Amaziah struck down 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He took Sela in battle and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this very day. Amaziah struck downThe phrase "Amaziah struck down" indicates a decisive military victory led by Amaziah, the king of Judah. The Hebrew root for "struck down" is "נָכָה" (nakah), which often implies a severe defeat or destruction. This victory demonstrates God's favor upon Amaziah's reign, as military success was often seen as a sign of divine approval in the Old Testament. It also reflects Amaziah's obedience to God, as earlier in his reign, he had followed the Lord's commands, which likely contributed to his success. ten thousand Edomites The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and had a long-standing enmity with Israel. The number "ten thousand" is significant, symbolizing a complete and overwhelming victory. Historically, the Edomites had been a persistent threat to Judah, and this victory would have been a significant relief and a boost to the morale of the people of Judah. It also fulfilled the prophecy given to Rebekah that the older (Esau/Edom) would serve the younger (Jacob/Israel). in the Valley of Salt The "Valley of Salt" is likely located near the Dead Sea, an area known for its salt deposits. This location is significant as it was a strategic area for controlling trade routes and resources. The victory in such a location would have not only military but also economic implications, securing Judah's influence in the region. The Valley of Salt is also mentioned in other biblical accounts of victories, emphasizing its importance as a battleground. He also captured Sela "Sela" means "rock" in Hebrew, and it refers to a fortified city in Edom, known for its strategic and defensible position. Capturing Sela would have been a significant achievement, demonstrating Amaziah's military prowess and strategic acumen. This conquest would have further weakened Edom's power and secured Judah's southern border. in battle The phrase "in battle" underscores the military nature of Amaziah's campaign. It was not a peaceful acquisition but a result of armed conflict. This highlights the reality of the ancient Near Eastern world, where territorial expansion and defense often required military action. It also reflects the biblical theme of God granting victory to His people when they are faithful to Him. and called it Joktheel Renaming Sela to "Joktheel" signifies Amaziah's authority over the conquered city. "Joktheel" means "subdued by God" or "God's preservation," indicating that Amaziah attributed his victory to divine intervention. This act of renaming also served to erase the previous identity of the city and establish a new beginning under Judah's control, symbolizing a spiritual as well as a political conquest. as it is called to this day This phrase suggests that the name "Joktheel" endured for a significant period, indicating the lasting impact of Amaziah's victory. It serves as a historical marker for the original audience of the text, affirming the authenticity and continuity of the biblical narrative. This enduring name also serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people and granting them victory over their enemies. Persons / Places / Events 1. AmaziahThe king of Judah who reigned after his father Joash. Known for his military campaigns and efforts to strengthen his kingdom. 2. EdomitesDescendants of Esau, often in conflict with Israel and Judah. They inhabited the region south of the Dead Sea. 3. Valley of SaltA location near the Dead Sea, known for its salt deposits. It was a strategic and contested area in ancient times. 4. SelaA fortified city in Edom, captured by Amaziah. Its name means "rock" in Hebrew, indicating its strong defensive position. 5. JoktheelThe new name given to Sela by Amaziah, meaning "subdued by God" or "God's subjugation," reflecting the victory attributed to divine intervention. Teaching Points Divine VictoryAmaziah's success in battle is a reminder that victories are ultimately granted by God. We should acknowledge God's hand in our achievements and give Him the glory. Strategic LeadershipAmaziah's capture of Sela demonstrates the importance of strategic thinking and leadership. In our lives, we should seek wisdom and discernment in making decisions. Renaming as a TestamentThe renaming of Sela to Joktheel signifies a transformation and a testimony to God's power. We can apply this by allowing our lives to be testimonies of God's work and transformation. Historical ContextUnderstanding the historical and geographical context of biblical events enriches our comprehension of Scripture. We should strive to study the Bible with an awareness of its historical background. Legacy and MemoryThe lasting name of Joktheel serves as a reminder of past victories. We should remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in our own history and share these accounts with others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Amaziah's victory over the Edomites reflect God's sovereignty in our own battles today? 2. In what ways can we apply strategic thinking and leadership in our personal and spiritual lives, as Amaziah did in his military campaign? 3. What are some areas in your life where you can rename or redefine experiences as testimonies of God's intervention and grace? 4. How can understanding the historical context of biblical events enhance your study and application of Scripture? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "Joktheel" moment—a victory or transformation attributed to God. How can you share this testimony with others to encourage their faith? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 25Provides a parallel account of Amaziah's reign and his military exploits, offering additional details about his campaign against Edom. Genesis 36Discusses the genealogy of Esau and the origins of the Edomites, providing background on the longstanding enmity between Edom and Israel. Psalm 60A psalm attributed to David, which mentions the Valley of Salt and reflects on God's deliverance in battle, similar to Amaziah's victory. People Ahaziah, Amaziah, Amittai, Azariah, David, Edomites, Hepher, Jehoaddan, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Jeroboam, Joahaz, Joash, Jonah, Nebat, Zachariah, ZechariahPlaces 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 SaltTopics Battle, Calleth, Calling, Captured, Edom, Edomites, E'domites, Joktheel, Jok'the-el, Killed, Named, Naming, Salt, Seized, Sela, Selah, Slew, Smitten, Smote, Storm, Sword, Ten, Thousand, Twelve, Valley, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 14:7 4290 valleys 4357 salt 2 Kings 14:1-22 5366 king 2 Kings 14:7-14 7245 Judah, kingdom of 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 TestamentThe 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 Links 2 Kings 14:7 NIV2 Kings 14:7 NLT2 Kings 14:7 ESV2 Kings 14:7 NASB2 Kings 14:7 KJV
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