Topical Encyclopedia Predestination is a theological concept that refers to the divine foreordaining of all that will happen, particularly with regard to the salvation of some and not others. This doctrine is often associated with the sovereignty of God and His ultimate authority over creation. Within the biblical narrative, the life and reign of Amaziah, king of Judah, provide a poignant illustration of the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, especially in the context of idolatry and judgment.Amaziah, King of Judah Amaziah, the son of Joash, reigned as king of Judah in the 9th century BC. His reign is chronicled in 2 Kings 14 and 2 Chronicles 25. Amaziah is noted for doing "what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like his father David" (2 Kings 14:3). His reign was marked by a mixture of obedience and disobedience, reflecting the complex nature of human agency under divine sovereignty. Amaziah's initial obedience is seen in his execution of the servants who had killed his father, Joash, but sparing their children in accordance with the Law of Moses (2 Kings 14:5-6). However, his later actions reveal a departure from exclusive worship of Yahweh. After defeating the Edomites, Amaziah brought back their gods and set them up as his own, bowing down to them and burning sacrifices (2 Chronicles 25:14). Idolatrous Jews and Divine Judgment The idolatry of Amaziah and the people of Judah serves as a backdrop for understanding the concept of predestination in the context of divine judgment. Despite Amaziah's initial faithfulness, his turn to idolatry provoked the anger of the LORD. A prophet was sent to him, warning of impending judgment: "Why have you sought this people's gods, which could not deliver their own people from your hand?" (2 Chronicles 25:15). Amaziah's refusal to heed the prophet's warning illustrates the tension between human free will and divine sovereignty. The narrative suggests that Amaziah's heart was hardened, leading to his downfall. The LORD's response to Amaziah's idolatry was not arbitrary but was a fulfillment of divine justice, as Amaziah's actions had consequences that were foreordained by God. Theological Implications The account of Amaziah and the idolatrous Jews highlights the biblical theme of predestination in the context of divine judgment and human responsibility. While God is sovereign and His purposes are ultimately fulfilled, individuals are still accountable for their actions. Amaziah's reign demonstrates that divine foreknowledge and human choice coexist within the framework of God's redemptive plan. The narrative underscores the importance of fidelity to God and the dangers of idolatry. It serves as a reminder that while God's purposes will prevail, individuals are called to respond in faith and obedience. The interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency remains a profound mystery, yet it is a central theme in the biblical understanding of predestination. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 25:20But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom. Nave's Topical Index Library The Prophet Amos. Footnotes Resources What is predestination? Is predestination biblical? | GotQuestions.orgHow are predestination and election connected with foreknowledge? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about predestination vs. free will? | GotQuestions.org Predestination: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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