2 Chronicles 25:4 Study Bible: But he did not put their children to death, but did according to that which is written in the law in the scroll of Moses, as the LORD commanded, saying, "The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers; but every man shall die for his own sin."

Bible > 2 Chronicles > Chapter 25 > Verse 4

◄ 2 Chronicles 25:4 ►

Yet he did not put their sons to death, but acted according to what is written in the Law, in the Book of Moses, where the LORD commanded: "Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin."

Study Bible

Yet he did not put their sons to death
This phrase highlights King Amaziah's decision to spare the sons of those who had conspired against his father, King Joash. In the ancient Near Eastern context, it was common for new kings to eliminate all potential threats, including the families of their enemies. Amaziah's choice reflects a departure from this norm, indicating a commitment to justice and the laws of God rather than human tradition or political expediency.

but acted according to what is written in the Law
Amaziah's actions are guided by adherence to the Mosaic Law, demonstrating his respect for divine commandments over cultural practices. This obedience to the Law is a recurring theme in the history of Israel's kings, where blessings and curses are often tied to their faithfulness to God's commands.

in the Book of Moses
The reference to the "Book of Moses" underscores the authority of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, as the foundation of Israelite law and religious practice. This highlights the importance of Scripture as the ultimate guide for moral and legal decisions, a principle that remains central in Christian theology.

where the LORD commanded
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the law, reinforcing the belief that the commandments are not merely human constructs but are given by God Himself. This divine authority is crucial for understanding the weight and significance of the laws in the life of Israel and their leaders.

“Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.”
This command is found in Deuteronomy 24:16 and reflects the principle of individual responsibility for sin, a concept that is echoed throughout Scripture. It contrasts with the collective punishment often seen in other ancient cultures. This principle is also seen in Ezekiel 18:20, reinforcing the idea that each person is accountable to God for their own actions. This foreshadows the New Testament teaching on personal responsibility and the need for individual repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amaziah
The king of Judah who reigned after his father Joash. He is noted for his initial obedience to the Law of Moses, as seen in this verse.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Amaziah ruled. This kingdom often struggled with idolatry and adherence to God's laws.

3. The Law of Moses
Refers to the commandments given by God to Moses, which include moral, ceremonial, and civil laws for the Israelites.

4. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who gave the laws to Moses and the Israelites.

5. The Book of Moses
Likely refers to the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, which contain the laws and commandments given to Israel.

Teaching Points

Principle of Individual Responsibility
The verse underscores the biblical principle that each person is responsible for their own actions and sins. This is a foundational concept in both the Old and New Testaments.

Obedience to God's Law
Amaziah's decision to follow the Law of Moses demonstrates the importance of adhering to God's commandments, even when cultural or personal pressures might suggest otherwise.

Justice and Mercy
The law reflects God's justice, ensuring that punishment is fair and not extended to the innocent. This teaches us about God's character and His desire for justice tempered with mercy.

Generational Impact
While each person is responsible for their own sin, the actions of one generation can impact the next. This calls for careful consideration of how our actions affect our families and communities.

Application in Modern Context
In today's world, this principle can be applied to how we view justice and responsibility in our personal lives, communities, and legal systems.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the principle of individual responsibility in 2 Chronicles 25:4 challenge or affirm your understanding of justice?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of individual accountability in our daily lives and relationships?

3. How does Amaziah's adherence to the Law of Moses serve as an example for us in following God's commandments today?

4. What are some modern-day situations where the principle of not punishing children for their parents' sins might be relevant?

5. How can we ensure that our actions today positively impact future generations, in light of the generational impact discussed in this study?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 24:16
This verse directly parallels 2 Chronicles 25:4, emphasizing the principle of individual responsibility for sin.

Ezekiel 18:20
Reinforces the concept that each person is accountable for their own sin, not the sins of their parents or children.

Romans 14:12
In the New Testament, Paul echoes the principle of individual accountability before God.

Sermons

The Accession of Amaziah

T. Whitelaw

2 Chronicles 25:1-4

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

Accordance, Acted, Book, Commanded, Death, Didn't, Die, Fathers, However, Kept, Law, Orders, Recorded, Saying, Sin, Sins, Slew, Sons, Wherein, Written

Dictionary of Bible Themes

2 Chronicles 25:4

1640 Book of the Law

2 Chronicles 25:1-28

5366 king

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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