2 Kings 14:18
As for the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
As for the rest of the acts of Amaziah
This phrase introduces a summary of King Amaziah's reign, suggesting that what follows is a brief account, with more detailed records available elsewhere. The Hebrew word for "acts" is "ma'aseh," which can mean deeds, works, or accomplishments. This implies that Amaziah's reign was marked by significant events and actions, both good and bad. Historically, Amaziah was the king of Judah who reigned in the 8th century BC. His reign was characterized by both military successes and failures, as well as religious reforms and subsequent apostasy. This phrase invites readers to consider the full scope of his life and leadership, acknowledging that a king's legacy is often complex and multifaceted.

are they not written
This rhetorical question emphasizes the existence of a more comprehensive record. The Hebrew verb "kathab" means to write or inscribe, indicating that Amaziah's deeds were documented for posterity. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of recording royal annals, which served both as historical records and as a means of legitimizing a king's rule. The use of a rhetorical question here suggests that the audience is expected to be familiar with these records, underscoring the importance of written history in preserving the memory and lessons of past leaders.

in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
This phrase refers to a historical source that chronicled the reigns of the kings of Judah. The Hebrew term "divrei hayamim" translates to "words of the days," which is often rendered as "chronicles." This book is distinct from the biblical books of Chronicles and likely served as a royal archive. It highlights the importance of maintaining detailed records of a nation's history, which provided continuity and identity for the people of Judah. From a scriptural perspective, this reference underscores the Bible's reliance on historical sources to convey God's unfolding plan through the history of His people. It also serves as a reminder of the divine oversight in the recording and preservation of history, ensuring that the lessons and legacies of past leaders are available for future generations to learn from and reflect upon.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Amaziah
Amaziah was the king of Judah, the son of Joash. His reign is noted for both his initial faithfulness to God and his later pride and downfall.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Amaziah reigned. It was distinct from the northern kingdom of Israel and had its own line of kings descended from David.

3. The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah
A historical record that documented the reigns of the kings of Judah. This book is not part of the biblical canon but is referenced as a source of additional historical details.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Historical Records
The reference to the Book of the Chronicles highlights the value of historical records in understanding God's work through history. It reminds us to appreciate the documentation of God's faithfulness and human failures.

The Danger of Pride
Amaziah's account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and self-reliance. Initially faithful, his later actions led to his downfall, teaching us to remain humble and dependent on God.

Faithfulness and Accountability
Amaziah's reign shows that while one may start well, it is crucial to remain faithful throughout one's life. Our actions are accountable to God, and we must strive to finish well.

Learning from the Past
The mention of historical records encourages us to learn from the past, both from the successes and failures of those who have gone before us, to guide our own spiritual journey.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the reference to the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah enhance our understanding of biblical history and the reign of Amaziah?

2. In what ways can pride lead to a downfall in our own lives, as it did with Amaziah? How can we guard against it?

3. How does Amaziah's account in 2 Kings 14 and 2 Chronicles 25 illustrate the importance of remaining faithful to God throughout our lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from historical records, both biblical and secular, that can help us in our spiritual walk today?

5. How does Deuteronomy 17:18-20 relate to the responsibilities of leaders today, and what can we learn from it about godly leadership?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Chronicles 25
This chapter provides a more detailed account of Amaziah's reign, including his military campaigns and his eventual downfall due to idolatry.

1 Kings 14:29
Similar to 2 Kings 14:18, this verse references the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah, indicating a common practice of recording royal histories.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20
These verses outline the responsibilities of a king in Israel, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's law, which Amaziah initially followed but later neglected.
Significant Facts in God's GovernmentD. Thomas 2 Kings 14:1-29
Changes in Two ThronesJ. Orr 2 Kings 14:15-22
People
Ahaziah, Amaziah, Amittai, Azariah, David, Edomites, Hepher, Jehoaddan, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Jeroboam, Joahaz, Joash, Jonah, Nebat, Zachariah, Zechariah
Places
Beth-shemesh, Corner Gate, Damascus, Edom, Elath, Ephraim Gate, Gath-hepher, Hamath, Israel, Jerusalem, Joktheel, Lachish, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Samaria, Sea of the Arabah, Sela, Syria, Valley of Salt
Topics
Acts, Amaziah, Amazi'ah, Amaziah's, Annals, Aren't, Book, Chronicles, Deeds, History, Judah, Kings, Matters, Recorded, Reign, Rest, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 14:1-22

     5366   king

2 Kings 14:17-19

     5817   conspiracies

Library
The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
1. By the Jewish arrangement, which places together the twelve minor prophets in a single volume, the chronological order of the prophets as a whole is broken up. The three greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, stand in the true order of time. Daniel began to prophesy before Ezekiel, but continued, many years after him. The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in a sense chronological; that is, they put the earlier prophets at the beginning, and the later at the end of the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Prophet Hosea.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. That the kingdom of Israel was the object of the prophet's ministry is so evident, that upon this point all are, and cannot but be, agreed. But there is a difference of opinion as to whether the prophet was a fellow-countryman of those to whom he preached, or was called by God out of the kingdom of Judah. The latter has been asserted with great confidence by Maurer, among others, in his Observ. in Hos., in the Commentat. Theol. ii. i. p. 293. But the arguments
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
1. When the psalmist says: "The Lord God is a sun and shield" (Psa. 84:11), he means that God is to all his creatures the source of life and blessedness, and their almighty protector; but this meaning he conveys under the figure of a sun and a shield. When, again, the apostle James says that Moses is read in the synagogues every Sabbath-day (Acts 15:21), he signifies the writings of Moses under the figure of his name. In these examples the figure lies in particular words. But it may be embodied
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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