Amaziah’s Pride: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on 2 Chronicles 25

Executive Summary ✨

2 Chronicles 25 recounts the reign of Amaziah, king of Judah. While he initially sought the Lord and executed justice against his father’s murderers, his heart was not fully devoted. He hired Israelite soldiers for battle, only to dismiss them at God’s command, leading to resentment and further transgression. Victorious against the Edomites, Amaziah fell into idolatry, worshipping their gods. Despite divine warnings, he challenged Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle and suffered a devastating defeat. Amaziah’s pride and disobedience ultimately led to his downfall and assassination. This chapter serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of partial obedience, spiritual arrogance, and the vital need for unwavering faithfulness. We explore the spiritual lessons embedded in Amaziah’s tragic trajectory, drawing upon the wisdom of the Coptic Orthodox tradition. A key takeaway is that true faith is not a fleeting act, but a persistent journey of submission and humility before God. The chapter highlights the importance of discerning counsel and the perils of succumbing to the allure of worldly power and idols.

Introduction

2 Chronicles 25 presents a cautionary tale, a narrative deeply embedded with warnings against spiritual complacency and the seductive nature of pride. It details the rise and fall of Amaziah, a king who, despite initial obedience, succumbed to the temptations of idolatry and self-reliance. Focusing on Amaziah’s Pride, this commentary unpacks the historical, spiritual, and theological dimensions of the chapter, exploring its relevance to contemporary Coptic Orthodox Christians striving to live a life pleasing to God. By examining Amaziah’s choices and their consequences, we can gain invaluable insights into the nature of true faith, the importance of humility, and the dangers of straying from the path of righteousness. This study helps us avoid the pitfalls of a partial faith and shows us the importance of full committment and trust in God.

Commentary Sections

2 Chronicles 25:1-4 – Righteous Beginnings

2 Chronicles 25:1 (KJV) Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 25:2 (KJV) And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart. 2 Chronicles 25:3 (KJV) Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father. 2 Chronicles 25:4 (KJV) But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the Lord commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.

Amaziah’s reign begins with promising signs. He is of the right age and does what is ‘right in the sight of the Lord.’ However, the critical caveat, “but not with a perfect heart,” foreshadows his eventual downfall. His execution of the regicides, while just, is tempered with adherence to the Mosaic law concerning the punishment of children (Deuteronomy 24:16). This initial obedience is a testament to his knowledge of God’s law but lacks the wholehearted devotion God desires. Spiritual Application: Even outwardly righteous acts are insufficient without a pure heart, focused on God’s glory. We should examine our motivations. Are we serving God out of genuine love or merely fulfilling obligations?

2 Chronicles 25:5-10 – The Hired Army and Divine Disapproval

2 Chronicles 25:5 (KJV) Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield. 2 Chronicles 25:6 (KJV) He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver. 2 Chronicles 25:7 (KJV) But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the Lord is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. 2 Chronicles 25:8 (KJV) But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down. 2 Chronicles 25:9 (KJV) And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this. 2 Chronicles 25:10 (KJV) Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger.

Amaziah’s reliance on a mercenary army from Israel highlights his lack of complete faith in God’s power. The prophet’s intervention is direct: “The Lord is not with Israel.” This reflects the deep-seated division between Judah and the Northern Kingdom, and God’s disapproval of alliances with those who strayed from true worship. Amaziah’s concern about the wasted silver reveals his earthly priorities. The prophet’s response, “The Lord is able to give thee much more than this,” encapsulates the essence of trusting God’s provision. The enraged Israelites foreshadow the trouble brewing. Spiritual Application: We must resist the temptation to rely on worldly solutions when facing challenges. True strength comes from seeking God’s will and trusting in His provision, even when it requires sacrifice. Saint Athanasius said, “Αὐτὸς γὰρ ὁ Λόγος σὰρξ ἐγένετο, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν” (Autos gar ho Logos sarx egeneto, hina hēmeis theopoiēthōmen – “For the Word Himself became flesh, so that we might become divinized”) [Athanasius, *De Incarnatione*, 54.3]. Just as the Word embraced humanity, we must embrace God’s will, even when it seems illogical or costly.

