Amaziah of Judah reigns twenty-nine years, does right but not like David, and the high places remain. He executes his father's assassins but not their children, obeying Moses' law that each dies for his own sin. He defeats ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and captures Sela. Flushed with victory, he challenges Jehoash of Israel who mocks him with the thistle-and-cedar parable; Amaziah persists, is captured at Beth-shemesh, and Joash breaks down four hundred cubits of Jerusalem's wall and plunders the temple and palace. After Jehoash dies, Amaziah lives fifteen more years until a conspiracy sends him fleeing to Lachish where he is killed. Azariah (Uzziah) succeeds him at age sixteen. Jeroboam II of Israel reigns forty-one years in evil but restores Israel's border from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, as the prophet Jonah son of Amittai prophesied—for the LORD sees Israel's bitter affliction. Zechariah succeeds him.
Read 2 Kings Chapter 14 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Elijah's successor who performed many miracles and ministered to Israel's kings
Faithful king of Judah who trusted God against Assyria and was healed from illness
Reforming king who rediscovered the Law and led Judah in renewal
Syrian commander healed of leprosy by Elisha, demonstrating God's grace to Gentiles
Wicked king of Judah who led the nation into deep idolatry
Priest of Bethel who Opposed Amos
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
King of Israel
Prophet and Lawgiver
The Reluctant Prophet
Places in This Chapter
Edom was the mountainous region south of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the descendants of Esau (also called Edom). The Edomites were relatives of Israel but often hostile. The prophet Obadiah pronounced judgment against Edom for their treatment of Judah during Jerusalem's fall.
Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and plays a significant role in biblical history. It was on the road to Damascus that Saul of Tarsus had his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ and was converted, becoming the apostle Paul. The prophet Elijah was told to anoint Hazael as king of Syria in Damascus. The city is mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Position in Book
Jehu's revolt, various kings, increasing wickedness in Israel, some good kings in Judah.