Amaziah, the son of Joash, ascended to the throne of Judah as its ninth king following the assassination of his father. His reign is chronicled in the biblical books of 2 Kings 14 and 2 Chronicles 25. Amaziah's rule is marked by a mixture of fidelity to the Lord and significant missteps, reflecting the complex spiritual and political landscape of Judah during his time.

Early Reign and Justice for His Father

Amaziah began his reign with a commitment to justice, as recorded in 2 Kings 14:5-6 : "As soon as the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, Amaziah executed the servants who had murdered his father the king. Yet he did not put the sons 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.'" This adherence to the Mosaic Law demonstrated Amaziah's initial desire to align his rule with the statutes of God.

Military Campaigns and Idolatry

Amaziah's reign was also characterized by military ambition. He organized a formidable army and sought to strengthen Judah's position against its neighbors. In 2 Chronicles 25:5-6 , it is noted that he mustered an army of 300,000 men and hired an additional 100,000 warriors from Israel. However, a prophet warned him against relying on Israel, a nation that had turned away from God. Heeding this warning, Amaziah dismissed the hired troops, albeit at a financial loss.

His military endeavors included a successful campaign against the Edomites, as described in 2 Kings 14:7 : "Amaziah struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and captured Sela in battle, renaming it Joktheel, as it is called to this day." Despite this victory, Amaziah's subsequent actions revealed a troubling shift in his spiritual fidelity. He brought back the gods of the Edomites and began to worship them, provoking the Lord's anger. A prophet confronted him, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 25:15 : "Why have you sought this people’s gods, which could not deliver their own people from your hand?"

Conflict with Israel and Downfall

Amaziah's reign took a further downturn when he challenged Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle. This confrontation is detailed in 2 Kings 14:8-14 , where Jehoash warned Amaziah of the folly of his prideful challenge. Ignoring the warning, Amaziah proceeded, resulting in a disastrous defeat for Judah. Jehoash captured Amaziah, breached the walls of Jerusalem, and plundered the temple and royal palace.

The latter part of Amaziah's reign was marked by instability and discontent among his subjects. His failure to maintain spiritual and political integrity led to his eventual downfall. As recorded in 2 Chronicles 25:27 , a conspiracy was formed against him in Jerusalem, prompting him to flee to Lachish, where he was ultimately killed.

Amaziah's reign serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of steadfast devotion to God and the perils of pride and idolatry. His life illustrates the consequences of turning away from divine guidance, even after initial acts of righteousness.2 Kings 14:1
In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.
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2 Chronicles 25:1
Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.
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