Topical Bible: Captive: Cruelty to Twenty Thousand, by Amaziah

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Biblical Context:
Amaziah, the son of Joash, was the king of Judah who reigned in Jerusalem. His reign is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Amaziah is noted for his initial adherence to the ways of the Lord, though not with a fully devoted heart. His military exploits and subsequent actions provide a complex portrait of a king who struggled with faithfulness and pride.

Scriptural Account:
The account of Amaziah's cruelty to captives is found in 2 Chronicles 25. After securing a victory over the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, Amaziah's actions took a dark turn. The Berean Standard Bible records in 2 Chronicles 25:12, "And the army of Judah captured ten thousand men alive. They took them to the top of a cliff and threw them down, so that they were all dashed to pieces."

Historical and Theological Analysis:
Amaziah's treatment of the Edomite captives reflects a brutal aspect of ancient warfare, where defeated foes were often subjected to severe punishment. This act of cruelty stands in stark contrast to the earlier instructions given to the Israelites regarding the treatment of enemies and captives, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:10-15, where terms of peace were to be offered first.

Amaziah's actions can be seen as a departure from the covenantal ethics that were expected of the kings of Judah. His decision to execute such a large number of captives without mercy suggests a heart hardened by pride and a desire for retribution rather than justice. This incident foreshadows Amaziah's later downfall, as his heart turned away from the Lord, leading to his eventual defeat and assassination.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:
The narrative of Amaziah's cruelty serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the abandonment of divine principles. It highlights the importance of humility and adherence to God's commands, even in times of military success. The account underscores the biblical theme that true leadership is marked by justice, mercy, and a heart aligned with God's will.

Related Biblical Themes:
· Justice and Mercy: The Bible consistently calls for leaders to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8). Amaziah's actions stand in opposition to these values.
· Pride and Downfall: Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Amaziah's prideful actions led to his eventual downfall.
· Divine Retribution: The consequences faced by Amaziah for his disobedience and cruelty reflect the biblical principle that God holds leaders accountable for their actions.

Cross-References:
· 2 Kings 14:7: Provides a parallel account of Amaziah's victory over Edom.
· Deuteronomy 20:10-15: Offers guidelines for warfare and treatment of captives.
· Micah 6:8: Emphasizes the call to act justly and love mercy.

Amaziah's reign, marked by both military success and moral failure, serves as a reminder of the complexities of leadership and the necessity of aligning one's actions with the principles of justice and mercy as outlined in Scripture.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 25:11,12
And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... by conformity to ceremonies or creeds which he deemed antichristian, he suffered
under persecution, and, with upwards of two thousand godly ministers, was ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

Footnotes
... took place by "Id Martu 1641" (Annales Collegae). He was then only twenty
two years of age. In the year 1635, a clause was introduced ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... this, the poor wretch cries, 'send Lazarus.' What refined cruelty! ... too, which is
such that ten thousand worlds cannot ... Why friend, it may be, nay twenty to one ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... You say true, the liar is a captive slave of more ... concerning one old Tod, that was
hanged about twenty years ago ... so he has, a thousand times twice told, as may ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm