Amaziah, the son of Joash, ascended to the throne of Judah following the assassination of his father. His reign is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, providing insight into his leadership and the spiritual climate of Judah during his time.

Background and Ascension

Amaziah became king of Judah in the twenty-ninth year of Joash, king of Israel, as recorded in 2 Kings 14:1-2: "In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel, Amaziah son of Joash became king of Judah. 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."

Amaziah's rise to power was marked by a desire to consolidate his rule and address the injustices that had occurred during his father's reign. One of his first acts as king was to execute the officials who had murdered his father, Joash. However, he adhered to the Mosaic Law by not putting the children of the assassins to death, as stated in 2 Kings 14:6: "Yet he did not put the sons of the murderers to death, according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, where the LORD commanded: 'Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.'"

Religious Observance and Military Campaigns

Amaziah is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD, though not with a fully devoted heart. 2 Chronicles 25:2 states, "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly." This partial commitment to God is reflected in his religious reforms and military endeavors.

Amaziah organized a formidable army and sought to strengthen Judah's military might. He hired 100,000 mercenaries from Israel, but a prophet warned him against relying on Israel, as God was not with them. Heeding the prophet's counsel, Amaziah dismissed the mercenaries, trusting instead in the LORD for victory. This decision is detailed in 2 Chronicles 25:7-10.

His military campaigns included a significant victory over the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, where he struck down ten thousand men of Seir. However, his success was marred by his subsequent actions. After defeating Edom, Amaziah brought back the gods of the Edomites and set them up as his own, bowing down to them and burning sacrifices. This idolatry provoked the LORD's anger, and a prophet rebuked Amaziah for his unfaithfulness (2 Chronicles 25:14-16).

Conflict with Israel

Amaziah's reign also saw conflict with the northern kingdom of Israel. Emboldened by his victory over Edom, Amaziah challenged Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle. Despite a warning from Jehoash, Amaziah persisted, leading to a confrontation at Beth-shemesh. The encounter ended in disaster for Judah, as they were defeated, and Amaziah was captured. Jehoash then proceeded to break down the wall of Jerusalem and plunder the temple and royal palace (2 Kings 14:8-14).

Later Years and Death

Amaziah's later years were marked by instability and conspiracy. After his release from captivity, he faced growing discontent among his people. Eventually, a conspiracy was formed against him in Jerusalem, prompting him to flee to Lachish. However, he was pursued and killed there, and his body was brought back to Jerusalem for burial with his ancestors in the City of David (2 Kings 14:17-20).

Amaziah's reign is a complex narrative of initial faithfulness, military ambition, and eventual downfall due to idolatry and pride. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of wholehearted devotion to God and the consequences of turning away from His commandments.