2 Chronicles 25

2 Chronicles 25 narrates the reign of King Amaziah of Judah, focusing on his military endeavors, the consequences of his idolatrous practices, and the eventual conflict with Israel. Amaziah starts well by following God's ways but later strays, leading to significant challenges. This chapter serves as a reflection on the importance of faithfulness to God amidst power and pride.

2 Chronicles 25:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.
2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a loyal heart.
3 Now it happened, as soon as the kingdom was established for him, that he executed his servants who had murdered his father the king.
4 However, he did not execute their children, but did as it is written in the Law in the book of Moses, where the Lord commanded, saying, "The fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall the children be put to death for their fathers; but each one shall be put to death for his own sin."
5 Moreover, Amaziah gathered Judah together and set over them captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, according to their fathers’ houses, throughout all Judah and Benjamin; and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them to be three hundred thousand choice men, able to go to war.

Amaziah becomes king at twenty-five and reigns for twenty-nine years. He does what is right in the eyes of the Lord, but his heart remains divided. Upon establishing his rule, he avenges his father's murder by executing the conspirators but spares their children, adhering to the Law of Moses. This shows a level of righteousness in his actions, reflecting a desire to follow God's commandments. He also organizes the army, showcasing his intentions to strengthen Judah's military capabilities as he prepares for potential conflicts.

2 Chronicles 25:6-10 (NKJV)
6 He also hired one hundred thousand mighty men of valor from Israel for one hundred talents of silver.
7 But a man of God came to him, saying, "O king! Do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the Lord is not with Israel, not with any of the children of Ephraim.
8 But if you go, be gone! Be strong in battle! Even so, God shall bring you down before the enemy; for God has power to help and to overthrow."
9 Amaziah said to the man of God, "But what shall we do about the hundred talents which I have given to the troops of Israel?" The man of God answered, "The Lord is able to give you much more than this."
10 So Amaziah discharged the troops that had come to him from Ephraim, to go back to their place; therefore their anger was greatly aroused against Judah, and they returned home in great anger.

To bolster his military strength, Amaziah hires a hundred thousand soldiers from Israel. However, a man of God warns him against this, stating that God is not with Israel. Amaziah faces a dilemma regarding the money spent on the hired troops, but the prophet reassures him that God can provide abundantly. Following the counsel, he dismisses the Israelite soldiers, which angers them. This decision illustrates the conflict between human strategy and divine guidance, highlighting Amaziah's growing faith but also his initial dependence on worldly resources.

2 Chronicles 25:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Then Amaziah strengthened himself and led his people, and went to the Valley of Salt and killed ten thousand men of Seir.
12 And the children of Judah took captive ten thousand alive, brought them to the top of the cliff, and cast them down from the top of the cliff, so that they all were dashed to pieces.

Empowered by faith, Amaziah leads his forces against the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, achieving a decisive victory. The slaughter of ten thousand men demonstrates his military prowess. The capture and execution of the remaining captives reflect a ruthless strategy in warfare, which was not uncommon in that era but raises moral questions about justice and mercy. This success, however, sets the stage for his subsequent downfall due to pride and disobedience.

2 Chronicles 25:13-16 (NKJV)
13 But the soldiers whom Amaziah had discharged from going with him to battle, turned around and raided the cities of Judah from Samaria to Beth Horon; they killed three thousand in them and took much spoil.
14 Now it was, after Amaziah came from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the people of Seir, set them up to be his gods, and bowed down before them and burned incense to them.
15 Therefore the anger of the Lord was aroused against Amaziah, and He sent him a prophet who said to him, "Why have you sought the gods of the people which could not rescue their own people from your hand?"
16 So it was, as he talked with him, that the king said to him, "Have we made you the king's counselor? Cease! Why should you be killed?"

After his victory, the dismissed soldiers from Israel retaliate against Judah, causing significant casualties. In a troubling turn, Amaziah adopts the idols of the conquered Edomites, turning away from the true God. This act of idolatry angers the Lord, prompting Him to send a prophet to confront Amaziah. The king’s dismissive response reflects his arrogance and refusal to heed divine counsel, illustrating the dangers of pride and the allure of false gods in leading one away from God's truth.

2 Chronicles 25:17-19 (NKJV)
17 Amaziah king of Judah asked advice and sent to Joash the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, "Come, let us face one another in battle."
18 And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah, saying, "The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, 'Give your daughter to my son as wife.' And a wild beast that was in Lebanon passed by and trampled the thistle.
19 Indeed, you say that you have defeated the Edomites, and your heart is lifted up to boast. Stay at home now; why should you meddle with trouble, that you should fall—you and Judah with you?"

Amaziah foolishly challenges Joash, the king of Israel, to battle, seeking to establish his dominance after defeating Edom. Joash's metaphor highlights the absurdity of Amaziah’s arrogance, comparing him to a thistle seeking to ally with a mighty cedar. Joash wisely advises Amaziah to remain at home, warning him that meddling with Israel could lead to disaster. This exchange emphasizes the theme of pride preceding destruction and the importance of humility in leadership.

2 Chronicles 25:20-24 (NKJV)
20 But Amaziah would not heed; for it came from God, that He might give them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought the gods of Edom.
21 So Joash king of Israel went out; and he and Amaziah faced one another at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah.
22 And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his tent.
23 Then Joash the king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, at Beth Shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate—four hundred cubits.
24 And he took all the gold and silver, all the articles that were found in the house of God, and in the treasuries of the king's house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria.

Despite the warning, Amaziah goes to battle against Joash, leading to a devastating defeat for Judah. This outcome was part of God's judgment for Amaziah's idolatry. Joash captures Amaziah and invades Jerusalem, destroying a significant portion of the city wall, which symbolizes the loss of security and prestige for Judah. The plundering of the temple treasures underscores the grave consequences of turning away from God, emphasizing the chapter's theme of the repercussions of pride and disobedience.

2 Chronicles 25:25-28 (NKJV)
25 Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, lived fifteen years after the death of Joash the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel.
26 Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, from first to last, indeed, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
27 After the time that Amaziah turned away from following the Lord, they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish and killed him there.
28 Then they brought him on horses and buried him with his fathers in the City of Judah.

Amaziah reigns fifteen years after Joash's defeat, but his legacy is tainted by his failure to follow God. The chapter concludes with a summary of his life, noting that a conspiracy arises against him, leading to his death in Lachish. This reflects the consequences of his actions and the divisions within Judah. His burial with his ancestors signifies his royal status but contrasts sharply with the spiritual decline he represents. The chapter serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of fidelity to God.