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 military exploits and victories are highlighted as significant events during his rule.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Amaziah began his reign at the age of 25 and ruled for 29 years. His reign is noted for a mixture of fidelity to the Lord and lapses into idolatry, reflecting the complex spiritual landscape of Judah during this period. The biblical narrative emphasizes that Amaziah "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like his father David" (2 Kings 14:3), indicating a partial commitment to the covenantal standards set by David.

Victory over Edom

One of Amaziah's most notable military achievements was his victory over the Edomites. Seeking to strengthen his kingdom and assert control over the rebellious territories, Amaziah mustered an army of 300,000 men from Judah. Additionally, he hired 100,000 mighty warriors from Israel for a hundred talents of silver. However, a prophet of the Lord advised him against relying on the Israelite mercenaries, warning that God was not with Israel. Heeding the prophet's counsel, Amaziah dismissed the hired troops, trusting in the Lord for victory (2 Chronicles 25:5-10).

Amaziah's faith was rewarded when he led his forces to a decisive victory in the Valley of Salt, where he struck down 10,000 Edomites. Furthermore, he captured the stronghold of Sela, renaming it Joktheel, which remained its name to the time of the chronicler (2 Kings 14:7; 2 Chronicles 25:11-12).

Consequences of Victory

Despite his military success, Amaziah's spiritual fidelity wavered following 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 act of apostasy provoked the anger of the Lord, who sent a prophet to rebuke Amaziah for his idolatry. The prophet questioned Amaziah's logic in worshiping gods that had failed to save their own people (2 Chronicles 25:14-16).

Conflict with Israel

Amaziah's pride following his victory over Edom led him to challenge Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle. Despite Jehoash's warning to remain content with his victory and not to provoke further conflict, Amaziah persisted. The two armies met at Beth-shemesh in Judah, where Amaziah suffered a humiliating defeat. Jehoash captured Amaziah, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and plundered the temple and royal palace (2 Kings 14:8-14; 2 Chronicles 25:17-24).

Legacy

Amaziah's reign is a testament to the complexities of leadership and the consequences of pride and idolatry. His initial victories, particularly over Edom, demonstrated the potential for success when relying on the Lord. However, his subsequent actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God and the perils of overconfidence. The narrative of Amaziah's victories and defeats underscores the biblical theme of divine sovereignty and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.