Amaziah, the son of Joash, was the ninth king of Judah, reigning in Jerusalem for 29 years, approximately from 796 to 767 BC. His reign is documented in 2 Kings 14:1-20 and 2 Chronicles 25. Amaziah ascended to the throne at the age of 25 following the assassination of his father, Joash. His mother's name was Jehoaddan, from Jerusalem (2 Kings 14:2).

Religious Reforms and Early Reign

Amaziah is noted for doing "what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like his father David" (2 Kings 14:3). He followed the practices of his father Joash, but his commitment to God was not wholehearted. The high places were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there (2 Kings 14:4).

One of Amaziah's significant early acts was executing the officials who had murdered his father, but he spared their children, adhering to the Mosaic Law that states, "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin" (2 Kings 14:6; cf. Deuteronomy 24:16).

Military Campaigns and Conflict with Israel

Amaziah organized a military campaign against Edom, a long-standing adversary of Judah. He successfully defeated the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, killing ten thousand men and capturing the city of Sela, which he renamed Joktheel (2 Kings 14:7; 2 Chronicles 25:11-12). This victory, however, led to pride and a subsequent challenge to Jehoash, king of Israel.

Amaziah's challenge to Jehoash resulted in a disastrous defeat for Judah. Jehoash captured Amaziah, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and looted the temple and the royal palace (2 Kings 14:8-14). This conflict highlighted Amaziah's failure to seek divine guidance and his reliance on human strength and pride.

Idolatry and Decline

Despite his initial adherence to the Law, Amaziah's heart turned away from the LORD. After his victory over Edom, he brought back their gods and worshiped them, provoking the LORD's anger (2 Chronicles 25:14-15). A prophet rebuked Amaziah for this idolatry, warning him of impending judgment, but Amaziah refused to listen (2 Chronicles 25:16).

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, and his body was brought back to Jerusalem for burial in the City of David (2 Kings 14:19-20; 2 Chronicles 25:27-28).

Amaziah's reign serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride and idolatry. His initial obedience to God's law was overshadowed by his later unfaithfulness, illustrating the importance of wholehearted devotion to the LORD. His son, Uzziah (also known as Azariah), succeeded him as king of Judah.