# Overview 2 Kings Chapter 14 recounts the reign of #Amaziah, the king of #Judah, detailing his adherence to the ways of his father #Joash, though not with a fully devoted heart. He executes justice for the murder of his father by slaying the assassins, yet spares their children, in obedience to the #Law of Moses, which commands that children shall not be put to death for their fathers' sins. Amaziah's military campaign against the #Edomites is noted, where he achieves victory in the Valley of Salt and captures the city of #Sela, renaming it #Joktheel. However, his pride leads him to challenge #Jehoash, king of #Israel, resulting in a disastrous defeat for #Judah at #BethShemesh. Consequently, #Jehoash captures Amaziah, loots the temple and palace in #Jerusalem, and breaches the city wall. The chapter continues with the narrative of #Jehoash's death and the succession of his son, #Jeroboam II, who reigns over #Israel and continues the sinful practices of #Jeroboam I, maintaining the idolatry that led Israel astray. Despite this, God shows mercy to #Israel, as prophesied by #Jonah, the son of #Amittai, restoring the boundaries of Israel due to their suffering and oppression. The chapter concludes with the transition of power in #Judah, where Amaziah, after being conspired against and fleeing to #Lachish, is killed. His son, #Azariah (also known as #Uzziah), becomes king, marking a new chapter in Judah’s monarchy. This chapter highlights the interplay of divine justice and mercy, the consequences of pride, and the continuing struggle of the kingdoms to walk in the ways of the Lord. ## Theological Insights In 2 Kings Chapter 14, the narrative continues to explore the themes of covenant faithfulness, divine justice, and the consequences of disobedience to #God's commandments. This chapter primarily focuses on the reigns of #Amaziah, king of #Judah, and #Jeroboam II, king of #Israel, highlighting the enduring struggle between obedience and idolatry in the history of God's people. 1. **Covenant Faithfulness and Partial Obedience**: Amaziah's reign is marked by a mixture of faithfulness and compromise. He is noted for doing "what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not like #David his father" (2 Kings 14:3). His partial obedience, which includes sparing the high places where people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense, reflects a recurring pattern in the kings of Judah where full adherence to the covenant is lacking. This partial obedience serves as a reminder of the necessity of wholehearted devotion to God as emphasized throughout the #OldTestament, echoing back to the covenant stipulations in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6]]. 2. **Divine Retribution and Justice**: The narrative of Amaziah's confrontation with #Jehoash, king of Israel, illustrates the principle of divine retribution. Amaziah's defeat is attributed to his own pride and failure to heed wise counsel (2 Kings 14:10-14). This episode reflects the #biblical theme that pride precedes downfall, as seen elsewhere in scripture ([[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 16|Proverbs 16:18]]). 3. **God's Sovereignty and Mercy**: Despite the ongoing idolatry and rebellion in Israel during Jeroboam II's reign, God extends mercy to His people. The Lord sees the bitter suffering of Israel and, in His compassion, uses Jeroboam II to restore the borders of Israel (2 Kings 14:25-27). This act of mercy underscores God's sovereignty and His enduring commitment to the promises made to #Abraham, #Isaac, and #Jacob, reminding readers of God's faithfulness even amidst human unfaithfulness. 4. **Prophetic Word and Fulfillment**: The chapter includes a reference to the prophet #Jonah, son of Amittai, who prophesied during Jeroboam II's reign (2 Kings 14:25). This mention ties the historical narrative to the broader prophetic tradition, illustrating the consistent role of prophets in guiding, warning, and shaping the narrative of God's people. Jonah's presence emphasizes that God's word continues to guide His people, and His promises are sure, as later explored in the Book of [[Jonah/Jonah Chapter 1]]. Overall, 2 Kings Chapter 14 serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity of human leadership, the need for humility and obedience, and the unwavering faithfulness of God. It calls readers to consider their own walk with God, urging a complete devotion that acknowledges His sovereignty and grace. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Justice and Retribution In 2 Kings 14, the theme of divine justice and retribution is evident in the actions and consequences faced by #Amaziah, king of #Judah. His initial obedience to the Lord by executing the servants who killed his father, without also killing their children, aligns with the command in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 24|Deuteronomy 24:16]] that each shall die for their own sin. However, his later prideful challenge to #Jehoash, king of #Israel, and the subsequent defeat demonstrate the biblical principle that pride often precedes downfall, as also seen in [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 16|Proverbs 16:18]]. ### The Sovereignty of God in National Affairs The narrative