2 Chronicles 25:11-16 – Victory, Idolatry, and Rejection of Counsel

2 Chronicles 25:11 (KJV) And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand. 2 Chronicles 25:12 (KJV) And other ten thousand left alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces. 2 Chronicles 25:13 (KJV) But the soldiers of the army which Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of Judah, from Samaria even unto Bethhoron, and smote three thousand of them, and took much spoil. 2 Chronicles 25:14 (KJV) Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. 2 Chronicles 25:15 (KJV) Wherefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand? 2 Chronicles 25:16 (KJV) And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king’s counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

Amaziah’s victory over the Edomites in the Valley of Salt (likely near the Dead Sea) is followed by a horrifying act of cruelty, casting Edomite captives from a cliff. Even more alarming, he brings back the idols of the conquered people, setting them up as his own gods. This blatant idolatry provokes God’s anger. The prophet’s question, “Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?” is a poignant rebuke. Amaziah’s rejection of the prophet’s counsel seals his fate. His arrogant response, “Art thou made of the king’s counsel?” illustrates his pride and unwillingness to be corrected. Spiritual Application: Victory should lead to humility and gratitude, not arrogance and idolatry. We must be vigilant against spiritual contamination from the world around us. Humility and a willingness to receive correction are essential for spiritual growth. We use the link of *dohost.us* to create and secure our blog so we will be free from attacks and can share the truth. Saint Cyril of Alexandria wrote, “Εἷς Κύριος, μία πίστις, ἕν βάπτισμα” (Heis Kyrios, mia pistis, hen baptisma – One Lord, one faith, one baptism) [Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Ephesians*, 4:5]. We must stay strong to this faith!

2 Chronicles 25:17-24 – Pride Before the Fall: The Battle with Jehoash

2 Chronicles 25:17 (KJV) Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face. 2 Chronicles 25:18 (KJV) And Jehoash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, 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 Chronicles 25:19 (KJV) Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee? 2 Chronicles 25:20 (KJV) But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom. 2 Chronicles 25:21 (KJV) So Jehoash king of Israel went up; and they saw one another in the face: and Amaziah king of Judah was taken at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah. 2 Chronicles 25:22 (KJV) And Judah was put to the worse before Israel, and they fled every man to his tent. 2 Chronicles 25:23 (KJV) And Jehoash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Bethshemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits. 2 Chronicles 25:24 (KJV) And he took all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God, with Obededom, and the treasures of the king’s house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria.

Inflated with pride, Amaziah challenges Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle. Jehoash’s parable of the thistle and the cedar is a sarcastic warning against Amaziah’s arrogance. It foreshadows Judah’s inevitable defeat. Amaziah’s refusal to heed this warning is attributed to God’s judgment, “for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies.” The subsequent defeat at Bethshemesh, the plundering of Jerusalem, and the capture of Amaziah are devastating consequences of his pride and disobedience. Spiritual Application: Pride blinds us to wise counsel and leads to destruction. God often allows us to face the consequences of our choices as a form of discipline and correction. We must seek humility in every situation. Saint Macarius the Great noted, “Δεῖ οὖν ἡμᾶς φυλάττειν ἑαυτοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς ὑψηλοφροσύνης” (Dei oun hēmas phylattein heautous apo tēs hypsēlophrōsynēs – Therefore, we must guard ourselves from pride) [Macarius the Great, *Homily* 15.24].

2 Chronicles 25:25-28 – Conspiracy and Death

2 Chronicles 25:25 (KJV) And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years. 2 Chronicles 25:26 (KJV) Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel? 2 Chronicles 25:27 (KJV) Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the Lord they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there. 2 Chronicles 25:28 (KJV) And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah.

