1 In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.

2 He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

3 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.

4 Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.

5 And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.

6 But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the Lord commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

7 He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.

8 Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.

9 And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.

10 Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?

11 But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah.

12 And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.

13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

14 And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the king's house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria.

15 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

16 And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.

17 And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.

18 And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

19 Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.

20 And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.

21 And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.

22 He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty and one years.

24 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord: he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

25 He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher.

26 For the Lord saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.

27 And the Lord said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.

28 Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, which belonged to Judah, for Israel, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

29 And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah's good reign.
Amaziah began well, but did not go on so. It is not enough to do that which our pious predecessors did, merely to keep up the common usage, but we must do it as they did, from the same principle of faith and devotion, and with the same sincerity and resolution.
McArther Bible Commentary
This section quickly surveys the kings and selected events of the northern and southern kingdoms from 796 to 735 B.C. In contrast to the previous nineteen chapters (1Ki. 17:1 - 2Ki. 13:25), which narrated ninety years of history (885-796 B.C.) with a concentration on the ministries of Elijah and Elisha during the final sixty-five years of that period (860-796 B.C.), sixty-two years are covered in these two chapters. The previous section concluded with a shadow of hope: officially sanctioned Baal worship had been eradicated in both Israel (2Ki 10:18-28) and Judah (2Ki 11:17-18); the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem had been repaired (2Ki 12:9-15); and the Syrian threat to Israel had been overcome (2Ki 13:25). However, this section emphasizes that the fundamental problems still remained: the false religion established by Jeroboam I continued in Israel even with the change of royal families (2Ki. 14:24-15:9, 2Ki 14:18, 2Ki 14:24, 2Ki 14:28), and the high places were not removed in Judah, even though there were only good kings there during those years (2Ki 14:4; 2Ki 15:4, 2Ki 15:35).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 12:21 2 Kings 13:10 2 Kings 14:2 2 Chronicles 25:1

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah's good reign.
Amaziah began well, but did not go on so. It is not enough to do that which our pious predecessors did, merely to keep up the common usage, but we must do it as they did, from the same principle of faith and devotion, and with the same sincerity and resolution.
McArther Bible Commentary
twenty-nine years. -767 B.C.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 14:1 2 Kings 14:3 2 Chronicles 25:1

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah's good reign.
Amaziah began well, but did not go on so. It is not enough to do that which our pious predecessors did, merely to keep up the common usage, but we must do it as they did, from the same principle of faith and devotion, and with the same sincerity and resolution.
McArther Bible Commentary
not like … David. David set a high standard of unswerving devotion to the Lord for the kings of Judah who were his descendants to follow (cf. 1Ki 11:4, 1Ki 11:6; 2Ki 15:3). Amaziah did not follow the Lord completely, as David had, because he, like his father Joash, did not remove the high places (2Ki 14:4) where, in disregard for Mosaic Law, the people worshiped the Lord (Deu 12:2-7, Deu 12:13-14). Further, according to 2Ch 25:14-16, Amaziah embraced the false gods of the Edomites.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 14:2 2 Kings 14:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah's good reign.
Amaziah began well, but did not go on so. It is not enough to do that which our pious predecessors did, merely to keep up the common usage, but we must do it as they did, from the same principle of faith and devotion, and with the same sincerity and resolution.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
High places - It is hard to get clear of those corruptions, which by long usage have gained prescription.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 12:3 2 Kings 14:3 2 Kings 16:4

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah's good reign.
Amaziah began well, but did not go on so. It is not enough to do that which our pious predecessors did, merely to keep up the common usage, but we must do it as they did, from the same principle of faith and devotion, and with the same sincerity and resolution.
McArther Bible Commentary
When firmly in control of the kingdom, Amaziah took revenge on Jozachar and Jehozabad, the officials who assassinated his father Joash (2Ki 12:20-21). However, he spared the lives of their sons, in obedience to the Mosaic Law that children were not to die for their fathers' sins (Deu 24:16; cf. Eze 18:1-20).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 12:20 2 Kings 15:19 2 Kings 21:24 2 Chronicles 25:3

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah's good reign.
Amaziah began well, but did not go on so. It is not enough to do that which our pious predecessors did, merely to keep up the common usage, but we must do it as they did, from the same principle of faith and devotion, and with the same sincerity and resolution.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Slew not - Wherein he shewed faith and courage, that he would obey this command of God, though it was hazardous to himself, such persons being likely to seek revenge for their father's death.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 24:16 Jeremiah 31:30 Ezekiel 18:4 Ezekiel 18:20 Daniel 6:24

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah's good reign.
Amaziah began well, but did not go on so. It is not enough to do that which our pious predecessors did, merely to keep up the common usage, but we must do it as they did, from the same principle of faith and devotion, and with the same sincerity and resolution.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Joktheel - Which signifies, the obedience of God, that is, given him by God as a reward of his obedience to God's message by the prophet, (2 Chronicles 25:8-9) .
McArther Bible Commentary
For an elaboration of Amaziah's war with Edom, see the notes on 2Ch 25:5-16. Edom had revolted in Joram's reign (see 2Ki 8:20), so the king wanted them subjugated again. the Valley of Salt. Probably a marshy plain at the south end of the Dead Sea (see note on 2Sa 8:13). Sela… Joktheel. Sela (meaning "rock" in Hebrew) is best identified as Petra (meaning "rock" in Greek), a city carved out of sheer mountain walls located about fifty miles south of the Dead Sea, though some prefer to place it in northern Edom near Bozra on the King's Highway (Jdg 1:36). Renaming a captured city, as Amaziah did with the name Joktheel, implied his control over it.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:38 2 Samuel 8:13 2 Kings 14:10 1 Chronicles 18:12 2 Chronicles 25:11 Isaiah 16:1 Jeremiah 49:16 Obadiah 1:3

