◄ 2 Kings 14:9 ►
But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: "A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, 'Give your daughter to my son in marriage.' Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 14:9? 2. What does the parable in 2 Kings 14:9 teach about pride's consequences? 3. How can we apply the lesson of humility from 2 Kings 14:9 today? 4. Compare 2 Kings 14:9 with Proverbs 16:18. How do they relate? 5. Why is it important to heed warnings like those in 2 Kings 14:9? 6. How can we avoid the arrogance depicted in 2 Kings 14:9 in our lives? 7. What is the significance of the thistle and cedar metaphor in 2 Kings 14:9? 8. How does 2 Kings 14:9 reflect the political tensions between Israel and Judah? 9. What historical context surrounds the events of 2 Kings 14:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 14? 11. How can Ezekiel 31:3 liken Assyria to a cedar “taller than all the trees,” when historical or archaeological evidence doesn't support such an exaggerated greatness? 12. Why does 2 Kings 14:8–14 record Amaziah’s defeat by Israel if he was said to do right in the eyes of the LORD (2 Kings 14:3)? 13. Luke 14:31-32: Does Jesus' warfare analogy conflict with other passages (e.g., Matthew 5:9) advocating peace? 14. In 1 Kings 10:14, how plausible is Solomon receiving 666 talents of gold in one year, and does any archeological data support such immense wealth? Discussion Questions 1. How does the metaphor of the thistle and cedar in 2 Kings 14:9 illustrate the relationship between pride and downfall? 2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of recognizing our limitations in our daily lives and decision-making? 3. How does the account of Amaziah and Jehoash compare to other biblical accounts of pride and humility, such as David and Goliath? 4. What steps can we take to ensure we are seeking God's guidance before making significant decisions or entering into conflicts? 5. How can we promote peace and reconciliation in situations where pride and conflict are prevalent, both in personal relationships and within the church community? 2 Kings 14 Bible Study Questions 1. How did Amaziah's actions reflect the balance of justice and mercy in Deuteronomy 24:16? 2. In verses 7-14, how did pride and ambition lead to Amaziah's downfall? 3. How does Jehoash's parable speak to the potential consequences of overestimating one's strength or capabilities? 4. How does the story of Amaziah challenge us to consider our response to warnings and advice today? 5. How did the consequences of Amaziah's defiance affect not just him but the whole of Judah? 6. Considering verses 15-22, how does the transfer of power in these verses reflect on the stability or instability of leadership in Israel and Judah? 7. How do the reigns of these kings reflect their spiritual state and their relationship with God? 8. What lessons can we take from the life of Jeroboam II, particularly with respect to God’s mercy and punishment? 9. How does Jonah’s prophecy and its fulfillment showcase God's compassion despite the failures of Israel's leadership? 10. How does this chapter contribute to our understanding of God's sovereignty and patience with His people? 11. How might the outcomes of these leaders' actions have been different if they had wholly followed the Lord's commandments? 12. How can we apply the lessons about pride and humility from this chapter to our lives today? 13. In today's society, where can we see the consequences of leaders ignoring wise counsel, similar to Amaziah? 14. What do the events of this chapter teach us about the relationship between our actions and their consequences? 15. How do the reigns of Amaziah and Jeroboam II inform our understanding of the relationship between political power and spiritual obedience? 16. In what ways do the themes of mercy and judgment manifest in our own lives? 17. What aspects of God's character can we learn from His treatment of Israel and Judah in this chapter? 18. How might we interpret and apply the prophetic messages in this chapter in our current context? 19. How does this chapter inspire us to act differently in positions of leadership or influence? 20. In your personal life, how can you prevent ambition from leading to pride and downfall as it did with Amaziah? Links 2 Kings 14:9 NIV 2 Kings 14:9 NLT 2 Kings 14:9 ESV 2 Kings 14:9 NASB 2 Kings 14:9 KJV 2 Kings 14:9 Commentaries Bible Hub