Amaziah, King of Judah
Who was Amaziah in the Bible?
The ninth king of the southern Kingdom of Judah who conquered the Edomites but was later defeated and captured by King Jehoash of Israel after falling into idolatry.
This is one of 4 people named Amaziah in the Bible. See all 4 →
Amaziah was the son of King Joash and Jehoaddan of Jerusalem, ascending to the throne of Judah at the age of twenty-five following the assassination of his father. His reign, spanning twenty-nine years in Jerusalem, is characterized by a mixture of initial obedience to the Mosaic Law and a subsequent spiritual decline that led to national humiliation. He is historically noted for his military campaign in the Valley of Salt and his disastrous confrontation with the northern Kingdom of Israel.
While the biblical record in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles acknowledges that Amaziah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, it also notes that his heart was not fully committed as his ancestor David's had been. His reign serves as a cautionary tale within the Divided Monarchy regarding the dangers of pride and the syncretism of foreign worship, eventually culminating in a conspiracy that ended his life in the city of Lachish.
Background and Family
Amaziah was born into the Davidic line during a turbulent period for the Kingdom of Judah. His father, Joash, had been a king who started with great promise but ended his reign in disgrace and was eventually murdered by his own servants, Jozabad and Jehozabad. Amaziah’s mother was Jehoaddan, a woman from Jerusalem. Upon taking the throne at age twenty-five, Amaziah’s first major act of state was to establish his authority by executing the officials who had assassinated his father. In a notable display of adherence to the Torah, specifically the command found in Deuteronomy 24:16, Amaziah did not put the children of the assassins to death, stating that each person should die for their own sin. This early adherence to the Law marked the high point of his spiritual life.
The Edomite Campaign
One of Amaziah's primary objectives was the reclamation of Edomite territory. He organized a massive census of Judah and Benjamin, finding 300,000 elite troops ready for battle. Seeking even greater strength, he hired 100,000 mercenary soldiers from the northern Kingdom of Israel for one hundred talents of silver. However, a man of God warned the king that the Lord was not with Israel and that the inclusion of these mercenaries would lead to defeat.
Demonstrating significant initial faith, Amaziah asked what would happen to the money he had already paid. The prophet replied, "The LORD is able to give you much more than this." Amaziah obeyed, dismissing the Israelite troops. Though the dismissed mercenaries were enraged and raided Judean cities on their return journey, Amaziah proceeded to the Valley of Salt. There, he achieved a decisive victory, striking down 10,000 Edomites (men of Seir).
Spiritual Decline and War with Israel
The victory over Edom proved to be Amaziah's spiritual undoing. Upon returning from the slaughter, he brought back the idols of the Seirites and began to worship them, burning incense to the gods of the people he had just conquered. When a prophet rebuked him for seeking gods that could not even save their own people, Amaziah reacted with arrogance, threatening the prophet with violence.
Fueled by his military success, Amaziah challenged King Jehoash of Israel to a "face to face" meeting—a clear provocation to war. Jehoash responded with a mocking parable about a thistle in Lebanon that was trampled by a wild beast for its presumption. He warned Amaziah that his heart had become proud because of his victory over Edom and advised him to stay at home.
Amaziah refused to listen. The two armies met at Beth-shemesh. The forces of Judah were soundly defeated, and Amaziah himself was captured by Jehoash. The Israelite king then marched Amaziah back to his own capital, Jerusalem, where Jehoash broke down 400 cubits of the city wall, looted the temple and the palace, and took hostages back to Samaria.
Final Years and Death
Amaziah survived for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash of Israel, but his prestige and authority never fully recovered from the humiliation at Beth-shemesh. The biblical text in 2 Chronicles 25:27 links his ultimate downfall to his spiritual apostasy, noting that from the time he turned away from the Lord, a conspiracy began to form against him in Jerusalem.
