2 Kings 14:2

He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem.

Study Bible

He was twenty-five years old
The age of twenty-five in ancient Israel was considered a time of maturity and readiness for leadership. In Hebrew culture, this age signifies a transition from youth to adulthood, where one is expected to take on significant responsibilities. The Hebrew word for "twenty-five" (עֶשְׂרִים וְחָמֵשׁ, esrim ve-chamesh) reflects a period of preparation and growth, suggesting that Amaziah, the king in question, had reached a level of maturity necessary for ruling.

when he became king
The ascension to kingship was a pivotal moment in the life of a Hebrew leader. The Hebrew term for "became king" (מָלַךְ, malak) implies not just the assumption of power, but also the divine sanction and responsibility that comes with ruling God's chosen people. This phrase underscores the belief that kingship was not merely a political role but a divine vocation, with the king serving as God's representative on earth.

and he reigned in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds profound significance as the political and spiritual center of Israel. The Hebrew word for "reigned" (מָלַךְ, malak) is the same as "became king," emphasizing the continuity of divine authority. Jerusalem, being the site of the Temple, symbolizes God's presence among His people, and the king's reign there signifies a direct connection to the divine covenant established with David.

twenty-nine years
The duration of Amaziah's reign, "twenty-nine years," reflects a period of stability and continuity in the Davidic line. In biblical numerology, the number twenty-nine can be seen as a combination of two significant numbers: twenty (a number of completion) and nine (often associated with judgment or finality). This suggests that Amaziah's reign was a time of fulfillment of certain divine purposes, despite the challenges he faced.

His mother’s name was Jehoaddin
The mention of the king's mother, Jehoaddin, highlights the importance of maternal influence in the royal lineage. In Hebrew, "Jehoaddin" (יְהוֹעַדִּין) means "Yahweh delights," indicating a woman of noble character and possibly a devout faith. Her inclusion in the narrative underscores the role of women in shaping the spiritual and moral character of their children, even in a patriarchal society.

of Jerusalem
The specification "of Jerusalem" not only identifies Jehoaddin's origin but also ties her to the holy city, reinforcing the idea of a divinely ordained monarchy. Jerusalem, as the heart of Israel's religious life, serves as a backdrop for the unfolding of God's plan through the Davidic line. This connection to Jerusalem emphasizes the legitimacy and divine favor associated with Amaziah's reign.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amaziah
The central figure in this verse, Amaziah was the king of Judah. He began his reign at the age of twenty-five and ruled for twenty-nine years. His reign is noted for both his initial faithfulness to God and later failures.

2. Jehoaddin
Amaziah's mother, mentioned here to provide lineage and context. Her name means "Yahweh delights" or "Yahweh is just," indicating a possible influence on Amaziah's early life.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where Amaziah reigned. It is a significant location in biblical history, serving as the political and spiritual center for the people of Judah.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Godly Influence
Jehoaddin's mention suggests the potential impact of a godly mother. Parents and mentors should strive to instill faith and values in the next generation.

Starting Well vs. Finishing Well
Amaziah's reign began with obedience but ended in disobedience. This serves as a reminder that a good start in faith must be sustained by continual reliance on God.

The Role of Leadership
As king, Amaziah's actions had significant consequences for his people. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to seek God's guidance and lead with integrity.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Amaziah's later actions led to his downfall, illustrating the biblical principle that disobedience to God brings negative consequences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the mention of Jehoaddin in 2 Kings 14:2 highlight the potential influence of family on one's faith journey?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we not only start well in our faith but also finish well, as seen in the life of Amaziah?

3. How does the account of Amaziah's reign in 2 Chronicles 25 provide additional insights into his character and leadership?

4. What lessons can we learn from the laws for kings in Deuteronomy 17:14-20 that apply to our own lives and leadership roles today?

5. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's guidance in our leadership roles, whether in the family, workplace, or community, as seen in the life of Amaziah?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 25
This chapter provides a parallel account of Amaziah's reign, offering additional details about his actions and the consequences of his decisions.

Deuteronomy 17:14-20
These verses outline the laws for kings in Israel, emphasizing the importance of following God's commandments, which is relevant to understanding Amaziah's reign.

1 Kings 15:11-14
These verses discuss the reign of Asa, another king of Judah, who, like Amaziah, started well but had failures. This comparison helps us understand the challenges faced by the kings of Judah.