2 Kings 14
-More of the history of the kings of Israel and Judah are
discussed in this chapter. It begins with the rule of Amaziah in Judah, who
succeeded his father Joash after his assassination. Amaziah did right in the
eyes of the LORD as a partiality good king. However, he, like his father,
allowed the high places to go undisturbed and the people still burned incense
and sacrificed to foreign gods on these high places. As soon as the kingdom was
fully in his hands, Amaziah killed his servants who had slain Joash, his
father. He destroyed 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt (Dead Sea region)
and took Sela by war, renaming it Joktheel (2 Kings 14:1-7). At this point he
got overconfident and challenged Jehoash, king of Israel, to face each other.
Jehoash warned his southern brother and did not want trouble, but Judah
persisted and they fought at Beth-shemesh (this was the northwest border of
Judah, 20 miles from Jerusalem). Amaziah was captured and Jerusalem was
eventually broken into as the walls were torn down between the Gate of Ephraim
to the Corner Gate (around 600 feet of territory). The gold, silver, and all
the utensils of the House of the LORD were taken by Jehoash’s army as well as
the treasuries of the king of Judah’s house with the hostages. After this they
returned to Samaria the victors (2 Kings 14:8-14).
-The life of Jehoash (Joash), king of Israel ended
peacefully after 17 years on the throne in Samaria and his son Jeroboam II took
control. He took back territory for Israel even though he did evil in the sight
of the LORD in not departing from the traditional pagan practices of the
northern kingdom. “For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, which was very
bitter; for there was neither bond nor free, nor was there any helper for
Israel. The LORD did not say 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 (2
Kings 14:26-27).” He recovered Damascus from Aram and Hamath, which had
belonged to Judah. After a 41 year reign, he was succeeded by his son
Zechariah.
-Meanwhile, in back in Judah, Amaziah lived 15 years after
the death of Jehoash (Joash) as king in Jerusalem. He was eventually conspired
against as his father was and was assassinated in Lachish (the second most
fortified city in Judah that defended an east-west valley). He was buried in
Jerusalem with his fathers and his son Azariah became king at the age of
sixteen. Azariah built Elath (a port at the north end of the Red Sea).
-*Application* This historical portrayal should remind us to
sometimes leave well enough alone. Amaziah ruined a good thing by getting too
prideful in his accomplishments and wanting to pick a fight with Israel who
really didn’t want trouble. A wise person will heed well intentioned warnings
and avoid disaster. Stay content and avoid being over ambitious when God isn’t
in something. Also, we see that God’s patience and goodness extends further
than we could ever imagine. He sees our suffering. Even when we are bad and
undeserving, He sometimes extends blessings and helps us in our needs. Our God reaches
out to save and is gracious in all our affliction!
Verses to Memorize: 2
Kings 14:26-27
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