When the plot became manifest, Amaziah fled to the fortified city of Lachish seeking safety. However, the conspirators sent men after him and assassinated him there. His body was brought back on horses to Jerusalem and buried with his ancestors in the City of David. The people of Judah then took his sixteen-year-old son, Uzziah (also called Azariah), and made him king in his father's place.
Spiritual Significance
Theologically, Amaziah represents the 'half-hearted' king. The Chronicler emphasizes that while he performed the external requirements of the law and initially listened to prophetic counsel, his heart was not 'perfect' toward God. His story illustrates the biblical theme that military success is a gift from God, but pride in that success leads to destruction. His downfall is explicitly tied to his adoption of the Edomite gods, demonstrating the recurring struggle against idolatry during the Divided Monarchy.
Furthermore, his interaction with the northern kingdom highlights the ongoing tension between Judah and Israel. His decision to hire Israelite mercenaries and their subsequent raiding of Judean towns underscores the fractured nature of the two kingdoms. Ultimately, Amaziah’s life serves as a bridge in the Davidic line, maintaining the messianic succession despite his personal failures and the political instability of his reign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Amaziah kill the men who murdered his father but spared their children?
Amaziah spared the children to obey the Law of Moses as written in the Book of the Law, which states that fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each person must die for their own sin.
What led to the conflict between Amaziah and King Jehoash of Israel?
After defeating Edom, Amaziah became proud and challenged Jehoash to meet face to face in battle. Additionally, dismissed Israelite mercenaries had raided Judean cities, increasing tensions between the two nations.
What was the significance of the thistle and cedar parable?
Jehoash used the parable to insult Amaziah, comparing the king of Judah to a lowly thistle and himself to a mighty cedar, warning that Amaziah’s pride would lead to him being trampled.
How did Amaziah die?
Amaziah was killed by conspirators in Lachish after fleeing Jerusalem. His death occurred fifteen years after the death of King Jehoash of Israel.
Which gods did Amaziah worship after his victory?
He brought back and worshipped the gods of the Seirites (the Edomites) after his military campaign in the Valley of Salt.
Family & Relationships
Parents
JehoaddanMother2 Chronicles 25:1Inferred
No verse states this relationship in kinship terms; Jehoaddan and Amaziah appear together in the cited verse.Evidence: 2 Chronicles 25:1
Joash, King of JudahFather2 Kings 14:1Stated
Amaziah, King of JudahThis pageChildren
Uzziah, King of JudahSon2 Chronicles 26:1Inferred
No verse states this relationship in kinship terms; Amaziah and Uzziah appear together in the cited verse.Evidence: 2 Chronicles 26:1
Connected Figures
Family
Mother · 2 Chronicles 25:1
The Queen Mother of Judah during the 8th century BC, wife of King Joash and mother of King Amaziah.
Divided MonarchyFirst: 2 Kings 14:22 versesQueen Mother of Judah
Father · 2 Kings 14:1
The lone survivor of a royal massacre, Joash was hidden in the Temple for six years before becoming the seventh king of Judah, initially reigning with piety before a tragic moral decline.
Divided MonarchyFirst: 2 Kings 11:226 versesKing of JudahJudah
Son · 2 Chronicles 26:1
The tenth king of Judah who enjoyed a long, prosperous reign marked by military success and agricultural growth, ended by his divine punishment with leprosy for usurping priestly duties.
Divided MonarchyFirst: 2 Kings 14:2133 versesKing of JudahJudah
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 2 Kings14
- 1 Chronicles1
- 2 Chronicles19
Scripture References
All 34 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
- 2 Kings 12:21
His servants Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer struck him down, and he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the City of David, and his son Amaziah reigned in his place.
- 2 Kings 13:12
As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash, along with all his accomplishments and his might, including his war against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
- 2 Kings 14:1
In the second year of the reign of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz over Israel, Amaziah son of Joash became king of Judah.
- 2 Kings 14:8
Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said.
- 2 Kings 14:9
But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle.
