READ: 2 Kin. 14:1–29: … Amaziah … king of Judah … he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like his father David … Judah was struck down by Israel … Jeroboam … he did what was evil … the LORD saw … that Israel had no helper …
Amaziah, who becomes king over Judah, is a grandson of Joash, the grandson of Athaliah, who had been rescued by the LORD from the hands of his grandmother. Just as this Joash later after the death of the high priest Jehoiada fell into a self-willed manner of serving the LORD, so it also happens with his son Amaziah. The service of the LORD is not pure, but shows unscriptural tolerance.
Yet the king does act according to some commandments of the LORD, such as not killing children for the sins of their fathers,. (v.6; Deut. 24:16; Ezek. 18:20).
The LORD gives him victory in the battle against the Edomites when, obedient to God’s prophet, he does not allow Israelites to fight along in his army (2 Chron. 25:7–10).
In 2 Chron. 25 we read why the LORD nevertheless turns away from Amaziah: he bows down to foreign gods (2 Chron. 25:14). The LORD first sends a prophet to warn the king. But Amaziah refuses to listen, upon which the prophet announces God’s judgment to him (2 Chron. 25:16).
After that Amaziah seeks to engage Israel in conflict, which leads to defeat. Amaziah buys off his freedom with treasures from the temple and the palace, and with hostages. Later he is killed by his own people.
Meanwhile in Israel Jeroboam II has come to power. He does what is evil in the eyes of the LORD. He worships idols. However, despite oppression the LORD is still longsuffering toward Israel. He sends the prophets Amos and Hosea. Yet there is no repentance.
Which idols are attractive for us?
Sing: Ps. 11:1