showcases God’s sovereignty over the nations as He allows #Israel to defeat #Judah and capture #Jerusalem. This event parallels the experiences of other nations and leaders throughout the Bible who, despite their power, are subject to God's overarching plan, such as #Nebuchadnezzar in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 4|Daniel 4]] and #Pharaoh in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 9|Exodus 9]]. ### The Consequences of Idolatry The chapter also reflects the ongoing struggle with idolatry that plagued both #Israel and #Judah. Despite certain reforms, the high places were not removed, and the people continued to sacrifice and burn incense there. This persistent idolatry echoes earlier warnings from [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20|Exodus 20:3-5]] and the repeated failures of the kings of Israel and Judah to fully eradicate idol worship, as seen in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 12|1 Kings 12]] with #Jeroboam. ### The Impermanence of Human Power The death of #Amaziah and the subsequent instability in #Judah illustrate the transient nature of human power and the futility of relying on military might or political alliances, a theme echoed in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 146|Psalm 146:3-4]] and [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 31|Isaiah 31:1]]. This theme serves as a reminder of the enduring power and faithfulness of God, who remains constant amidst changing human leadership. ### Restoration and Hope Despite the turmoil, the chapter ends with the death of #Amaziah and the ascension of his son #Azariah (also known as #Uzziah) to the throne, pointing towards a theme of restoration and hope for the future. This transition connects with the broader biblical narrative of God’s redemptive plan and the hope of a future king who would reign with justice and righteousness, as prophesied in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 9|Isaiah 9:6-7]]. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Davidic Lineage In 2 Kings 14, the reign of #Amaziah, king of #Judah, is detailed, and it continues to demonstrate the enduring promise of the #DavidicCovenant. Amaziah, being a descendant of #David, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in maintaining the Davidic line, despite the challenges and failures of the kings. This reflects the prophecy in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7]], where God promised David that his lineage would endure forever. The continuity of David's dynasty, as seen in Amaziah’s kingship, prefigures the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who is recognized as the eternal king from the line of David. ### The Prophetic Warning and Fulfillment The chapter also highlights the prophetic word given to #Jehoash, king of #Israel, regarding his victory over Amaziah in the battle at Beth Shemesh. This event echoes the recurring theme in the prophets that God’s word, spoken through His prophets, will come to pass. Such themes are seen in the prophetic books like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 55|Isaiah 55:11]], which speaks of God's word accomplishing what He desires. The fulfillment of the prophecy in this chapter underscores the certainty of God's word and its ultimate fulfillment in the larger scope of redemptive history. ### The Divine Sovereignty Over Nations 2 Kings 14 also reflects the broader theme of God’s sovereignty over the nations, as seen in the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms. The defeat of Judah by Israel under Jehoash can be viewed in light of prophecies such as those found in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 2|Daniel 2:21]], where God is described as the one who changes times and seasons, deposes kings and raises up others. This theme of divine sovereignty is fulfilled in the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom through Jesus, as all earthly kingdoms are temporary compared to the eternal kingdom of God. ## Verses - **2 Kings 14:1** - "Amaziah son of Joash began to rule over Judah in the second year of the reign of King Jehoash of Israel." - #Amaziah, #Joash, #Judah, #Jehoash, #Israel - See also: [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 12]], [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 13]] - **2 Kings 14:2** - "Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother was Jehoaddin from Jerusalem." - #Amaziah, #Jerusalem, #Jehoaddin - **2 Kings 14:3** - "Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, but not like his ancestor David. Instead, he followed the example of his father Joash." - #Amaziah, #David, #Joash - See also: [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 5]], [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 12]] - **2 Kings 14:4** - "Amaziah did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there." - #PaganShrines, #Sacrifices - **2 Kings 14:5** - "When Amaziah was well established as king, he executed the officials who had assassinated his father." - #Amaziah, #Officials, #Assassination - **2 Kings 14:6** - "However, he did not kill the children of the assassins, for he obeyed the command of the Lord as written by Moses in the Book of the Law: 