Amon, the son of Manasseh and the fourteenth king of Judah, reigned for a brief period of two years from approximately 642 to 640 BC. His reign is recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 21:19-26 and 2 Chronicles 33:21-25. Amon ascended to the throne at the age of twenty-two, following the lengthy and tumultuous reign of his father, Manasseh, who had led Judah into idolatry and apostasy.

Amon's reign is characterized by a continuation of the idolatrous practices established by Manasseh. The biblical narrative in 2 Kings 21:20-22 states, "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done. He walked in all the ways of his father, and he served the idols that his father had served and worshiped them. He abandoned the LORD, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD." This passage highlights Amon's failure to repent and return to the worship of Yahweh, despite the reforms his father had attempted later in life.

The assassination of Amon is a significant event that underscores the instability and internal strife within the kingdom of Judah during this period. According to 2 Kings 21:23 , "Then the servants of Amon conspired against him and killed the king in his palace." This act of treachery by his own servants suggests a deep discontent with Amon's leadership, possibly fueled by his adherence to idolatry and the moral decay that accompanied it.

The aftermath of Amon's assassination is recorded in 2 Kings 21:24 , which states, "But the people of the land struck down all who had conspired against King Amon, and they made his son Josiah king in his place." This response by the people indicates a rejection of the conspirators' actions and a desire to restore stability to the throne. The elevation of Josiah, Amon's eight-year-old son, marked a significant turning point for Judah, as Josiah would later become known for his righteous reforms and efforts to return the nation to the worship of Yahweh.

The account in 2 Chronicles 33:24-25 provides a parallel narrative, affirming the conspiracy and assassination of Amon, and the subsequent retribution by the people of the land. The chronicler emphasizes the continuity of the Davidic line through Josiah, despite the violent end of Amon's reign.

Amon's assassination serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of forsaking the covenant with God and the societal turmoil that can ensue from leadership that leads a nation away from divine commandments. His brief and troubled reign is a testament to the challenges faced by the kingdom of Judah during a time of spiritual and political upheaval.