Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the role of ambassadors is significant, serving as representatives and messengers between kingdoms. The period from Amaziah to Jehoash provides a notable instance of diplomatic interaction in the history of Israel and Judah.Amaziah, King of Judah Amaziah, the son of Joash, reigned as king of Judah. His reign is marked by a mixture of fidelity to God and political missteps. After securing a victory over the Edomites, Amaziah's heart was lifted with pride, leading him to challenge Jehoash, the king of Israel. This challenge is recorded in 2 Kings 14:8-10 : "Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. 'Come, let us meet face to face,' he said. But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: '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. You have indeed defeated Edom, and now you are arrogant. Glory in your victory, but stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble and fall—you and Judah with you?'" This passage highlights the use of ambassadors as intermediaries in the communication between kings. Amaziah's challenge, delivered through messengers, reflects the formal diplomatic practices of the time. Jehoash's response, also conveyed through messengers, uses a parable to warn Amaziah against overestimating his strength and provoking unnecessary conflict. Jehoash, King of Israel Jehoash, also known as Joash, was the son of Jehoahaz and reigned over Israel. His interaction with Amaziah is a key example of the use of diplomacy and the role of ambassadors in the ancient Near East. Jehoash's response to Amaziah's challenge demonstrates wisdom and restraint, as he seeks to avoid unnecessary warfare. Despite his efforts, Amaziah's pride leads to a confrontation, resulting in Judah's defeat and the capture of Amaziah. The account of Amaziah and Jehoash underscores the importance of humility and discernment in leadership. The use of ambassadors in this narrative illustrates the formal channels of communication and negotiation that were essential in maintaining relations between neighboring kingdoms. The biblical text provides insight into the political dynamics of the time, where ambassadors played a crucial role in conveying messages and facilitating dialogue between rulers. In summary, the interaction between Amaziah and Jehoash, mediated through ambassadors, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of leadership and the potential consequences of pride and ambition. The biblical account emphasizes the need for wisdom and humility in the exercise of power, as well as the vital role of diplomacy in the ancient world. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 14:8Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face. Nave's Topical Index Library Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Book 9 Footnotes Appendices Resources What is hyper-Calvinism and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is life so hard? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about body piercings? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ambassadors: Amaziah to Jehoash Ambassadors: Berodach to Hezekiah Ambassadors: Israelites to Various Nations Ambassadors: Other References To Ambassadors: Sennacherib Through Rabshakeh to Hezekiah Ambassadors: Sent by Gibeonites to the Israelites Ambassadors: Sent by Moses to Edom Ambassadors: Sent to the Amorites Ambassadors: Zedekiah to Egypt Mortification: David's Ambassadors, Sent to Hanun Related Terms Merodach-baladan (2 Occurrences) |