Amaziah, the son of Joash, became the ninth king of Judah following the assassination of his father. His reign is chronicled in the biblical books of 2 Kings 14:1-20 and 2 Chronicles 25. Amaziah's rule is marked by a mixture of fidelity to God and significant failures, reflecting the complex spiritual and political landscape of Judah during his time.

Accession to the Throne

Amaziah ascended to the throne at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem (2 Kings 14:2). The early part of his reign is characterized by a commitment to justice, as he executed the servants who had killed his father, but notably spared their children, in accordance with the Mosaic Law: "Yet he did not put the children 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'" (2 Kings 14:6).

Religious Observance and Failures

Amaziah is described as doing "what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like his father David" (2 Kings 14:3). His religious observance was partial; he maintained the worship of Yahweh but did not remove the high places, where the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense (2 Kings 14:4). This incomplete devotion foreshadowed the spiritual compromises that would later mar his reign.

Military Campaigns and Idolatry

Amaziah's military endeavors included a significant campaign against Edom, where he achieved a notable victory, killing ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and capturing Sela (2 Kings 14:7). However, his triumph was tainted by his subsequent actions. He brought back the gods of the Edomites and set them up as his own, bowing down to them and burning sacrifices (2 Chronicles 25:14). This idolatry provoked the anger of the LORD, who sent a prophet to rebuke Amaziah, warning him of the futility of worshiping gods that could not save their own people (2 Chronicles 25:15-16).

Conflict with Israel

Emboldened by his victory over Edom, Amaziah challenged Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle. Despite a warning from Jehoash, who likened Amaziah to a thistle challenging a cedar, Amaziah persisted, leading to his defeat at Beth-shemesh. Jehoash captured Amaziah, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and plundered the temple and palace treasuries (2 Kings 14:8-14).

Later Years and Death

Amaziah's later years were marked by instability. After his defeat, he faced a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem. He fled to Lachish, but his pursuers killed him there (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 incomplete devotion to God and the consequences of pride and idolatry. His life underscores the importance of wholehearted obedience to the LORD and the perils of turning away from His commandments.