“Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us face each other.” (V.8)
Amaziah, king of southern Juda, like many kings before him started off well. After gaining control of the kingdom, he eliminated those officials who had assassinated his father, but spared their sons. Why? Because he knew God’s law, which said that children should not be put to death for their fathers’ sins (Deut. 24:16). He knew God’s word and put it into practice. In addition, Amaziah had great success in battle, defeating large armies and securing new cities.
However, despite that impressive start, Amaziah’s end was not so wonderful. In arrogance, he challenged Israel to battle, lost miserably, and saw the temple depleted of its riches. Eventually he was forced from Jerusalem and killed by conspirators.
The king had a godly start that ended in misery and defeat. Clues as to why are given early on: he was no King David, for he allowed the high places to remain (vv. 3-4). Early faithfulness soon turned to incomplete devotion and arrogant.
Amaziah should have listened to the word of Jehoash (vv.8-12), but he did not. He provoked a fight he could have avoided and paid dearly.
The Truth: “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
