⁸ Amaziah then sent messengers to Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us meet face to face.”^(A)

⁹ King Jehoash of Israel sent word to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, “The thistle that was in Lebanon once sent a message to the cedar^(B) that was in Lebanon,^(C) saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son as a wife.’ Then a wild animal that was in Lebanon passed by and trampled the thistle. ¹⁰ You have indeed defeated Edom, and you have become overconfident.^(D) Enjoy your glory and stay at home. Why should you stir up such trouble that you fall—you and Judah with you?”

¹¹ But Amaziah would not listen, so King Jehoash of Israel advanced. He and King Amaziah of Judah faced off at Beth-shemesh^(E) that belongs to Judah. ¹² Judah was routed before Israel, and everyone fled to his own tent.^{(F) 13} King Jehoash of Israel captured Judah’s King Amaziah son of Joash,^[a] son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh. Then Jehoash went to Jerusalem and broke down 200 yards^[b] of Jerusalem’s wall from the Ephraim Gate^(G) to the Corner Gate.^{(H) 14} He took all the gold and silver, all the articles found in the Lord’s temple and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and some hostages.^(I) Then he returned to Samaria.