2 Chronicles 25
BSB1 Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly. 3 As soon as the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, Amaziah executed the servants who had murdered his father the king. 4 Yet he did not put their sons to death, but acted according to what is written in the Law, in the Book of Moses, where the LORD commanded: “Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin." 5 Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he numbered those twenty years of age or older throughout Judah and Benjamin and found 300,000 chosen men able to serve in the army, bearing the spear and shield. 6 He also hired 100,000 mighty warriors from Israel for a hundred talents of silver. 7 But a man of God came to him and said, “O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the LORD is not with Israel—not with any of the Ephraimites. 8 Even if you go and fight bravely in battle, God will make you stumble before the enemy, for God has power to help and power to overthrow." 9 Amaziah asked the man of God, “What should I do about the hundred talents I have given to the army of Israel?” And the man of God replied, “The LORD is able to give you much more than this." 10 So Amaziah dismissed the troops who had come to him from Ephraim and sent them home. And they were furious with Judah and returned home in great anger. 11 Amaziah, however, summoned his strength and led his troops to the Valley of Salt, where he struck down 10,000 men of Seir, 12 and the army of Judah also captured 10,000 men alive. They took them to the top of a cliff and threw them down so that all were dashed to pieces. 13 Meanwhile the troops that Amaziah had dismissed from battle raided the cities of Judah, from Samaria to Beth-horon. They struck down 3,000 people and carried off a great deal of plunder. 14 When Amaziah returned from the slaughter of the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the Seirites, set them up as his own gods, bowed before them, and burned sacrifices to them. 15 Therefore the anger of the LORD burned against Amaziah, and He sent him a prophet, who said, “Why have you sought this people’s gods, which could not deliver them from your hand?" 16 While he was still speaking, the king asked, “Have we made you the counselor to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but he said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not heeded my advice." 17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent word to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. 18 But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. 19 You have said, ‘Look, I have defeated Edom,’ and your heart has become proud and boastful. Now stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?" 20 But Amaziah would not listen, for this had come from God in order to deliver them into the hand of Jehoash, because they had sought the gods of Edom. 21 So Jehoash king of Israel advanced, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh in Judah. 22 And Judah was routed before Israel, and every man fled to his own home. 23 There at Beth-shemesh, Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz. Then Jehoash brought him to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate—a section of four hundred cubits. 24 He took all the gold and silver and all the articles found in the house of God with Obed-edom and in the treasuries of the royal palace, as well as some hostages. Then he returned to Samaria. 25 Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah lived for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel. 26 As for the rest of the acts of Amaziah, from beginning to end, are they not written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel? 27 From the time that Amaziah turned from following the LORD, a conspiracy was formed against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But men were sent after him to Lachish, and they killed him there. 28 They carried him back on horses and buried him with his fathers in the City of Judah.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 25
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 25
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 25
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 25
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the accession of Amaziah to the throne of Judah, who was 25 years old when he became king. He initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not with a whole heart. Amaziah defeated the Edomites and killed 10,000 of them in the Valley of Salt. However, he also brought back the gods of the children of Seir and set them up as his own gods, bowing down to them and burning incense to them. This action provoked the Lord, who sent a prophet to warn Amaziah to stop worshiping these idols. Amaziah refused to listen, and as a result, he was defeated by the king of Israel, Joash. The chapter concludes with the death of Amaziah, who was assassinated by a conspiracy in Lachish.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the kings of Judah, which is recorded in 1 and 2 Chronicles. The chapter fits into the broader context of the Old Testament, which emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. The chapter also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who would bring about a new covenant and a new heart, enabling believers to obey God wholeheartedly. The historical context of the chapter is also significant, as it highlights the complex political relationships between Judah and its neighboring kingdoms.
