Amaziah, the son of Joash, was the ninth king of Judah, reigning in Jerusalem after the assassination of his father. His reign is chronicled in 2 Kings 14:1-20 and 2 Chronicles 25. Amaziah ascended to the throne at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years. His mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem (2 Kings 14:2).

Reign and Religious Observance

Amaziah is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD, though not with a perfect heart (2 Chronicles 25:2). He followed the practices of his father Joash, maintaining the worship of Yahweh but failing to remove the high places where the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense (2 Kings 14:4). This partial obedience reflects a recurring theme in the history of Judah's kings, where external compliance with God's laws was not matched by complete devotion.

Military Campaigns and Idolatry

Amaziah's reign was marked by military endeavors, including a significant campaign against Edom. He mustered an army of 300,000 men and hired an additional 100,000 warriors from Israel for a hundred talents of silver. However, a prophet warned him against using the Israelite mercenaries, as the LORD was not with Israel. Amaziah heeded the prophet's counsel, dismissing the hired troops, which led to their anger and subsequent raids on Judah (2 Chronicles 25:6-10).

In his campaign against Edom, Amaziah achieved a decisive victory, killing 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt and capturing the city of Sela (2 Kings 14:7). Despite this success, Amaziah's spiritual fidelity faltered when he brought back the gods of the Edomites and began to worship them, provoking the LORD's anger (2 Chronicles 25:14-15). A prophet rebuked him for this idolatry, but Amaziah responded with arrogance, threatening the prophet's life (2 Chronicles 25:16).

Conflict with Israel

Amaziah's pride led to a confrontation with Jehoash, king of Israel. After his victory over Edom, Amaziah challenged Jehoash to battle. Jehoash responded with a parable, warning Amaziah of the consequences of his pride (2 Kings 14:9-10). Ignoring the warning, Amaziah proceeded with the challenge, resulting in a disastrous defeat at Beth-shemesh. Jehoash captured Amaziah, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and plundered the temple and royal palace (2 Kings 14:11-14).

Assassination and Legacy

Amaziah's reign ended in conspiracy and assassination, similar to his father's fate. After fleeing to Lachish, he was pursued and killed by conspirators (2 Kings 14:19). His body was brought back to Jerusalem and buried with his ancestors in the City of David (2 Kings 14:20).

Amaziah's reign serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride and incomplete devotion to God. His initial obedience and military successes were overshadowed by his idolatry and arrogance, leading to his downfall and the weakening of Judah. His life underscores the biblical principle that true worship and reliance on God are paramount for a king's success and the nation's prosperity.