'Parents must not be put to death for the sins of their children, nor children for the sins of their parents. Those deserving to die must be put to death for their own crimes.'" - #Moses, #BookOfTheLaw - See also: [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 24]] - **2 Kings 14:7** - "Amaziah also killed 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He also conquered Sela and changed its name to Joktheel, as it is called to this day." - #Amaziah, #Edomites, #ValleyOfSalt, #Sela, #Joktheel - **2 Kings 14:8** - "One day Amaziah sent messengers with this challenge to Israel’s king Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz and grandson of Jehu: 'Come and meet me in battle!'" - #Amaziah, #Jehoash, #Jehoahaz, #Jehu - **2 Kings 14:9** - "But King Jehoash of Israel replied to King Amaziah of Judah with this story: 'Out in the Lebanon Mountains, a thistle sent a message to a mighty cedar tree: ‘Give your daughter in marriage to my son.’ But just then a wild animal of Lebanon came by and stepped on the thistle, crushing it!'" - #Jehoash, #LebanonMountains, #Thistle, #CedarTree - **2 Kings 14:10** - "'You have indeed defeated Edom, and now you are arrogant. Glory in your victory, but stay at home! Why stir up trouble that will only bring disaster on you and the people of Judah?'" - #Edom, #Judah - **2 Kings 14:11** - "But Amaziah refused to listen, so King Jehoash of Israel mobilized his army against King Amaziah of Judah. The two armies drew up their battle lines at Beth-shemesh in Judah." - #Jehoash, #Amaziah, #BethShemesh, #Judah - **2 Kings 14:12** - "Judah was routed by the army of Israel, and its army scattered and fled for home." - #Judah, #Israel - **2 Kings 14:13** - "King Jehoash of Israel captured King Amaziah of Judah at Beth-shemesh and marched to Jerusalem, where he demolished 600 feet of Jerusalem’s wall, from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate." - #Jehoash, #Amaziah, #Jerusalem, #EphraimGate, #CornerGate - **2 Kings 14:14** - "He carried off all the gold and silver and all the articles from the Temple of the Lord. He also seized the treasures from the royal palace, along with hostages, and then returned to Samaria." - #TempleOfTheLord, #Samaria - **2 Kings 14:15** - "The rest of the events in Jehoash’s reign and everything he did, including the extent of his power and his war with King Amaziah of Judah, are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel." - #Jehoash, #Amaziah, #BookOfTheHistoryOfTheKingsOfIsrael - **2 Kings 14:16** - "When Jehoash died, he was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. Then his son Jeroboam II became the next king." - #Jehoash, #Samaria, #JeroboamII - **2 Kings 14:17** - "King Amaziah of Judah lived for fifteen years after the death of King Jehoash of Israel." - #Amaziah, #Jehoash - **2 Kings 14:18** - "The rest of the events in Amaziah’s reign are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Judah." - #Amaziah, #BookOfTheHistoryOfTheKingsOfJudah - **2 Kings 14:19** - "There was a conspiracy against Amaziah’s life in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But his enemies sent assassins after him, and they killed him there." - #Amaziah, #Jerusalem, #Lachish, #Assassination - **2 Kings 14:20** - "They brought his body back to Jerusalem on a horse, and he was buried with his ancestors in the City of David." - #Jerusalem, #CityOfDavid - **2 Kings 14:21** - "All the people of Judah had crowned Amaziah’s sixteen-year-old son, Uzziah, as king in place of his father, Amaziah." - #Judah, #Uzziah, #Amaziah - **2 Kings 14:22** - "After his father’s death, Uzziah rebuilt the town of Elath and restored it to Judah." - #Uzziah, #Elath, #Judah - **2 Kings 14:23** - "Jeroboam II, the son of Jehoash, began to rule over Israel in the fifteenth year of King Amaziah’s reign in Judah. He reigned in Samaria forty-one years." - #JeroboamII, #Jehoash, #Israel, #Samaria - **2 Kings 14:24** - "He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had led Israel to commit." - #JeroboamII, #JeroboamSonOfNebat, #Israel - **2 Kings 14:25** - "Jeroboam II recovered the territories of Israel between Lebo-hamath and the Dead Sea, just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had promised through Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher." - #JeroboamII, #Jonah, #LeboHamath, #DeadSea, #GodOfIsrael, #GathHepher - **2 Kings 14:26** - "For the Lord saw the bitter suffering of everyone in Israel, and that there was no one in Israel, slave or free, to help them." - #GodOfIsrael, #Israel - **2 Kings 14:27** - "And because the Lord had not said he would blot out the name of Israel completely, he used Jeroboam II, the son of Jehoash, to save them." - #GodOfIsrael, #JeroboamII, #Jehoash, #Israel - **2 Kings 14:28** - "The rest of the events in Jeroboam II’s reign—all his wars and how he recovered for Israel both Damascus and Hamath, which had belonged to Judah—are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel." - #JeroboamII, #Damascus, #Hamath, #Judah, #BookOfTheHistoryOfTheKingsOfIsrael - **2 Kings 14:29** - "When Jeroboam II died, he was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. Then his son Zechariah became the next king." - #JeroboamII, #Samaria, #Zechariah