Analysis of 2 Kings Chapter 14
In this chapter, we are introduced to the reign of Amaziah, son of Joash, king of Judah, and the consequent interactions between Judah and Israel. This chapter is a crucial part of the Deuteronomistic history that outlines the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience to God’s commandments.
Verses 1-4: The Reign of Amaziah in Judah
“In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel, Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddin; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not as his father David had done. In everything he followed the example of his father Joash. The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.”
These verses set the chronological framework of Amaziah’s reign, emphasizing his relative righteousness while subtly addressing his shortcomings. It is notable that Amaziah is compared to his father Joash rather than David, the ideal king. By not removing the high places, Amaziah fails to achieve comprehensive reform and purity in worship. This reveals a recurring theme in Kings where monarchs fail to fully commit to centralizing worship in Jerusalem, thus perpetuating idolatry and syncretism among the people.
Verses 5-7: The Execution of His Father’s Murderers
“After the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, he executed the officials who had murdered his father the king. Yet he did not put the children of the assassins to death, in accordance with what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses where the Lord commanded: ‘Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each will die for their own sin.’”
Amaziah’s adherence to the Law of Moses by executing murderers but sparing their children highlights his commitment to just leadership. This act is a careful balance between justice and mercy, reflecting a deeper understanding of divine law, emphasizing individual responsibility where each person bears their own guilt. It is a significant departure from the customary practice of retributive justice, suggesting Amaziah’s attempt to align his rule with prophetic teachings.
Verses 8-14: The Conflict with Jehoash king of Israel
“Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, with the challenge: ‘Come, let us face each other in battle.’ But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: ‘A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, “Give your daughter to my son in marriage.” Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle underfoot. You have indeed defeated Edom and now you are arrogant. Glory in your victory, but stay at home! Why ask for trouble and cause your own downfall and that of Judah also?’ Amaziah, however, would not listen; so Jehoash king of Israel attacked. He and Amaziah king of Judah faced each other at Beth Shemesh in Judah. Judah was routed by Israel, and every man fled to his home. Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Ahaziah, at Beth Shemesh. Then Jehoash went to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate—a section about four hundred cubits long. He took all the gold and silver and all the articles found in the temple of the Lord and in the treasuries of the royal palace. He also took hostages and returned to Samaria.”
Amaziah’s challenge to Jehoash reflects his ambition and overconfidence following his victory over Edom. Jehoash’s parable involving the thistle and the cedar serves as a stark warning against pride and overextension. Amaziah’s disregard for this counsel leads to a humiliating defeat and the plundering of Jerusalem. This passage underlines the consequences of arrogance and the importance of heeding wise advice. The capture and humiliation of Amaziah signifies divine judgment upon his pride and further solidifies the fractured relationship between Judah and Israel, reflecting the larger narrative of disunity and divine displeasure within the chosen people.
Verses 15-17: Record of Jehoash’s Reign
“As for the other events of the reign of Jehoash, what he did and his achievements, including his war against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel? Jehoash rested with his ancestors and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. And Jeroboam his son succeeded him as king.”
This brief chronicling of Jehoash’s reign provides a transition and continuity within the narrative. It underscores that despite Amaziah’s military ambition, Jehoash’s reign is noted for his achievements and thus, his legitimacy and authority are affirmed within the historical annals.
Verses 18-22: The End of Amaziah’s Reign
“Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah lived for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel. As for the other events of Amaziah’s reign, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah? They conspired against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish, but they sent men after him to Lachish and killed him there. He was brought back by horse and was buried in Jerusalem with his ancestors, in the City of David. Then all the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. He was the one who rebuilt Elath and restored it to Judah after Amaziah rested with his ancestors.”
The conspiracy and assassination of Amaziah highlight the political instability and public dissatisfaction during his reign. The transition to Azariah (also known as Uzziah) represents a new chapter for Judah. The rebuilding of Elath under Azariah signifies a move towards restoration and strengthening of Judah’s territorial integrity and influence. The fact that Azariah is made king by the people suggests a moment of collective decision-making, perhaps indicating a desire for stability and improved leadership.
Verses 23-29: Jeroboam II’s Reign in Israel
“In the fifteenth year of Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah, Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel became king in Samaria, and he reigned for forty-one years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit. He was the one who restored the boundaries of Israel from Lebo Hamath to the Dead Sea, in accordance with the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, spoken through his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath Hepher. The Lord had seen how bitterly everyone in Israel, whether slave or free, was suffering; there was no one to help them. And since the Lord had not said he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash. As for the other events of Jeroboam’s reign, all he did, and his military achievements, including how he recovered for Israel both Damascus and Hamath, which had belonged to Judah, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel? Jeroboam rested with his ancestors, the kings of Israel. And Zechariah his son succeeded him as king.”
Jeroboam II’s long reign is marked by military success and territorial expansion, fulfilling prophetic words. Despite his moral failings and perpetuation of idolatrous practices, God’s compassion leads to Israel’s deliverance from suffering. This paradox of divine deliverance through an unrighteous king epitomizes the complexity of divine grace and judgment. God’s covenantal faithfulness ensures Israel’s survival despite their unfaithfulness. The expansion of Israel’s borders under Jeroboam II is a significant, albeit temporary, restoration of the nation’s influence akin to the days of David and Solomon.
Conclusion
Chapter 14 of 2 Kings provides a nuanced look at two monarchs, Amaziah of Judah and Jeroboam II of Israel, their reigns, challenges, and divine interactions. Amaziah’s partial obedience and subsequent pride lead to personal and national downfall, while Jeroboam II’s reign encapsulates the themes of divine mercy amidst moral failure. This chapter reminds readers of the importance of humility, the perils of overreaching ambition, and the enduring faithfulness of God in times of national disobedience and distress. It reaffirms that leadership requires more than military success; it demands adherence to divine statutes and humility before God.