Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious of Amon

◄ Homicide: Felonious of Amon ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Amon, the son of Manasseh and the fifteenth king of Judah, is a biblical figure whose reign is marked by idolatry and ultimately, his assassination. His account is primarily found in the Old Testament books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Amon's brief reign and violent death serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from the ways of the Lord.

Background and Reign

Amon ascended to the throne of Judah following the death of his father, Manasseh. His reign lasted only two years, from approximately 642 to 640 BC. The biblical narrative describes Amon as a king who continued in the sinful practices of his father, engaging in idolatry and abandoning the worship of Yahweh. The Berean Standard Bible states, "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done" (2 Kings 21:20). Amon's actions included serving and worshiping idols, which provoked the Lord's anger.

Idolatry and Apostasy

Amon's reign is characterized by a continuation of the idolatrous practices that had been prevalent during Manasseh's rule. Despite Manasseh's late repentance, Amon did not follow in his father's footsteps of returning to the Lord. Instead, he "forsook the LORD, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD" (2 Kings 21:22). This apostasy set the stage for the instability and unrest that would mark his short reign.

Assassination and Aftermath

Amon's reign came to an abrupt end when he was assassinated by his own servants. The Bible records, "Then the servants of Amon conspired against him and killed the king in his palace" (2 Kings 21:23). This act of homicide was not only a political coup but also a felonious act that violated the divine commandment against murder. The motivations behind the conspiracy are not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, but it is clear that Amon's idolatrous practices and failure to lead the nation in righteousness contributed to the discontent that led to his murder.

Following Amon's assassination, the people of the land executed those who had conspired against the king, thereby avenging his death. The biblical account states, "But the people of the land struck down all who had conspired against King Amon, and they made his son Josiah king in his place" (2 Kings 21:24). This swift retribution highlights the seriousness with which the people of Judah viewed the crime of regicide and their desire to restore order and stability to the kingdom.

Legacy

Amon's death and the subsequent rise of his son Josiah, who became one of Judah's most righteous kings, underscore the biblical theme of divine justice and the hope of redemption. Amon's assassination serves as a reminder of the destructive consequences of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God. His account is a testament to the biblical principle that leadership carries with it the responsibility to uphold God's commandments and lead the people in righteousness.