February 24: 2 Chronicles 25

Tragic End to a Godly Beginning, Part 2

Could this be déjà vu all over again? When Amaziah, Joash’s son, takes the throne at 25 years of age, he sets his heart to do right, but “not with a whole heart.” This calls into question his whole character. Can half-hearted commitment be any better than no commitment? Possibly, but only temporarily. The end result is that half-hearted commitment won’t last.

“The root idea of the Hebrew word translated ‘perfect’ [loyal in the NKJV] is being whole, complete. Imperfection of heart consists in incomplete surrender. Some chamber of the temple is retained for selfish purposes. What it was in the case of Amaziah we are not told, but the fact remains that notwithstanding the general direction of his life… the whole heart was not set on doing the will of God.” (Morgan)

Amaziah establishes his rule and then executes judgment on those who took his father’s life. We are told that he acted within the bounds of the law by not executing their children (verse 4). He also began to build an army. In doing so, he hired mercenaries from the northern nation, Israel, to help him. A man of God warns him not to align himself with Israel, because of their faithlessness. He reminds Amaziah that, no matter how many men he thinks will prevail, “God has power to help and to bring down” (verse 8).

Amaziah questions the prophet concerning his dilemma. He has already paid for the mercenaries’ help. If he releases them, he pours 100 talents down the drain, so to speak. The answer is simple: whatever you lose by obeying the LORD, He will more than repay for your obedience (verse 9). Amaziah obeyed and was blessed for his obedience (verse 11), but he also finds that his poor decision of hiring mercenaries has consequences. They become disgruntled and start raiding and plundering the cities of Judah (verse 13).

Sadly, Amaziah decides to bring back some of the idol gods that were worshipped by the very people God had allowed him to destroy. Why would he think that those gods, who were unable to deliver their people from him, would have the power to help him? A prophet is sent by God to tell him as much.

“Therefore Yahweh’s anger burned against Amaziah, and he sent to him a prophet, who said to him, “Why have you sought after the gods of the people, which have not delivered their own people out of your hand?”” (2 Chronicles 25:15, WEB)

This is still a relevant question. Why do we turn to people, activities, and things that have not provided the fulfillment that we have sought and craved from them? Why do we think that more of the same will finally fulfill us? Our modern idols (technology, pleasure, drugs, celebrity-worship, fame and fortune) are powerless to provide the satisfaction, purpose, and peace that we seek.

Amaziah shuts God’s prophet down and the prophet retorts:

“…I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this, and have not listened to my counsel.”” (2 Chronicles 25:16, WEB)

In his pride Amaziah challenges the king of Israel to battle. Israel’s king taunts Amaziah with a proverb. He challenges Amaziah to back off and avert destruction. Amaziah would not listen and the Chronicler notes that it was because this “was from God” (verse 20). Of course, Judah was defeated by Israel. Amaziah was captured, the wall of Jerusalem was tore down for about 600 feet (verse 23). The defeat brought the loss of wealth as well (verse 24). Although Amaziah lived 15 years after the death of the king of Israel, yet from the time that Amaziah turned away from the LORD, a conspiracy was being planned to remove him. He was killed and buried with his father. His end resembles that of his father, who also had forsaken the LORD.

This is another example of one who begins well but ends badly. The lack of wholehearted obedience gave way to disobedience and hardheartedness that was his undoing.

“”And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing soul, for “Blessed are those who keep his reminders, who seek him with their whole heart.” (Psalms 119:2, UASV+)

Jehovah searches all hearts and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.” (1 Chronicles 28:9, UASV+)

“With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!” (Psalms 119:10, UASV+)

“Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.” (Psalms 119:34, UASV+)