Topical Bible: Edomites: Amaziah, King of Judah, Invades the Territory of

◄ Edomites: Amaziah, King of Judah, Invades the Territory of ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, have a long and complex history with the Israelites, marked by frequent conflicts and hostilities. One significant event in this tumultuous relationship is the invasion of Edomite territory by Amaziah, King of Judah. This episode is recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Background of Amaziah's Reign

Amaziah, the son of Joash, became the king of Judah following his father's assassination. His reign is noted for a mixture of fidelity to the Lord and personal ambition. According to 2 Kings 14:3, "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." This indicates that while Amaziah sought to follow the Lord, his commitment was not as wholehearted as that of David.

The Invasion of Edom

The conflict with Edom is a pivotal moment in Amaziah's reign. The Edomites had long been adversaries of Israel and Judah, and Amaziah sought to assert his dominance over them. The account of this military campaign is detailed in 2 Chronicles 25:5-12. Amaziah mustered an army of 300,000 men from Judah and hired an additional 100,000 mercenaries from Israel. However, a prophet warned him against using the Israelite mercenaries, saying, "O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the LORD is not with Israel—not with any of the Ephraimites" (2 Chronicles 25:7). Amaziah heeded this warning, dismissing the mercenaries and relying solely on his own forces.

The campaign was successful, and Amaziah's forces defeated the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, capturing the city of Sela. 2 Kings 14:7 records, "Amaziah struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and captured Sela in battle. He called it Joktheel, its name to this very day." This victory was significant, as it temporarily subdued Edom and expanded Judah's influence.

Religious and Political Implications

Despite his military success, Amaziah's actions following the victory reveal a troubling spiritual compromise. He brought back the gods of the Edomites and began to worship them, provoking the Lord's anger. A prophet confronted Amaziah, asking, "Why have you sought this people’s gods, which could not deliver their own people from your hand?" (2 Chronicles 25:15). This idolatry marked a turning point in Amaziah's reign, leading to further conflicts and ultimately his downfall.

Legacy and Historical Context

Amaziah's invasion of Edom is a reflection of the broader historical and spiritual dynamics between Israel, Judah, and their neighboring nations. The Edomites, as descendants of Esau, had a shared ancestry with the Israelites, yet their relationship was marred by enmity and warfare. Amaziah's campaign against Edom highlights the ongoing struggle for power and the spiritual challenges faced by the kings of Judah.

This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of idolatry, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. The account of Amaziah and the Edomites is a testament to the complex interplay of political ambition, military might, and spiritual fidelity in the history of God's people.

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2 Kings 14:5-7,10
And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
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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.
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