Explore 2 Kings 14 and how Amaziah and Jeroboam II led Israel and Judah in God's plan.
The fourteenth chapter of 2 Kings records the reigns of two kings who, despite their flaws, were used by God to accomplish His purposes. Amaziah, king of Judah, began his reign with some righteousness but was ultimately undone by his pride and his failure to fully commit to the Lord. Jeroboam II, king of Israel, was a wicked ruler who continued the sins of Jeroboam I, yet God used him to restore the borders of Israel in accordance with His word.
The chapter presents a contrast between the limited success of Amaziah and the significant military achievements of Jeroboam II. Amaziah's victory over Edom led to pride and a foolish challenge to Israel, resulting in his defeat and humiliation. In contrast, Jeroboam II's success was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Jonah, demonstrating that God's purposes are accomplished even through imperfect instruments. The chapter also records the death of Elisha and the continuation of prophetic ministry through other prophets, showing that God's work continues beyond the lives of individual servants.
The chapter reveals that God's plan for His people is not dependent on the righteousness of their leaders. He uses both the faithful and the unfaithful to accomplish His purposes, and His covenant faithfulness ensures that His promises will be fulfilled. The reign of Jeroboam II brought a period of prosperity and expansion to Israel, demonstrating God's mercy and His commitment to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The Reign of Amaziah in Judah
Amaziah's Righteous Beginning
Amaziah, the son of Joash, began to reign over Judah in the second year of Joash, son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel (2 Kings 14:1). He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign and reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem (2 Kings 14:2). His reign was marked by a measure of righteousness, though he did not fully commit to the Lord.
The text states that Amaziah did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father (2 Kings 14:3). He followed the example of his father Joash, but his obedience was incomplete. The lesson is that partial obedience is not sufficient, and that true faithfulness requires wholehearted commitment to God. The lesson is that God desires complete obedience, not just outward conformity.
Amaziah executed the servants who had killed his father the king (2 Kings 14:5). However, he did not put the children of the murderers to death, according to the law of Moses, which stated, "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" (2 Kings 14:6; Deuteronomy 24:16). The lesson is that Amaziah's actions were in accordance with the law, demonstrating his respect for God's commandments.
The high places were not taken away, and the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places (2 Kings 14:4). The continued worship at the high places indicated that Amaziah's obedience was incomplete. The lesson is that incomplete obedience allows the persistence of practices that are displeasing to God. The lesson is that believers must be thorough in removing all forms of idolatry from their lives.
The Victory Over Edom
Amaziah achieved a significant military victory over Edom. He slew ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt, and took Selah by war (2 Kings 14:7). The victory was a demonstration of God's blessing on Amaziah's initial righteousness. The lesson is that God blesses those who follow Him, even if their obedience is incomplete.
The victory over Edom inflated Amaziah's pride. He began to think more highly of himself than he ought to have thought. The lesson is that success can lead to pride, and pride leads to downfall. The writer of Proverbs writes, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).
The lesson is that God's blessings are intended to lead to gratitude and humility, not to pride and arrogance. Amaziah's pride would soon lead him to make a foolish decision that would bring disaster upon himself and his kingdom. The lesson is that believers must guard against the danger of pride and must remain humble before God.
The Foolish Challenge to Israel
Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, "Come, let us look one another in the face" (2 Kings 14:8). The challenge was an act of arrogance, a desire to test his strength against the king of Israel. The lesson is that pride leads to foolish decisions that bring harm.
Jehoash responded with a parable of the thistle and the cedar: "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" (2 Kings 14:9). The parable was a warning against arrogance and a reminder that Amaziah was overestimating his strength.
Jehoash also warned, "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?" (2 Kings 14:10). The warning was prophetic, but Amaziah refused to listen. The lesson is that pride blinds people to wise counsel and leads to destruction. The writer of Proverbs writes, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (Proverbs 16:32).
Amaziah would not hear the warning, and the two kings faced each other in battle at Beth-shemesh, which belongs to Judah. Judah was defeated, and Amaziah was taken prisoner. The lesson is that pride leads to defeat and humiliation. The lesson is that believers must remain humble and teachable, willing to receive wise counsel.
The Reign of Jeroboam II in Israel
The Wicked King Who Was Used by God
Jeroboam II, the son of Joash, began to reign in Samaria over Israel in the fifteenth year of Amaziah king of Judah, and reigned forty-one years (2 Kings 14:23). He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord and departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin (2 Kings 14:24).
Despite his wickedness, God used Jeroboam II to accomplish His purposes. He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain (2 Kings 14:25). The restoration of Israel's borders was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet of Gath-hepher (2 Kings 14:25).
