2 Kings 14

V 1–4: AMAZIAH In the second year of Jehoash’s reign in Israel, Amaziah, son of Joash, takes over as king of Judah, when he is twenty-five years old. He reigns twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. He is righteous, as was his father Joash, but he does not remove the high places for sacrifice and burning incense. V 5–7: ACCOMPLISHMENTS His accomplish-ments include executing those who murdered his father (yet sparing their children), victory over the Edomites, and taking Sela, which he renames Joktheel. V 8–14: ANTAGONISTS King Amaziah of Judah challenges King Jehoash of Israel to war. He insists on conflict, despite Jehoash’s telling him that Israel is far too strong for Judah. Amaziah suffers a heavy defeat and Jerusalem is ransacked and plundered. V 15–16: ACCESSION Jehoash, king of Israel, who accomplishes much militarily and politically for Israel despite his evil heart, dies and is replaced by his son, Jeroboam (the second King Jeroboam). V 17–20: AMAZIAH King Amaziah, king of Judah, is killed after a conspiracy against him and is buried in the City of David. He lives fifteen years after the death of Jehoash, king of Israel. V 21–22: AZARIAH At the age of sixteen, Azariah, son of Amaziah, succeeds his father as the king of Judah. V 23–27: AFFLICTION Jeroboam succeeds Jehoash as king of Israel in the fifteenth year of Amaziah, king of Judah, and reigns for forty-one years. Although he is evil, God sees the affliction of Israel, and, remembering the promise of His word, relieves that affliction through the conquests of Jeroboam. God, in his sovereignty, can work, even through evil men, to accomplish His purposes and His people’s good. V 28–29: ACTS Jeroboam’s acts and death are recorded. He is succeeded by his son, Zechariah, as king of Israel.