Amaziah, the son of Joash, was the ninth king of Judah, reigning in Jerusalem after the assassination of his father. His reign is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his actions and character are examined in the context of his adherence to the laws and commandments of the Lord.

Early Reign and Obedience

Amaziah began his reign with a commitment to righteousness, as noted in 2 Kings 14:3 : "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like his father David. He did everything as his father Joash had done." This passage highlights that while Amaziah sought to follow the Lord, his devotion was not as complete or wholehearted as that of King David. Nevertheless, his initial actions were in alignment with the expectations of a king who sought to honor God.

One of the significant acts of righteousness attributed to Amaziah was his adherence to the Mosaic Law concerning justice and retribution. After securing his throne, he executed the servants who had murdered his father, Joash. However, he spared their children, in obedience to the commandment found in Deuteronomy 24:16, which states that children should not be put to death for the sins of their parents. This act is recorded in 2 Kings 14:6 : "Yet he did not put the sons of the assassins to death, according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, where the LORD commanded: 'Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.'"

Military Campaigns and Reliance on God

Amaziah's righteousness is further demonstrated in his military campaigns, particularly his decision to trust in the Lord rather than in human strength. In 2 Chronicles 25, Amaziah assembled an army to fight against Edom and initially hired 100,000 mighty warriors from Israel. However, a man of God warned him against relying on the Israelite mercenaries, as the Lord was not with Israel. In obedience, Amaziah dismissed the hired troops, trusting instead in God's provision for victory. This act of faith is recorded in 2 Chronicles 25:7-10 , where Amaziah's willingness to heed divine counsel is evident.

Compromise and Idolatry

Despite these acts of righteousness, Amaziah's reign was marred by compromise and a failure to maintain exclusive devotion to the Lord. After his victory over the Edomites, Amaziah brought back their gods and set them up as his own, bowing down to them and burning sacrifices. This act of idolatry provoked the Lord's anger, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 25:14-16 . A prophet confronted Amaziah, questioning his decision to worship gods that could not save their own people. Amaziah's response to the prophet was dismissive, indicating a heart that had turned away from complete reliance on God.

Legacy and Reflection

Amaziah's reign serves as a complex example of partial righteousness. While he began with intentions to follow the Lord and demonstrated obedience in certain areas, his failure to fully commit to God's commandments ultimately led to his downfall. His life underscores the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and the dangers of compromise, particularly in the realm of idolatry. The narrative of Amaziah invites reflection on the nature of righteousness and the necessity of unwavering faithfulness to the Lord.