◄ 2 Chronicles 25:15 ►
Therefore the anger of the LORD burned against Amaziah, and He sent him a prophet, who said, "Why have you sought this people's gods, which could not deliver them from your hand?"
Study Bible
Therefore the anger of the LORD burned
This phrase indicates a divine response to disobedience. The Hebrew word for "anger" here is "אַף" (aph), which often conveys a sense of intense displeasure or wrath. The imagery of burning suggests a consuming, righteous indignation. In the context of the Old Testament, God's anger is not capricious but is a response to covenant unfaithfulness. It serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the seriousness of idolatry.

against Amaziah
Amaziah was the king of Judah, and his actions are central to this narrative. Historically, Amaziah's reign is marked by initial obedience followed by pride and idolatry. His turning away from God to worship foreign deities reflects a broader pattern of Israelite kings who failed to fully commit to the LORD. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of half-hearted devotion.

and He sent a prophet to him
Prophets in the Old Testament were God's messengers, often sent to call His people back to faithfulness. The sending of a prophet signifies God's mercy and desire for repentance. Despite His anger, God provides Amaziah with an opportunity to turn back. This reflects the consistent biblical theme of God’s willingness to forgive and restore those who repent.

who said, 'Why have you sought the gods of these people
The prophet's question highlights the irrationality of idolatry. The Hebrew word for "sought" is "דָּרַשׁ" (darash), meaning to inquire or seek diligently. Amaziah's pursuit of foreign gods is portrayed as a deliberate and foolish choice. This serves as a reminder of the futility of seeking security or guidance outside of the one true God.

which could not deliver their own people from your hand?'
This rhetorical question underscores the impotence of idols. The gods Amaziah sought were powerless to save their own worshippers, highlighting the absurdity of trusting in them. Historically, this reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of attributing military success to the favor of one's gods. The prophet's words serve as a stark reminder of the LORD's supremacy and the folly of idolatry.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Amaziah
King of Judah who initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord but later turned to idolatry.

2. The LORD
The God of Israel, whose anger was kindled against Amaziah for his idolatry.

3. Prophet
An unnamed messenger sent by God to confront Amaziah about his idolatry.

4. Gods of Edom
The false gods that Amaziah worshipped after defeating the Edomites, leading to his downfall.

5. Edom
A nation defeated by Amaziah, whose gods he foolishly adopted.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can be anything that takes the place of God in our lives. We must guard our hearts against modern forms of idolatry.

God's Righteous Anger
God's anger is a response to sin and idolatry. It serves as a warning and a call to repentance, reminding us of His holiness and justice.

The Role of Prophets
God uses His messengers to call His people back to Him. We should be open to correction and guidance from God's Word and His messengers today.

The Folly of Trusting in False Gods
Trusting in anything other than God for deliverance is futile. We must place our trust solely in the Lord, who is our true deliverer.

Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God leads to negative consequences. We must strive to obey God's commands and live according to His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some modern forms of idolatry that can distract us from our relationship with God?

2. How can we ensure that we are receptive to God's correction and guidance in our lives?

3. In what ways can we guard our hearts against the influence of the world, similar to how Amaziah was influenced by the gods of Edom?

4. How does understanding God's righteous anger help us in our walk with Him?

5. Reflect on a time when you trusted in something other than God for deliverance. What did you learn from that experience, and how can you apply it to your life today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, highlighting God's jealousy and the prohibition of worshipping other gods.

1 Kings 11:4-11
Solomon's heart turning away from God due to foreign wives and idolatry, similar to Amaziah's actions.

Isaiah 44:9-20
The futility of idol worship, emphasizing that idols cannot save or deliver.

Romans 1:21-23
The New Testament perspective on exchanging the glory of God for images, paralleling Amaziah's actions.

Galatians 6:7-8
The principle of sowing and reaping, applicable to Amaziah's choices and their consequences.
Sermons
The Folly of IrreligionW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 25:15
The Declension of AmaziahT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 25:14-16
People
Ahaziah, Amaziah, Benjamin, David, Edomites, Jehoaddan, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Joash, Obededom, Seir
Places
Beth-horon, Beth-shemesh, Corner Gate, Edom, Ephraim Gate, Jerusalem, Lachish, Lebanon, Samaria, Seir, Valley of Salt
Topics
Amaziah, Amazi'ah, Anger, Angry, Burned, Burneth, Consult, Deliver, Delivered, Gods, Hands, Hast, Kindled, Moved, People's, Prophet, Resorted, Salvation, Save, Seek, Sought, Wherefore, Wrath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 25:1-28

     5366   king

2 Chronicles 25:15-16

     5779   advice
     5780   advisers

Library
Prudence and Faith
'And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this.'--2 CHRON. xxv. 9. The character of this Amaziah, one of the Kings of Judah, is summed up by the chronicler in a damning epigram: 'He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.' He was one of your half-and-half people, or, as Hosea says, 'a cake not turned,' …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Amaziah
BY REV. J. G. GREENHOUGH, M.A. "And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this."--2 CHRON. xxv. 9. Amaziah, King of Judah, belonged to that numerous class of men who wish to stand well with both worlds. He was what we call in religious matters half-and-half. He wanted to secure the favour and protection of God without losing much or anything …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

The Blessedness of Giving
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble." "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase, so shalt thy barns be filled with plenty." "There is that scattereth and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it lendeth to poverty." "The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that …
Various—The Wonders of Prayer

The Unmerciful Servant.
"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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