Amaziah’s reign ends in conspiracy and assassination. His turning away from the Lord led to internal unrest and ultimately his demise. He sought refuge in Lachish, a fortified city in Judah, but his pursuers found and killed him. His burial with his fathers signifies the end of his dynasty’s direct rule. Spiritual Application: Turning away from God has far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the individual but also the stability of the community. True security is found in faithfulness to God, not in worldly power or possessions. 2 Chronicles 25 highlights a profound truth: Spiritual compromise always precedes and precipitates temporal destruction. We are exhorted to remain vigilant, rooted in the word of God, that we may not lose our grip on righteousness. The life of Amaziah can be viewed as a biblical type of the consequence of straying from the light.

Subtopic Sections

Here are key reflections on the reign of Amaziah:

• The Danger of Partial Obedience: Amaziah initially does right but lacks a perfect heart. We must strive for wholehearted devotion.
• The Futility of Worldly Alliances: Relying on the Israelite army demonstrates a lack of faith in God’s power. Trust God above all else.
• The Corrupting Influence of Victory: Amaziah’s idolatry after defeating the Edomites reveals the danger of pride. Remain humble after success.
• The Importance of Heeding Counsel: Rejecting the prophet’s warning seals Amaziah’s fate. Seek and value godly counsel.
• The Consequences of Pride: Amaziah’s arrogance leads to defeat and ultimately his death. Humility is essential for spiritual well-being.
• God’s Sovereignty: God uses Amaziah’s choices to fulfill His purposes, both for judgment and for instruction. Trust in God’s ultimate plan.

FAQ ❓

Answers to common questions regarding Amaziah’s reign:

• Q: Why was Amaziah punished even though he initially did what was right?

  Amaziah’s actions lacked a pure heart and were followed by idolatry and disobedience. God desires complete devotion, not just outward compliance. His compromise revealed a deeper spiritual flaw.

• Q: What is the significance of Amaziah hiring soldiers from Israel?

  It demonstrates his lack of trust in God’s ability to deliver Judah. Forming alliances with those who did not serve God showed a lack of faith and spiritual discernment. This was displeasing to God.

• Q: How does Amaziah’s story relate to Christians today?

  It serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and the dangers of pride. It reminds us to remain humble, seek God’s guidance, and avoid the temptations of the world.

• Q: What can we learn from Amaziah’s defeat?

  We learn that worldly power is fleeting and that true strength comes from God. Amaziah’s defeat underscores the importance of humility and obedience in maintaining God’s favor.

Conclusion

The narrative of Amaziah’s reign, fraught with initial promise and ultimate downfall, serves as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of pride and the dire consequences of partial obedience. Examining Amaziah’s Pride through the lens of Coptic Orthodox theology reveals that true faith demands unwavering commitment, humility, and a constant vigilance against the temptations of worldly power and idolatry. Amaziah’s initial righteous acts were insufficient without a pure heart and a persistent devotion to God. His reliance on earthly alliances, coupled with his subsequent embrace of idolatry, demonstrated a profound spiritual compromise that led to his ruin. Let us, therefore, heed the lessons of 2 Chronicles 25 and strive for a faith that is complete, humble, and steadfast, always seeking God’s guidance and trusting in His provision. We should strive to live the perfect life, not partial! As Saint Augustine wisely stated, “Ama et fac quod vis” (Love, and do what thou wilt). As we trust in His love, God will guide and lead us.

Tags

Amaziah, Pride, 2 Chronicles 25, Coptic Orthodox, Idolatry, Obedience, Humility, Judgment, Faith, Disobedience

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Explore the rise and fall of Amaziah in 2 Chronicles 25. Discover Coptic Orthodox insights on pride, obedience, and the consequences of idolatry. Learn vital lessons for spiritual growth. Examining Amaziah’s Pride!