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 2 Kings 14:1-20 and 2 Chronicles 25. Amaziah ascended to the throne at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years. His mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem (2 Kings 14:2).

Righteousness and Failings

Amaziah is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD, though not with a fully devoted heart. The Berean Standard Bible states, "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" (2 Kings 14:3). This suggests that while Amaziah followed the LORD's commandments, his commitment was not as wholehearted as that of King David.

One of his early acts as king was to execute the officials who had murdered his father, Joash. However, in accordance with the Mosaic Law, he did not put to death their children, as it is written, "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; cf. Deuteronomy 24:16).

Military Campaigns and Idolatry

Amaziah's reign included a significant military campaign against Edom. He successfully defeated the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, capturing Sela and renaming it Joktheel (2 Kings 14:7). However, his victory was marred by his subsequent actions. After defeating Edom, Amaziah brought back their gods and set them up as his own, bowing down to them and burning sacrifices (2 Chronicles 25:14). This idolatry provoked the LORD's anger, and a prophet was sent to rebuke him, saying, "Why have you sought this people’s gods, which could not deliver their own people from your hand?" (2 Chronicles 25:15).

Conflict with Israel

Amaziah's pride following his victory over Edom 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 two kings met in battle at Beth Shemesh, where Amaziah was defeated. Jehoash captured Amaziah, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and plundered the temple and the king's palace (2 Kings 14:8-14).

Later Years and Death

Amaziah's defeat and capture marked the beginning of his decline. He lived for some time after his release, but his reign ended in conspiracy and assassination. The people of Jerusalem conspired against him, and he fled to Lachish, where he was killed. His body was brought back to Jerusalem and buried with his ancestors in the City of David (2 Kings 14:19-20).

Amaziah's reign serves as a reminder of the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and the dangers of pride and idolatry. His life illustrates the consequences of turning away from the LORD, even after experiencing His blessings and victories.