Heart Application
The chapter applies to our lives by emphasizing the need for wholehearted obedience to God. As believers, we must examine our own hearts and ensure that our obedience is complete, without any reservation or partiality. We must also be careful to avoid the dangers of idolatry, which can lead to spiritual adultery and provoke God's wrath. By responding to God's warnings and obeying His commands, we can maintain a right relationship with Him and avoid the consequences of disobedience.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of Amaziah, the king of Judah, who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord but not with a whole heart. He was defeated by the king of Israel and eventually assassinated. The chapter teaches us about the importance of wholehearted obedience to God and the dangers of idolatry. As seen in 2 Chronicles 25:2, Amaziah's partial obedience led to his downfall, while wholehearted obedience leads to a right relationship with God.
Voices from the Church
“The greatest enemy of true religion is not atheism, but idolatry. The human heart is prone to worship anything but the true God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The obedience of faith is not a mere outward conformity to God's commands, but a wholehearted surrender to His will.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Reign of Amaziah (25:1-4) — Amaziah became king of Judah at the age of 25 and initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. However, his heart was not fully committed to the Lord.
- The War with Edom (25:5-12) — Amaziah hired 100,000 Israelite soldiers to help him fight against Edom, but a prophet warned him not to rely on them. Amaziah obeyed the prophet and sent the soldiers back, and the Lord gave him victory over the Edomites.
- The Idolatry of Amaziah (25:13-16) — After his victory, Amaziah brought back the gods of the children of Seir and set them up as his own gods, bowing down to them and burning incense to them. This action provoked the Lord, who sent a prophet to warn Amaziah to stop worshiping these idols.
- The War with Israel (25:17-24) — Amaziah refused to listen to the prophet and challenged the king of Israel to battle. The king of Israel, Joash, defeated Amaziah and broke down the wall of Jerusalem.
- The Death of Amaziah (25:25-28) — Amaziah was eventually assassinated by a conspiracy in Lachish, and his son Uzziah became king in his place.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Wholehearted Obedience
- The chapter teaches that wholehearted obedience to God is essential for maintaining a right relationship with Him. Partial obedience, like Amaziah's, can lead to disastrous consequences.
- The Dangers of Idolatry
- The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry, which can lead to spiritual adultery and provoke God's wrath. Believers must be careful to avoid the temptation of idolatry and remain faithful to the true God.
- The Role of the Prophet
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of the prophet as a messenger of God, warning believers of the consequences of their actions and calling them to repentance.
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God, who is able to give victory to those who obey Him and to bring judgment on those who disobey.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 25
- The Importance of Wholehearted Obedience — The chapter teaches that wholehearted obedience to God is essential for maintaining a right relationship with Him. Partial obedience, like Amaziah's, can lead to disastrous consequences.
- The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry, which can lead to spiritual adultery and provoke God's wrath. Believers must be careful to avoid the temptation of idolatry and remain faithful to the true God.
- The Role of the Prophet — The chapter emphasizes the importance of the prophet as a messenger of God, warning believers of the consequences of their actions and calling them to repentance.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God, who is able to give victory to those who obey Him and to bring judgment on those who disobey.
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter teaches the importance of repentance and responding to God's warnings. Believers must be careful to listen to God's voice and respond to His calls to repentance.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 25
- Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, which is essential for maintaining a right relationship with Him.
- Idolatry — The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry, which can lead to spiritual adultery and provoke God's wrath.
- Prophets — The chapter emphasizes the importance of the prophet as a messenger of God, warning believers of the consequences of their actions and calling them to repentance.
- Sovereignty — The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God, who is able to give victory to those who obey Him and to bring judgment on those who disobey.
- Repentance — The chapter teaches the importance of repentance and responding to God's warnings. Believers must be careful to listen to God's voice and respond to His calls to repentance.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Amaziah's partial obedience to God, and how can we apply this lesson to our own lives?
- What are some common idols that people worship today, and how can we avoid the temptation of idolatry?
- What role do prophets play in the Bible, and how can we respond to God's warnings and calls to repentance?
- How does the chapter demonstrate the sovereignty of God, and what implications does this have for our understanding of God's character?
