II Kings 14 Commentary
In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.
He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.
And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.
Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.
And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the Lord commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.
Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.
And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.
Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth–shemesh, which belongeth to Judah.
And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.
And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Beth–shemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the king’s house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria.
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.
And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.
And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.
And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.
And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.
He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.
In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty and one years.
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord: he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gath–hepher.
For the Lord saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.
And the Lord said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.
Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, which belonged to Judah, for Israel, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead.
This chapter of II Kings, II Kings 14, details the reigns of Amaziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam II, king of Israel. It reveals a complex interplay of obedience and disobedience, military victories and defeats, and ultimately, God's enduring compassion amidst the failings of His people.
Amaziah's Reign in Judah (II Kings 14:1-22)
Amaziah, the son of Joash, ascended to the throne of Judah in the second year of Jehoash, king of Israel (II Kings 14:1-2). The commentary notes in II Kings 14:3 highlight a crucial aspect of his reign: "He did what was right in the Lord’s sight, yet not like his father David." This sets the tone for a reign marked by partial obedience. While Amaziah upheld the worship of God, similar to his father Joash, he didn't fully emulate David, Judah's greatest king, who wholeheartedly followed God's law and from whose lineage the Messiah was promised. The persistence of the high places, where the people continued to practice forbidden worship, further underscores this incomplete devotion (II Kings 14:4).
Amaziah demonstrated respect for the Mosaic Law by limiting his retribution against those who assassinated his father to only the actual perpetrators, as prescribed by the law (II Kings 14:5-6). This act of justice is a positive mark in his reign.
He achieved a significant military victory against Edom, reclaiming the city of Sela, known today as the rock fortress of Petra in Jordan (II Kings 14:7). This victory seemingly fueled a sense of pride and overconfidence in Amaziah.
The Clash Between Judah and Israel (II Kings 14:8-14)
Flush with victory, Amaziah challenged Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle (II Kings 14:8). Perhaps perceiving Israel's army as weakened after years of conflict with Aram (see commentary on II Kings 13:4-8), Amaziah saw an opportunity for Judah to assert its dominance. Jehoash responded with a parable, likening Judah to a thistle and Israel to a cedar, mocking Amaziah's perceived strength (II Kings 14:9). He wisely cautioned Amaziah against overconfidence and advised him to stay home (II Kings 14:10).
However, Amaziah's pride prevented him from heeding this sound advice. He felt compelled to follow through with his challenge, leading to a disastrous confrontation at Beth-shemesh, about fifteen miles west of Jerusalem (II Kings 14:11). As Jehoash had warned, Judah was soundly defeated, and Amaziah was captured (II Kings 14:12-14). Jehoash then proceeded to dismantle a significant portion of Jerusalem's wall, plunder the temple and palace treasuries, and take hostages, further humiliating Judah.
Later Years of Amaziah and Succession (II Kings 14:17-22)
After Jehoash's death, Amaziah was released and lived for another fifteen years. Tragically, like his father, he fell victim to assassins, who pursued him to Lachish when he attempted to escape (II Kings 14:17, 19). His son Azariah succeeded him to the throne (II Kings 14:21).
Jeroboam II's Reign in Israel (II Kings 14:23-29)
Jeroboam II, son of Jehoash, began his reign over Israel (II Kings 14:23). To distinguish him from the first king of Israel with the same name, he is often referred to as Jeroboam II. He reigned for forty-one years (II Kings 14:23), longer than any king of Israel up to that point, including an eleven-year co-regency with his father. Spiritually, his reign continued the distressing pattern of his predecessors, perpetuating idolatry and disobedience (II Kings 14:24).
Despite his spiritual failings, Jeroboam II was a successful military leader. He regained much of the territory that Israel had lost to Aram (II Kings 14:25). This restoration of land had been prophesied by Jonah, the son of Amittai (the same Jonah who was called to preach to Nineveh; see Jonah 1:1). This highlights God's compassion for His people, even when they were unfaithful. They had suffered greatly under Hazael of Aram, and God, in His grace, used Jeroboam II to alleviate their suffering (II Kings 13:22-25, 14:25-27). He even captured Damascus, the capital of Aram (II Kings 14:28).
Upon his death, Jeroboam II was succeeded by his son Zechariah (II Kings 14:29), marking the end of Jehu's dynasty, as foretold by the Lord.
God's Compassion Amidst Disobedience
II Kings 14 reveals a recurring theme in the history of Israel and Judah: the tension between God's covenant faithfulness and His people's persistent disobedience. While both Amaziah and Jeroboam II experienced periods of success, their reigns were ultimately marred by spiritual compromise. Yet, even in the midst of their failings, God demonstrated compassion, intervening to deliver His people from their enemies and fulfill His promises. This chapter serves as a reminder of God's enduring love and mercy, even when His people fall short. It also underscores the importance of wholehearted obedience and the dangers of pride and self-reliance.