The lesson is that God can use even wicked kings to accomplish His purposes. His sovereignty is not limited by human sin. The lesson is that God's purposes will be accomplished, and He will use whatever instruments He chooses. The prophet Isaiah writes, "I will raise up Cyrus, and I will direct all his ways" (Isaiah 45:13, BSB). The lesson is that God's plan is not dependent on the righteousness of human leaders.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jeroboam II's success was a fulfillment of the prophetic word. The Lord had spoken through His servant Jonah, and His word was fulfilled. The lesson is that God's word is reliable and that His prophecies will be accomplished.
The text explains the reason for God's mercy: "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" (2 Kings 14:26). God had compassion on Israel and would not blot out the name of Israel from under heaven (2 Kings 14:27). The lesson is that God's mercy is greater than His judgment.
God's mercy was rooted in His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (2 Kings 13:23). He had promised to preserve a remnant of His people, and He would be faithful to that promise. The lesson is that God's covenant faithfulness is the foundation of our hope. The lesson is that believers can trust in God's promises, knowing that He will fulfill them.
The Military Achievements of Jeroboam II
Jeroboam II recovered Damascus and Hamath, which belonged to Judah, for Israel (2 Kings 14:28). The military achievements extended Israel's borders to their greatest extent since the time of Solomon. The period of prosperity was a time of peace and expansion for the northern kingdom.
The success of Jeroboam II was a demonstration of God's mercy and His desire to give Israel an opportunity to repent. The lesson is that God's blessings are intended to lead to repentance and a return to Him. The apostle Paul writes, "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Romans 2:4).
Despite the blessings, Jeroboam II and the people of Israel did not repent. They continued in the sins of Jeroboam, and the period of prosperity was followed by a period of judgment. The lesson is that God's patience is not infinite, and that persistent sin leads to judgment. The lesson is that believers must not presume on God's mercy but must turn from sin and commit themselves to Him.
The Contrast Between Amaziah and Jeroboam II
The Role of Pride
Amaziah's pride led to his downfall. He challenged Israel and was defeated, and Judah was humiliated. The lesson is that pride leads to destruction and that believers must remain humble before God. The writer of Proverbs writes, "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs 29:23).
Jeroboam II, despite his wickedness, was used by God to restore Israel's borders. The lesson is that God's purposes are not dependent on human righteousness. The lesson is that God's sovereignty is absolute, and He will accomplish His purposes through whatever instruments He chooses.
The contrast between the two kings shows that human success is not always a sign of divine favor. Amaziah had some righteousness but fell because of his pride. Jeroboam II was wicked but was used by God to accomplish His purposes. The lesson is that believers must not judge success as a sign of approval or failure as a sign of rejection.
The Faithfulness of God
Despite the sins of both Amaziah and Jeroboam II, God remained faithful to His covenant. He preserved the line of David in Judah, ensuring that the Messiah would come. He also preserved a remnant of Israel, demonstrating His mercy and His commitment to His promises.
The lesson is that God's faithfulness is greater than human failure. The apostle Paul writes, "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13). The lesson is that believers can trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that He will fulfill His promises.
The lesson is that God's plan for history is not dependent on the righteousness of human leaders. He uses both the faithful and the unfaithful to accomplish His purposes. The lesson is that believers can rest in the assurance that God is in control and that His purposes will be accomplished.
The Consequences of Sin
Despite God's mercy and the period of prosperity under Jeroboam II, the sins of Israel and Judah eventually led to judgment. The northern kingdom of Israel was exiled by Assyria, and the southern kingdom of Judah was exiled by Babylon. The lesson is that sin has consequences and that persistent sin leads to judgment.
The lesson is that God's patience is not infinite. The period of prosperity under Jeroboam II was an opportunity for repentance, but the people did not turn to the Lord. The lesson is that believers must not presume on God's mercy but must turn from sin and commit themselves to Him. The apostle Paul writes, "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness" (Romans 11:22).
The lesson is that the judgment on Israel and Judah was a warning to all generations. The writer of Hebrews writes, "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted" (1 Corinthians 10:6). The lesson is that believers must learn from the mistakes of the past and must strive to remain faithful to God.
Lessons from 2 Kings 14
The Danger of Pride
Amaziah's pride led to his defeat and humiliation. The lesson is that pride is a dangerous sin that leads to destruction. The writer of Proverbs writes, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). The lesson is that believers must remain humble before God and must not allow success to inflate their pride.
The lesson is that humility is essential for receiving God's blessing. The apostle James writes, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (James 4:6). The lesson is that believers must cultivate a spirit of humility and must give all glory to God.
The Sovereignty of God
Jeroboam II's success, despite his wickedness, demonstrates God's sovereignty. He uses whomever He chooses to accomplish His purposes. The lesson is that God is in control of history and that His purposes will be accomplished. The prophet Daniel writes, "He changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings" (Daniel 2:21).
The lesson is that believers can trust in God's sovereignty, even when they do not understand His ways. The prophet Isaiah writes, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD" (Isaiah 55:8). The lesson is that believers must trust in God's wisdom and must not judge His actions by human standards.