- What can we learn from the consequences of Amaziah's actions, and how can we apply this lesson to our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Reign of Amaziah (25:1-4)
| 25:1 | Amaziah became king of Judah at the age of 25 and initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. |
| 25:2 | However, his heart was not fully committed to the Lord, and he did not remove the high places from Judah. |
| 25:3 | Amaziah killed 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt and took Sela, which he also called Joktheel. |
| 25:4 | Amaziah brought back the gods of the children of Seir and set them up as his own gods, bowing down to them and burning incense to them. |
2. The War with Edom (25:5-12)
| 25:5 | Amaziah hired 100,000 Israelite soldiers to help him fight against Edom, but a prophet warned him not to rely on them. |
| 25:6 | The prophet told Amaziah that the Lord was not with the Israelites, and that they would be defeated if they relied on them. |
| 25:7 | Amaziah obeyed the prophet and sent the soldiers back, and the Lord gave him victory over the Edomites. |
| 25:8 | The Edomites were defeated, and 10,000 of them were thrown down from the top of the rock and dashed to pieces. |
| 25:9 | The rest of the Edomites fled, and Amaziah returned to Jerusalem with the spoils of war. |
| 25:10 | But Amaziah did not listen to the prophet's warning and instead brought back the gods of the children of Seir and set them up as his own gods. |
| 25:11 | The prophet warned Amaziah that he would be destroyed for his disobedience, but Amaziah refused to listen. |
| 25:12 | The prophet told Amaziah that he would be defeated by the king of Israel and that the Lord would abandon him because of his idolatry. |
3. The Idolatry of Amaziah (25:13-16)
| 25:13 | Amaziah brought back the gods of the children of Seir and set them up as his own gods, bowing down to them and burning incense to them. |
| 25:14 | The Lord sent a prophet to warn Amaziah to stop worshiping these idols, but Amaziah refused to listen. |
| 25:15 | The prophet warned Amaziah that he would be destroyed for his disobedience and that the Lord would abandon him because of his idolatry. |
| 25:16 | Amaziah became angry with the prophet and told him to stop prophesying, but the prophet replied that he would be killed for his disobedience. |
4. The War with Israel (25:17-24)
| 25:17 | Amaziah challenged the king of Israel, Joash, to battle, but Joash warned him not to fight. |
| 25:18 | Joash told Amaziah that he was like a thistle that had been trampled by a wild beast, and that he should not provoke the king of Israel to war. |
| 25:19 | But Amaziah refused to listen and went to battle against Joash, who defeated him and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. |
| 25:20 | The king of Israel took Amaziah prisoner and brought him to Jerusalem, where he was eventually killed. |
| 25:21 | The people of Judah made Amaziah's son Uzziah king in his place, and Uzziah became king at the age of 16. |
| 25:22 | Uzziah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and sought to restore the kingdom of Judah to its former glory. |
| 25:23 | The king of Israel, Joash, died, and his son Jeroboam became king in his place. |
| 25:24 | The prophet who had warned Amaziah was killed, and the Lord abandoned Amaziah because of his idolatry. |
5. The Death of Amaziah (25:25-28)
| 25:25 | Amaziah, the son of Joash, king of Judah, lived 15 years after the death of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. |
| 25:26 | The rest of the acts of Amaziah, from first to last, are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. |
| 25:27 | From the time that Amaziah turned away from following the Lord, they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. |
| 25:28 | But they sent after him to Lachish and killed him there, and they brought him back on horses and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main reason for Amaziah's defeat by the king of Israel?
The main reason for Amaziah's defeat was his idolatry and refusal to listen to the prophet's warning. As seen in 2 Chronicles 25:15-16, Amaziah's idolatry provoked the Lord, who abandoned him and gave victory to the king of Israel.
What can we learn from the prophet's warning to Amaziah?
The prophet's warning to Amaziah teaches us the importance of listening to God's voice and responding to His warnings. As seen in 2 Chronicles 25:7-10, the prophet warned Amaziah of the consequences of his actions, but Amaziah refused to listen.
What was the significance of the war between Judah and Israel?
