Topical Bible: Conspiracy: Amon

◄ Conspiracy: Amon ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Amon, the son of Manasseh, was the king of Judah who reigned for a brief period before falling victim to a conspiracy. His account is recorded in the Old Testament, primarily in 2 Kings 21:19-26 and 2 Chronicles 33:21-25. Amon's reign is marked by his continuation of the idolatrous practices initiated by his father, Manasseh, which ultimately led to his assassination.

Background and Reign

Amon ascended to the throne at the age of twenty-two and reigned for two years in Jerusalem. His mother was Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah. Amon's reign is characterized by his persistence in evil practices, as he "did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done" (2 Kings 21:20). He worshiped idols and abandoned the ways of the LORD, which contributed to the moral and spiritual decline of Judah.

Idolatry and Apostasy

Amon's reign was a continuation of the idolatry that had plagued Judah under Manasseh. He served and worshiped the idols that his father had set up, forsaking the God of his ancestors. The Bible notes that Amon "did not humble himself before the LORD as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more" (2 Chronicles 33:23). His actions further entrenched the nation in apostasy, drawing the ire of the LORD.

The Conspiracy and Assassination

Amon's reign came to an abrupt end due to a conspiracy by his own servants. The Bible records that "the servants of Amon conspired against him and killed the king in his own house" (2 Kings 21:23). This act of treachery highlights the instability and discontent within the royal court and among the people, likely exacerbated by Amon's unfaithfulness to God and his oppressive rule.

Aftermath and Succession

Following Amon's assassination, the people of the land executed those who had conspired against him. They then made Josiah, Amon's son, king in his place. Josiah was only eight years old at the time of his ascension, yet he would go on to become one of Judah's most righteous kings, initiating significant religious reforms and turning the nation back to the worship of the LORD.

Theological Implications

The conspiracy against Amon serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unfaithfulness to God. Amon's failure to repent and his persistence in idolatry led to his downfall, illustrating the biblical principle that sin and rebellion against God ultimately lead to destruction. His assassination also underscores the theme of divine justice, as God often uses human actions to fulfill His purposes and bring about His will.

Amon's account is a cautionary tale for leaders and individuals alike, emphasizing the importance of humility, repentance, and faithfulness to God. His brief and tumultuous reign stands in contrast to the godly leadership of his son Josiah, who sought to restore the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 21:23
And the servants of Amon conspired against him, and slew the king in his own house.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How Amon Reigned Instead of Manasseh; and after Amon Reigned ...
... 1. This Amon imitated those works of his father which he insolently did when he
was young: so he had a conspiracy made against him by his own servants, and was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how amon reigned.htm

The Conspiracy
... CHAPTER XXXI THE CONSPIRACY. ... "While I dwelt obscurely in the Hak-heb,"
she began, "I was much among the partizans of Amon-meses. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxi the conspiracy.htm

The Kingdom of Judah.
... Reigned 55 year and died. 15. Amon, 2:K.21:19-26; 2:Chron.33:20-25. Reigned
2 years and was slain by a conspiracy of his servants. 16. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiv the kingdom of.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... The conspiracy was instantly formed to dispose of the "dreamer ... His son, Amon, became
the sovereign under the Assyrian conqueror, but was soon assassinated, and ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 4. How Amon Reigned Instead Of Manasseh; And After Amon Reigned Josiah;
He ... 8. How Ten Men Of The Citizens [Of Jerusalem] Made A Conspiracy Against Herod ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Close of the Theban Empire
... on the Red Sea"The buildings at Medinet-Habu"The conspiracy of Pentauirit ... The
disturbances of the preceding years had weakened the prestige of Amon-Ra, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... the people joining with Jeroboam, [2637] and those which were in the conspiracy
with Corah. ... And he slept in peace with his fathers; and Amon his son reigned in ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... is explained by the fact that Sharezer was chief in the conspiracy, and the one ... with
the rank and prerogatives of the "Divine Spouse" of Amon, presented her ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... the two pylons, and repaired several portions of the temple of Amon at Karnak ... She
formed a conspiracy which was joined by all the nobles, but being betrayed and ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... we should have expected, had he been a son of the god Amon and the ... made of a lawsuit
carried on against Queen Amitsi, probably refers to some harem conspiracy. ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm