Topical Bible: Forsaking God: Amon

Bible > Topical > Forsaking God

◄ Forsaking God: Amon ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Amon, the son of Manasseh and the fifteenth king of Judah, is a notable biblical figure whose reign is marked by a continuation of idolatry and apostasy, following in the footsteps of his father. His account is primarily found in the Old Testament books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Background and Reign

Amon ascended to the throne at the age of twenty-two and reigned in Jerusalem for two years (2 Kings 21:19). His mother was Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah. Amon's reign is characterized by a deliberate forsaking of the God of Israel, as he perpetuated the idolatrous practices initiated by his father, Manasseh. The Bible records that Amon "did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done" (2 Kings 21:20).

Idolatry and Apostasy

Amon's reign was marked by a blatant disregard for the covenantal relationship between God and the people of Judah. He worshiped and served the idols that his father had introduced, thereby provoking the LORD to anger. The scriptures state, "He abandoned the LORD, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD" (2 Kings 21:22). This forsaking of God was not merely a personal failing but had national implications, as it led the people of Judah further away from their covenantal obligations.

Assassination and Aftermath

Amon's reign was abruptly ended when his own officials conspired against him and assassinated him in his palace (2 Kings 21:23). This act of treachery, however, did not lead to a change in the spiritual direction of the nation. The people of the land executed the conspirators and made Josiah, Amon's son, king in his place (2 Kings 21:24). Josiah would later become one of Judah's most righteous kings, initiating significant religious reforms and returning the nation to the worship of Yahweh.

Theological Implications

Amon's forsaking of God serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from the LORD. His reign exemplifies the biblical theme of covenant unfaithfulness and the resultant divine judgment. Amon's actions underscore the importance of fidelity to God's commandments and the peril of following in the sinful patterns of predecessors. His account is a reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance and the potential for renewal and reform, as seen in the subsequent reign of his son, Josiah.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 21:22
And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Refutation of the Jews
... Solomon of David, Hezekiah of Ahaz, Josiah of Amon, Isaiah of ... the whole earth is
filled with the knowledge of God, and the Gentiles, forsaking atheism, are ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 6 refutation of the.htm