The war between Judah and Israel was a significant event in the history of the two kingdoms. As seen in 2 Chronicles 25:17-24, the war resulted in the defeat of Judah and the capture of Amaziah by the king of Israel.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 25:1 → 2 Kings 14:1-2 | The accession of Amaziah to the throne of Judah is also recorded in 2 Kings 14:1-2. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 25:2 → 2 Kings 14:3-4 | The evaluation of Amaziah's reign is also recorded in 2 Kings 14:3-4, which notes that he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not with a whole heart. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 25:5-6 → Isaiah 31:1 | The hiring of Israelite soldiers by Amaziah is also mentioned in Isaiah 31:1, which warns against relying on human strength rather than on the Lord. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 25:7-10 → Psalm 20:7-8 | The prophet's warning to Amaziah not to rely on the Israelite soldiers is similar to the warning in Psalm 20:7-8, which notes that trust in human strength is vain. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 25:11-12 → Proverbs 21:30-31 | The defeat of the Edomites by Amaziah is also mentioned in Proverbs 21:30-31, which notes that victory comes from the Lord. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 25:13-14 → Deuteronomy 12:1-3 | The idolatry of Amaziah is condemned in Deuteronomy 12:1-3, which warns against worshiping other gods. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 25:15-16 → Jeremiah 25:1-7 | The prophet's warning to Amaziah is similar to the warning in Jeremiah 25:1-7, which notes that the Lord will judge those who refuse to listen to His voice. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 25:17-20 → 2 Kings 14:8-14 | The war between Judah and Israel is also recorded in 2 Kings 14:8-14, which notes that Amaziah challenged the king of Israel to battle. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 25:21-22 → Isaiah 1:1 | The accession of Uzziah to the throne of Judah is also mentioned in Isaiah 1:1, which notes that Uzziah was king of Judah during the prophetic ministry of Isaiah. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 25:25-28 → 2 Kings 14:17-22 | The death of Amaziah is also recorded in 2 Kings 14:17-22, which notes that he was killed in Lachish. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Having Assurance of Salvation by Bob Jennings | This sermon emphasizes the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, highlighting the need to fully surrender and consecrate ourselves to Him without holding back. It discusses t |
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If You Could Live Again, What Would You Change? by Bob Jennings | This sermon reflects on the importance of living a life fully devoted to God, not just doing what is right but doing it with all our hearts. It explores the idea of looking back on |
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To Die in Christ Is Gain - Tim Conway Interviews Bob Jennings by Bob Jennings | This sermon reflects on the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, using the example of Amaziah who did what was right but not with all his heart. It delves into a conversatio |
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Chosen Vessel - Bible Study & Sermon Preperation by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of King Hezekiah from the book of Second Chronicles. Hezekiah had experienced great spiritual victory, but after that, he became tem |
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The Lord Is Able to Give Thee by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God is capable of providing far more than we can imagine, as illustrated through the story of Amaziah, who failed to recognize the danger of allying with |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 25
Matthew Henry's commentary on 2 Chronicles 25 emphasizes the importance of wholehearted obedience to God. Henry notes that Amaziah's partial obedience was not enough to please God, and that his idolatry ultimately led to his downfall. Henry also emphasizes the role of the prophet in warning Amaziah of the consequences of his actions, and the importance of responding to God's warnings. As seen in 2 Chronicles 25:2, Amaziah's partial obedience is a warning to believers to examine their own hearts and ensure that their obedience is wholehearted. Henry's commentary provides practical lessons for believers, including the importance of avoiding idolatry and seeking to please God with a whole heart. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Partial Obedience
Amaziah's partial obedience to God is a striking feature of the chapter. Despite doing what was right, his heart was not fully committed to the Lord. This observation serves as a warning to believers to examine their own hearts and ensure that their obedience is wholehearted.
Consequences of Idolatry
The chapter highlights the consequences of idolatry, which can lead to spiritual adultery and provoke God's wrath. Amaziah's decision to worship the gods of the children of Seir ultimately led to his downfall.
The Role of the Prophet
The prophet in the chapter plays a crucial role in warning Amaziah of the consequences of his actions and calling him to repentance. This observation emphasizes the importance of listening to God's messengers and responding to His warnings.