This chapter records the life of Amaziah, king of the southern kingdom of Judah. Early in his reign, he demonstrated a fear of God. In the handling of his father Joash's murderer, he chose not to extend his anger toward the children of his father’s killers, following the teaching of Deuteronomy 24:16. This sense of justice earned him the people’s trust and gradually brought stability to Judah under his rule.

Although he outwardly followed God’s laws, verse 2 points out that his heart was “not fully devoted” -- indicating a hidden flaw in his faith. Although he appeared righteous outwardly, he was not totally devoted to God’s guidance inwardly. His obedience was selective, aligning with his own interests and lacking wholehearted devotion. This attitude planted the seeds for his future deviation from the God-guided path.

Amaziah’s rule was marked by military campaigns, particularly against Edom. At that time, Judah’s troops were of low morale because of battle defeats. Despite this low morale, Amaziah, heeding the instruction of a man of God, dismissed the hired troops from Israel he had paid for, and led own forces to a triumphant victory. However, this success led to growing pride in his heart. Not only did he start to lose a heart of reverence to God, astonishingly, he brought back idols from Edom, establishing them as his gods to worship.

God, through a prophet, warned him: “Why have you sought the gods of a people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?” (v15). But Amaziah ignored the warning, responding angrily to the prophet: “Have we made you a royal counselor? Stop! Why should you be struck down?” (v16). This prideful reaction displayed his betrayal of God. Not only did he lose his reverence, he also recklessly challenged Israel, despite receiving a cautionary message from King Joash* of Israel, who warned him not to overestimate his strength. Amaziah ignored the warning, he decided to attack -- forgetting that the key essence from the previous victorious battles was God’s help. The result was a devastating defeat for Judah, and Amaziah himself was captured. The Jewish Antiquities records suggest that while captive, Amaziah, fearing for his life, persuaded the guards in Jerusalem to open the city gates and surrendered -- allowing Israel to breach Jerusalem’s defenses, leading to the capture of Jerusalem’s walls and treasury, and resulted in the taking many people as captives.

There's a reason for everything. Everything that happens to him is telling us that “For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low” (Isaiah 2:12).

Although Amaziah was later released and lived in Jerusalem for fifteen more years after the death of King Joash of Israel, this period is not recorded as significant in God’s view. Eventually, a rebellion forced him to flee to Lachish, where he was assassinated in exile. His body was transported back to Jerusalem for burial in his ancestors’ tomb, symbolizing the complete passing of his former glory.

Dear brothers and sisters, Psalm 18:26 says, “With the purified, You show yourself pure, and with the crooked, You make yourself seem tortuous.” Amaziah’s life warns us to be especially vigilant during times of prosperity. Living in this wealthy land where so much is easily available, it’s easy to take things for granted, allowing pride to take root unnoticed. This pride blinds us to God’s guidance, causing us to rely more on our abilities and resources instead of depending entirely on God’s grace and provision. Such an attitude not only distances us from God but also leads to a series of spiritual crises, eventually leaving us weak and powerless when faced with challenges, even to the point of spiritual collapse.

Therefore, in times of prosperity, we should try to maintain humility -- always remembering that our true reliance is on God. We should not just obey outwardly to gain His blessings, but surrender ourselves deeply, paying the price of “denying oneself ” and following Him with an undivided heart. Only by doing so can we truly experience the peace and joy of walking with God in the abundance of His grace.

Prayer: Merciful and loving Heavenly Father, we thank You for using the life of Amaziah as a mirror for us this morning. Please guard our hearts to remain in You, depending on You constantly, so that in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, we may continue to be the children of God without blemish. We thank You. Hear our prayer. In the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.

* Although this king shares the same name as Amaziah's father, Joash, he is not the same person. He is the king of the northern kingdom is the grandson of the Jehu dynasty, the son of Jehoahaz, King Joash of Israel.