- 2 Kings 14:11Partial
But Amaziah would not listen, and Jehoash king of Israel advanced. He and King Amaziah of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh in Judah.
- 2 Kings 14:13
There at Beth-shemesh, Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Ahaziah. Then Jehoash went to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate—a section of four hundred cubits.
- 2 Kings 14:15
As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash, along with his accomplishments, his might, and how he waged war against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
- 2 Kings 14:17
Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah lived for fifteen years after the death of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel.
- 2 Kings 14:18
As for the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
- 2 Kings 14:21
Then all the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah.
- 2 Kings 14:23
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Amaziah son of Joash over Judah, Jeroboam son of Jehoash became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria forty-one years.
- 2 Kings 15:1
In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam’s reign over Israel, Azariah son of Amaziah became king of Judah.
- 2 Kings 15:3
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done.
- 1 Chronicles 3:12
Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,
- 2 Chronicles 24:27
The accounts of the sons of Joash, as well as the many pronouncements about him and about the restoration of the house of God, are indeed written in the Treatise of the Book of the Kings. And his son Amaziah reigned in his place.
- 2 Chronicles 25:1
Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem.
- 2 Chronicles 25:5
Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he numbered those twenty years of age or older throughout Judah and Benjamin and found 300,000 chosen men able to serve in the army, bearing the spear and shield.
- 2 Chronicles 25:9
Amaziah asked the man of God, “What should I do about the hundred talents I have given to the army of Israel?” And the man of God replied, “The LORD is able to give you much more than this.”
- 2 Chronicles 25:10
So Amaziah dismissed the troops who had come to him from Ephraim and sent them home. And they were furious with Judah and returned home in great anger.
- 2 Chronicles 25:11
Amaziah, however, summoned his strength and led his troops to the Valley of Salt, where he struck down 10,000 men of Seir,
- 2 Chronicles 25:13
Meanwhile the troops that Amaziah had dismissed from battle raided the cities of Judah, from Samaria to Beth-horon. They struck down 3,000 people and carried off a great deal of plunder.
- 2 Chronicles 25:14
When Amaziah returned from the slaughter of the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the Seirites, set them up as his own gods, bowed before them, and burned sacrifices to them.
- 2 Chronicles 25:15
Therefore the anger of the LORD burned against Amaziah, and He sent him a prophet, who said, “Why have you sought this people’s gods, which could not deliver them from your hand?”
- 2 Chronicles 25:17
Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent word to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said.
- 2 Chronicles 25:18
But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle.
- 2 Chronicles 25:20
But Amaziah would not listen, for this had come from God in order to deliver them into the hand of Jehoash, because they had sought the gods of Edom.
- 2 Chronicles 25:21
So Jehoash king of Israel advanced, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh in Judah.
- 2 Chronicles 25:23
There at Beth-shemesh, Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz. Then Jehoash brought him to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate—a section of four hundred cubits.
- 2 Chronicles 25:25
Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah lived for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel.
- 2 Chronicles 25:26
As for the rest of the acts of Amaziah, from beginning to end, are they not written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel?
- 2 Chronicles 25:27
From the time that Amaziah turned from following the LORD, a conspiracy was formed against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But men were sent after him to Lachish, and they killed him there.
- 2 Chronicles 26:1
All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah.
- 2 Chronicles 26:4
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done.
Others Named Amaziah
Compare all 4 bearers →Amaziah, Levite of the United Monarchy1 Chronicles 6:45
A Levite of the Merarite clan during the United Monarchy who is recorded in the genealogical records of the temple musicians.
Amaziah, Simeonite of the Divided Monarchy1 Chronicles 4:34
A descendant of Simeon and the father of Joshah, recorded in the genealogical registers of the tribe of Simeon during the Divided Monarchy.
Amaziah, Priest of BethelAmos 7:10
The high priest of the golden calf shrine at Bethel during the 8th century BC who opposed the prophet Amos and reported him to King Jeroboam II.