The Mercy of God
God's mercy in preserving Israel and Judah demonstrates His compassion and His faithfulness to His covenant. Despite the sins of the people, He did not destroy them completely. The lesson is that God's mercy is greater than His judgment. The Psalmist writes, "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy" (Psalm 103:8).
The lesson is that believers can approach God with confidence, knowing that He is merciful and that He will forgive those who repent. The apostle John writes, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). The lesson is that believers must turn from sin and seek God's forgiveness.
The Importance of Obedience
Amaziah's incomplete obedience led to his downfall. He did not fully commit to the Lord, and his obedience was not consistent. The lesson is that God desires wholehearted obedience and that incomplete obedience is not sufficient. The prophet Samuel declared, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22).
The lesson is that believers must pursue complete obedience and must not be content with partial commitment. The apostle Paul writes, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). The lesson is that believers must strive to grow in their faith and to obey God fully.
Connections to Scripture
The Prophecy of Jonah
The prophecy of Jonah concerning the restoration of Israel's borders (2 Kings 14:25) is a reminder of God's faithfulness to His word. Jonah is best known for his reluctant mission to Nineveh, but this verse shows that he also had a ministry of encouragement to Israel. The lesson is that God's word is reliable and that His prophecies will be accomplished.
The Covenant with David
Amaziah's reign was a continuation of the Davidic dynasty. Despite his sin, God preserved the line of David, ensuring that the Messiah would come. The lesson is that God's faithfulness to His covenant is the foundation of our hope. The Psalmist writes, "I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations" (Psalm 89:3-4).
The Sins of Jeroboam
The persistent mention of the sins of Jeroboam highlights the ongoing struggle against idolatry in Israel. The worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan was a sin that plagued the northern kingdom throughout its history. The lesson is that the consequences of sin can persist for generations. The lesson is that believers must break with the sins of the past and commit themselves fully to God.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The restoration of Israel's borders under Jeroboam II was a fulfillment of prophecy. The lesson is that God's word is reliable and that His purposes will be accomplished. The prophet Isaiah writes, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please" (Isaiah 55:11).
Conclusion
The fourteenth chapter of 2 Kings records the reigns of Amaziah and Jeroboam II, two kings who were used by God to accomplish His purposes. Amaziah's pride led to his defeat and humiliation, while Jeroboam II's successes, despite his wickedness, were a demonstration of God's mercy and a fulfillment of prophecy. The chapter reveals that God's plan is not dependent on the righteousness of human leaders and that His faithfulness is greater than human failure.
The lesson of this chapter is that God's sovereignty is absolute and His mercy is abundant. Despite the sins of both kingdoms, God preserved a remnant and continued to work out His purposes in history. The pride of Amaziah serves as a warning against arrogance, while the successes of Jeroboam II demonstrate that God can use even imperfect instruments to accomplish His will. Believers today are called to remain humble before God, to trust in His faithfulness, and to obey His word completely.
The chapter also reminds believers of the importance of covenant faithfulness. God's mercy to Israel was rooted in His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The lesson is that believers can trust in God's promises, knowing that He will fulfill them. The events of 2 Kings 14 call believers to humility, obedience, and trust in the sovereignty and mercy of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the significance of Amaziah's victory over Edom?
Amaziah's victory over Edom was a demonstration of God's blessing on his initial righteousness. The victory over ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and the capture of Selah was a significant military achievement. However, the victory led to Amaziah's pride and his foolish challenge to Israel, resulting in his defeat and humiliation. The lesson is that success can lead to pride, and pride leads to destruction.
2. Why did Amaziah challenge Jehoash king of Israel?
Amaziah challenged Jehoash king of Israel because his heart was lifted up with pride after his victory over Edom. He wanted to test his strength against Israel and to demonstrate his power. Jehoash warned him against this foolish course of action, but Amaziah refused to listen. The lesson is that pride blinds people to wise counsel and leads to destruction.
3. How did Jeroboam II, a wicked king, accomplish so much?
Jeroboam II's accomplishments were a fulfillment of God's prophetic word through Jonah. Despite his wickedness, God used him to restore the borders of Israel and to provide a period of prosperity for the nation. The lesson is that God's purposes are not dependent on the righteousness of human leaders and that His sovereignty is absolute.
4. What was the significance of the prophecy of Jonah in 2 Kings 14?
The prophecy of Jonah concerning the restoration of Israel's borders (2 Kings 14:25) demonstrates God's faithfulness to His word. Jonah, better known for his mission to Nineveh, also had a ministry of encouragement to Israel. The fulfillment of the prophecy shows that God's word is reliable and that His purposes will be accomplished.
5. How does the reign of Jeroboam II point forward to God's mercy?
The reign of Jeroboam II points forward to God's mercy by demonstrating that God does not abandon His people even when they are sinful. Despite the persistent idolatry of Israel, God provided a period of peace and prosperity as an opportunity for repentance. The lesson is that God's mercy is greater than human failure and that His patience is intended to lead to repentance.
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