Amaziah, the son of Joash, was the ninth king of the southern kingdom of Judah, reigning in Jerusalem. His reign is chronicled in the biblical books of 2 Kings 14:1-20 and 2 Chronicles 25. Amaziah ascended to the throne following the assassination of his father, Joash, and his reign is marked by a mixture of fidelity to God and significant failures.

Reign and Religious Observance

Amaziah began his reign at the age of 25 and ruled for 29 years. The Berean Standard Bible notes, "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not as his father David had done. In everything he followed the example of his father Joash" (2 Kings 14:3). This indicates that while Amaziah maintained some level of devotion to God, his commitment was not as wholehearted as that of King David. He adhered to the worship practices of his father, which included some syncretistic elements that were not fully aligned with the Mosaic Law.

One of Amaziah's notable acts of obedience was his adherence to the law regarding justice. After securing his throne, he executed the officials who had murdered his father but spared their children, in accordance with the Mosaic Law: "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 Idolatry

Amaziah's reign included military endeavors, most notably against Edom. He successfully defeated the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, capturing Sela and renaming it Joktheel (2 Kings 14:7). However, his victory was marred by his subsequent actions. After the conquest, Amaziah brought back the gods of the Edomites and began to worship them, which provoked the LORD's anger. A prophet confronted Amaziah, questioning his decision to worship gods that had not saved their own people (2 Chronicles 25:14-16).

Conflict with Israel

Amaziah's pride following his victory over Edom led him to challenge Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle. Despite a warning from Jehoash, Amaziah persisted, resulting in a disastrous defeat for Judah at Beth-shemesh. The king of Israel captured Amaziah, broke down a section of Jerusalem's wall, and looted the temple and palace treasures (2 Kings 14:8-14).

Later Years and Death

Amaziah's later years were marked by instability. After his defeat by Israel, his authority weakened, and he faced conspiracies against him. Eventually, a conspiracy led to his assassination in Lachish, where he had fled to escape his enemies. His body was brought back to Jerusalem and buried with his ancestors in the City of David (2 Kings 14:19-20).

Amaziah's reign serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride and idolatry, illustrating the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. His life reflects the complexities of leadership and the consequences of turning away from divine commandments.