Amaziah’s Good Reign in Judah

II Kings 14:1–14
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Amaziah began to reign in Judah about a year after Jehoash had become king of Israel and his rule extended for 29 years. He followed his father’s example by upholding the worship of the Lord but he did not remove the high places. When he avenged the murder of his father, Joash, by executing his slayers, he showed obedience to the law by not putting to death the sons of the conspirators as was customary in that part of the world. Militarily, he extended Judah’s control into Edom once again (2 Chron. 25:6) and this gave Judah access to southern trade routes.  Second Chronicles 25:6 records the hiring of Israelite troops for this battle. However, God warned Amaziah that he would not bless this so he dismissed the troops before the battle and then God gave the victory. Enraged they returned to their homeland but left a path of looting and murder on the way. 

Riding high after his victory over Edom, Amaziah decided to challenge Israel to war. The Israelite king responded with a warning in the form of a parable comparing Judah to a thistle and Israel to a cedar. His advice that Amaziah stay home was good but Amaziah was so confident of victory that he attacked Jehoash on his own territory about l5 miles west of Jerusalem. Judah was defeated, its troops retreated and Amaziah was taken captive. Israel then proceeded to Jerusalem where they broke down 600 feet of the city wall, took gold, silver and other articles of value from the temple and palace. They also took hostages and returned to Samaria.

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