- Amaziah’s Reign in Judah (vv.1–7): Amaziah, son of Joash, becomes king of Judah and rules for 29 years. He does what is right in God’s eyes, though not fully like David, since high places remain. He executes the officials who killed his father but spares their children, obeying the Law of Moses. Amaziah defeats the Edomites in battle, striking down 10,000 in the Valley of Salt and capturing Sela, renaming it Joktheel.
- Conflict with Israel (vv.8–14): Amaziah challenges Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle. Jehoash warns him with a parable about a thistle and a cedar, advising him not to be prideful after his victory over Edom. Amaziah refuses, and they fight at Beth Shemesh. Judah is defeated, Amaziah is captured, and Jerusalem’s wall is broken down. Jehoash takes treasures from the temple and palace along with hostages back to Samaria.
- Later Years of Amaziah (vv.15–22): Jehoash dies, and his son Jeroboam II becomes king of Israel. Amaziah outlives Jehoash by 15 years, but later a conspiracy arises against him in Jerusalem, and he flees to Lachish, where he is killed. His body is brought back and buried in Jerusalem. His son Azariah (Uzziah) becomes king and rebuilds Elath for Judah.
- Jeroboam II in Israel (vv.23–29): Jeroboam II, son of Jehoash, reigns in Samaria for 41 years. He continues in the sins of Jeroboam I. However, under God’s mercy, Israel regains lost territories, from Lebo Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, fulfilling the word spoken through Jonah son of Amittai. Jeroboam II’s reign strengthens Israel, though spiritually the nation remains corrupt.
Key Themes in 2 Kings 14:
- Partial obedience – Amaziah follows God’s law in some ways but not fully.
- Pride leads to downfall – Amaziah’s arrogance after victory over Edom causes Judah’s defeat.
- God’s mercy to Israel – Despite their sin, God shows compassion by restoring their land under Jeroboam II.
- The cycle of kings – Success and failure alternate, showing the fragility of earthly leadership compared to God’s enduring rule.
