride and idolatry led to his downfall. His reign serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of pride and idolatry. Amaziah's life ended in conspiracy and assassination, as he was killed by his own officials in Lachish (2 Kings 14:19). His son, Azariah (Uzziah), succeeded him as king.