July 6: 2 Kings 14, 2 Chronicles 25

July 6, 2 Kings 14, 2 Chronicles 25

2 Kings 14 Amaziah, son of Joash, is now the King in Judah. He started as King when he was 25 and he reigned for 29 years. “And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not like David his father… the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places…” So, he was ok as a King. He wasn’t evil like some of the Kings before him, but was no David. As soon as he was in power, he took revenge on those who killed his father - but didn't kill their kids out of respect for God’s command not to. He went to war with the Edomites and won - killing 30,000 of them. Then he gets pretty sure of himself and challenges Israel to war, and the King of Israel, Jehoash, basically warns him not to by insulting him. Amaziah, King of Judah, went to war and lost. All men fled and Israel pummeled them and pillaged their treasury, also capturing their King (Amaziah).

Jehoash is recorded here as dying a natural death (not murdered), whereas we learn that Amaziah dies a violent death after conspirators came against him and killed him.

We also learn about Jeroboam II that reigned after his Dad, Jehoash, in Israel. He led for for 41 years and …”he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.” He caused Israel to sin… He

2 Chronicles 25 Again, the Chronicler is writing to his generation and repeats some of what 2 Kings 14 said and adds some of his own commentary. Most everything above is in there and he puts and emphasis on Amaziah’s greed and arrogance. God sent a prophet to warn Amaziah to not seek false gods, “But as he was speaking, the king said to him, “Have we made you a royal counselor? Stop! Why should you be struck down?” This is a prophet of God and he has not reverence for him or God. The prophet’s response? “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel.” That simple. 

To sum it all up:

• I know I say this often, but where is your heart? Are you for God and wanting to serve Him and seek His counsel? Or, do you think you have it all figured out?
• What I have learned is that I don’t know much and I desperately need the guidance of my God for everyday living. Not just the big stuff, but we need to seek out God in every aspect of our lives. From raising our kids, loving our spouse, working for employers or serving our employees. Buying things or selling things. Making decisions. Serving one another and in doing so, serving God. Literally, any and all things need to be done in prayer and with the mindset that we are serving a Holy God.