In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.
He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.
And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.
Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.
And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the Lord commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.
Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.
And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.
Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth–shemesh, which belongeth to Judah.
And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.
And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Beth–shemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the king’s house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria.
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.
And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.
And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.
And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.
And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.
He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.
In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty and one years.
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord: he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gath–hepher.
For the Lord saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.
And the Lord said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.
Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, which belonged to Judah, for Israel, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead.
This chapter of II Kings, II Kings 14, details the reigns of Amaziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam II, king of Israel. It reveals a complex interplay of obedience and disobedience, military victories and defeats, and ultimately, God's enduring compassion amidst the failings of His people.
Amaziah's Reign in Judah (II Kings 14:1-22)
Amaziah, the son of Joash, ascended to the throne of Judah in the second year of Jehoash, king of Israel (II Kings 14:1-2). The commentary notes in II Kings 14:3 highlight a crucial aspect of his reign: "He did what was right in the Lord’s sight, yet not like his father David." This sets the tone for a reign marked by partial obedience. While Amaziah upheld the worship of God, similar to his father Joash, he didn't fully emulate David, Judah's greatest king, who wholeheartedly followed God's law and from whose lineage the Messiah was promised. The persistence of the high places, where the people continued to practice forbidden worship, further underscores this incomplete devotion (II Kings 14:4).
Amaziah demonstrated respect for the Mosaic Law by limiting his retribution against those who assassinated his father to only the actual perpetrators, as prescribed by the law (II Kings 14:5-6). This act of justice is a positive mark in his reign.
He achieved a significant military victory against Edom, reclaiming the city of Sela, known today as the rock fortress of Petra in Jordan (II Kings 14:7). This victory seemingly fueled a sense of pride and overconfidence in Amaziah.
The Clash Between Judah and Israel (II Kings 14:8-14)
Flush with victory, Amaziah challenged Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle (II Kings 14:8). Perhaps perceiving Israel's army as weakened after years of conflict with Aram (see commentary on II Kings 13:4-8), Amaziah saw an opportunity for Judah to assert its dominance. Jehoash responded with a parable, likening Judah to a thistle and Israel to a cedar, mocking Amaziah's perceived strength (II Kings 14:9). He wisely cautioned Amaziah against overconfidence and advised him to stay home (II Kings 14:10).
However, Amaziah's pride prevented him from heeding this sound advice. He felt compelled to follow through with his challenge, leading to a disastrous confrontation at Beth-shemesh, about fifteen miles west of Jerusalem (II Kings 14:11). As Jehoash had warned, Judah was soundly defeated, and Amaziah was captured (II Kings 14:12-14). Jehoash then proceeded to dismantle a significant portion of Jerusalem's wall, plunder the temple and palace treasuries, and take hostages, further humiliating Judah.
Later Years of Amaziah and Succession (II Kings 14:17-22)
After Jehoash's death, Amaziah was released and lived for another fifteen years. Tragically, like his father, he fell victim to assassins, who pursued him to Lachish when he attempted to escape (II Kings 14:17, 19). His son Azariah succeeded him to the throne (II Kings 14:21).
Jeroboam II's Reign in Israel (II Kings 14:23-29)
Jeroboam II, son of Jehoash, began his reign over Israel (II Kings 14:23). To distinguish him from the first king of Israel with the same name, he is often referred to as Jeroboam II. He reigned for forty-one years (II Kings 14:23), longer than any king of Israel up to that point, including an eleven-year co-regency with his father. Spiritually, his reign continued the distressing pattern of his predecessors, perpetuating idolatry and disobedience (II Kings 14:24).
Despite his spiritual failings, Jeroboam II was a successful military leader. He regained much of the territory that Israel had lost to Aram (II Kings 14:25). This restoration of land had been prophesied by Jonah, the son of Amittai (the same Jonah who was called to preach to Nineveh; see Jonah 1:1). This highlights God's compassion for His people, even when they were unfaithful. They had suffered greatly under Hazael of Aram, and God, in His grace, used Jeroboam II to alleviate their suffering (II Kings 13:22-25, 14:25-27). He even captured Damascus, the capital of Aram (II Kings 14:28).
Upon his death, Jeroboam II was succeeded by his son Zechariah (II Kings 14:29), marking the end of Jehu's dynasty, as foretold by the Lord.
God's Compassion Amidst Disobedience
II Kings 14 reveals a recurring theme in the history of Israel and Judah: the tension between God's covenant faithfulness and His people's persistent disobedience. While both Amaziah and Jeroboam II experienced periods of success, their reigns were ultimately marred by spiritual compromise. Yet, even in the midst of their failings, God demonstrated compassion, intervening to deliver His people from their enemies and fulfill His promises. This chapter serves as a reminder of God's enduring love and mercy, even when His people fall short. It also underscores the importance of wholehearted obedience and the dangers of pride and self-reliance.