Chronological Reading Plan for July 5, 2 Kings 14, 2 Chron 25

Today's readings are 2 Kings 14, 2 Chron 25. Tomorrow's are Jonah 1-4.

2 Kings 14 describes the reign of Amaziah, Joash's son, king of Judah. After defeating the Edomites, Amaziah gets overly confident and challenges Jehoash, king of Israel, only to lose the battle and be taken captive. Amaziah is a good king but his decision to battle against Israel was ill-conceived and he loses the favor of the people. He is assassinated and replaced by his son, Azariah. 

Meanwhile Jeroboam, the son of Joash, becomes king of Israel. He is a bad king. Nonetheless, God uses him to rescue Israel from its enemies. This is another example of God using whatever or whomever He wishes to accomplish His will. 

2 Chon 25 gives us some detail about Amazaiah explaining what went wrong. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord but "not with a whole heart" (2 Chron 25:2).

Amaziah hires mercenaries from Israel's army to help fight against Edom (Seir). God sends a prophet to tell him to depend on Him, not other people. Amaziah listens to the prophet and sens the Israeli soldiers home but that angers them. They attack Jerusalem while Amaziah is fighting Edom. 

Amaziah wins against Edom but, amazingly, brings their gods and idols back to Jerusalem and begins to worship them. Once again, a prophet warns Amaziah. This time he does not listen.  

Flush with a major victory, Amaziah's turns his attention to Israel. Now we understand it was becasue Israel attacked Judah while Amaziah was fighting Edom. Nonetheless, Amaziah has turned his back on God, defied his word and will fight Israel without God's protection. 

No one filled with pride, worshiping anything or anyone other than God, should expect His blessing and provision. Moving out from under His protection can be devastating as Amaziah finds out.