2 Kings Chapter 14 — The Reigns of Amaziah and Jeroboam II
King Amaziah of Judah defeats Edom but is later defeated by King Jehoash of Israel, while Jeroboam II reigns in Israel and expands its borders.
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Notable Verses
2 Kings 14:6
“but the children of the murderers he didn’t put to death, according to that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, as 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 die for his own sin.””
This verse highlights Amaziah's adherence to the Mosaic Law regarding individual accountability.
2 Kings 14:26
“For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter for all, slave and free; and there was no helper for Israel.”
This verse explains that God's intervention through Jeroboam II was motivated by His compassion for the people's suffering.
Chapter Summary
2 Kings 14 details the reign of Amaziah in Judah, who followed God's law but failed to remove the high places. After conquering Edom, Amaziah grew proud and challenged King Jehoash of Israel to battle. Despite a warning parable from Jehoash about a thistle and a cedar, Amaziah persisted, leading to Judah's defeat, the looting of the temple, and the partial destruction of Jerusalem's walls. Amaziah was later killed in a conspiracy and succeeded by his son Azariah. In the north, Jeroboam II began a long reign in Israel. Although he continued in the sins of his predecessors, he successfully restored Israel's borders from Hamath to the Dead Sea. This restoration was a result of God’s compassion for Israel’s bitter suffering, as prophesied by Jonah the son of Amittai, showing that God had not yet chosen to blot out Israel's name despite their disobedience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jehoash used the parable to mock Amaziah's pride. He compared Amaziah to a lowly thistle trying to make an alliance with a mighty cedar, warning him that his recent victory over Edom had made him overconfident and that he should stay home to avoid disaster.
After his defeat by Israel, a conspiracy was formed against Amaziah in Jerusalem. He fled to the city of Lachish, but his enemies pursued him there and killed him. He was brought back on horses and buried with his ancestors in Jerusalem.
The chapter mentions Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath Hepher. He is the same Jonah from the Book of Jonah, and he prophesied that Jeroboam II would restore the borders of Israel.
Study Note
This chapter contains the only mention of the prophet Jonah outside the Book of Jonah in the Hebrew Bible, providing historical context for his ministry during the reign of Jeroboam II.
Related Chapters
2 Chronicles 25
Provides a parallel and more detailed account of Amaziah’s reign and his war with Israel.
Jonah 1
Introduces the prophet Jonah, who is mentioned in this chapter as a messenger to Jeroboam II.
Deuteronomy 24
Contains the specific law regarding individual responsibility that Amaziah followed in verse 6.
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