Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious: Amaziah's Soldiers

◄ Homicide: Felonious: Amaziah's Soldiers ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Context and Background

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 reign is marked by both military campaigns and internal strife, which ultimately led to acts of felonious homicide by his soldiers.

Biblical Account

The account of Amaziah's soldiers committing acts of homicide is found in 2 Chronicles 25. After securing his position as king, Amaziah organized a military campaign against the Edomites. He gathered an army from Judah and also hired 100,000 valiant warriors from Israel for a hundred talents of silver. However, a man of God advised him against using the Israelite soldiers, warning that the Lord was not with Israel. Amaziah heeded this counsel and sent the hired troops back, though they left in anger (2 Chronicles 25:6-10).

Felonious Acts

The felonious acts of homicide by Amaziah's soldiers are recorded in 2 Chronicles 25:13. The dismissed Israelite soldiers, in their anger and frustration, raided the cities of Judah from Samaria to Beth Horon. They killed three thousand people and took much spoil. This act of violence was not sanctioned by Amaziah and was a direct result of the soldiers' resentment over being dismissed from the campaign.

Scriptural Reference

The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account: "Meanwhile the troops that Amaziah had sent back and had not allowed to go with him to battle raided the cities of Judah from Samaria to Beth Horon. They struck down three thousand people and carried off a great deal of plunder" (2 Chronicles 25:13).

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the actions of Amaziah's soldiers highlight the consequences of disobedience and the dangers of aligning with those not favored by God. Amaziah's initial decision to hire Israelite soldiers, despite the divided kingdom and their unfaithfulness, set the stage for this tragic event. The soldiers' actions serve as a reminder of the chaos and destruction that can ensue when individuals act out of anger and rebellion against divine guidance.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The felonious homicide committed by Amaziah's soldiers underscores the moral and ethical challenges faced by leaders and their followers. It illustrates the importance of righteous leadership and the need for discernment in choosing allies. The incident also reflects the broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's will in all endeavors.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel and Judah, military campaigns were common, and the hiring of mercenaries was a strategic decision often employed by kings. However, the divided kingdom and the spiritual apostasy of Israel made such alliances precarious. The actions of the Israelite soldiers reflect the tensions and hostilities that existed between the two kingdoms during this period.

Conclusion

The account of Amaziah's soldiers committing felonious homicide serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive potential of anger and disobedience. It calls for careful consideration of alliances and the importance of aligning one's actions with divine guidance.

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2 Chronicles 25:12
And other ten thousand left alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them to the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.
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