Amaziah, the son of Joash, was the king of Judah who reigned in Jerusalem. His reign is recorded in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Amaziah is noted for his initial adherence to the ways of the Lord, but his reign is marred by a significant lapse into idolatry, for which he was rebuked by a prophet of God.

Background and Reign

Amaziah began his reign at the age of 25 and ruled for 29 years. He is described as doing "what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like his father David" (2 Kings 14:3). His early actions included executing the servants who had murdered his father, Joash, but he 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).

Military Campaign and Idolatry

Amaziah's military endeavors included a campaign against Edom, where he achieved a significant victory. However, following this victory, Amaziah's heart turned away from the Lord. He brought back the gods of the Edomites and set them up as his own gods, bowing down to them and burning sacrifices to them. This act of idolatry was a direct violation of the first commandment, which forbids the worship of other gods.

Rebuke by the Prophet

In response to Amaziah's idolatry, the Lord sent a prophet to rebuke him. The prophet questioned Amaziah's actions, saying, "Why have you sought this people’s gods, which could not deliver their own people from your hand?" (2 Chronicles 25:15). This rhetorical question highlighted the futility and irrationality of worshiping gods that had proven powerless.

Despite the prophet's warning, Amaziah's heart was hardened. He responded with arrogance, threatening the prophet, "Have we appointed you an adviser to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?" (2 Chronicles 25:16). The prophet ceased his rebuke but foretold that God had determined to destroy Amaziah because of his idolatry and refusal to listen to counsel.

Consequences

Amaziah's refusal to heed the prophet's warning led to his downfall. His idolatry and subsequent pride resulted in a series of events that culminated in his defeat by Jehoash, king of Israel. Amaziah was captured, and the walls of Jerusalem were breached. Eventually, a conspiracy was formed against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish, where he was killed.

Amaziah's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of heeding divine warnings. His initial faithfulness was overshadowed by his later actions, demonstrating the peril of turning away from God and the inevitable consequences of such a choice.