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah provokes Jehoash king of Israel, and is overcome.
For some time after the division of the kingdoms, Judah suffered much from the enmity of Israel. After Asa's time, it suffered more by the friendship of Israel, and by the alliance made with them. Now we meet with hostility between them again. How may a humble man smile to hear two proud and scornful men set their wits on work, to vilify and undervalue one another! Unholy success excites pride; pride excites contentions. The effects of pride in others, are insufferable to those who are proud themselves. These are the sources of trouble and sin in private life; but when they arise between princes, they become the misery of their whole kingdoms. Jehoash shows Amaziah the folly of his challenge; Thine heart has lifted thee up. The root of all sin is in the heart, thence it flows. It is not Providence, the event, the occasion, whatever it is, that makes men proud, secure, discontented, or the like, but their own hearts do it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sent - This challenge he sent, from self - confidence, and a desire of advancing his glory. But he that is fond either of fighting or going to law, will probably be the first that repents it.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jehoash … of Israel. See notes on 2Ki 13:10-23. face one another. Amaziah's challenge to Jehoash constituted a declaration of war. Amaziah, emboldened by his victory over Edom (2Ki 14:10), thought he could defeat the stronger army of Israel (cf. 2Ki 13:25). He was probably also upset by the refusal of Jehoash to establish a marriage alliance with him (2Ki 14:9).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 2:14 1 Kings 20:18 2 Kings 13:12 2 Chronicles 25:17

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah provokes Jehoash king of Israel, and is overcome.
For some time after the division of the kingdoms, Judah suffered much from the enmity of Israel. After Asa's time, it suffered more by the friendship of Israel, and by the alliance made with them. Now we meet with hostility between them again. How may a humble man smile to hear two proud and scornful men set their wits on work, to vilify and undervalue one another! Unholy success excites pride; pride excites contentions. The effects of pride in others, are insufferable to those who are proud themselves. These are the sources of trouble and sin in private life; but when they arise between princes, they become the misery of their whole kingdoms. Jehoash shows Amaziah the folly of his challenge; Thine heart has lifted thee up. The root of all sin is in the heart, thence it flows. It is not Providence, the event, the occasion, whatever it is, that makes men proud, secure, discontented, or the like, but their own hearts do it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Saying, &c. - By the thistle, a low and contemptible, yet troublesome shrub, he understands Amaziah; and by the cedar, himself, whom he intimates to be far stronger than he, and out of his reach. Trod down - And with no less ease shall my soldiers tread down thee and thy forces.
McArther Bible Commentary
thistle … cedar. In this parable (cf. Jdg 9:8-15), the thistle (Amaziah), an irritating and worthless plant, sought to become the equal of the majestic cedar (Jehoash), but a wild animal crushed the thistle. Jehoash counseled Amaziah that he was overestimating his power and prominence and should not go to war with Israel lest he be crushed (2Ki 14:10).
Bible Cross References
Exodus 3:2 Judges 9:8

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah provokes Jehoash king of Israel, and is overcome.
For some time after the division of the kingdoms, Judah suffered much from the enmity of Israel. After Asa's time, it suffered more by the friendship of Israel, and by the alliance made with them. Now we meet with hostility between them again. How may a humble man smile to hear two proud and scornful men set their wits on work, to vilify and undervalue one another! Unholy success excites pride; pride excites contentions. The effects of pride in others, are insufferable to those who are proud themselves. These are the sources of trouble and sin in private life; but when they arise between princes, they become the misery of their whole kingdoms. Jehoash shows Amaziah the folly of his challenge; Thine heart has lifted thee up. The root of all sin is in the heart, thence it flows. It is not Providence, the event, the occasion, whatever it is, that makes men proud, secure, discontented, or the like, but their own hearts do it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Glory - Content thyself with that glory, and let not thine ambition betray thee to ruin.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 8:14 2 Kings 14:7 2 Chronicles 26:16 Daniel 5:23 Habakkuk 2:5

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah provokes Jehoash king of Israel, and is overcome.
For some time after the division of the kingdoms, Judah suffered much from the enmity of Israel. After Asa's time, it suffered more by the friendship of Israel, and by the alliance made with them. Now we meet with hostility between them again. How may a humble man smile to hear two proud and scornful men set their wits on work, to vilify and undervalue one another! Unholy success excites pride; pride excites contentions. The effects of pride in others, are insufferable to those who are proud themselves. These are the sources of trouble and sin in private life; but when they arise between princes, they become the misery of their whole kingdoms. Jehoash shows Amaziah the folly of his challenge; Thine heart has lifted thee up. The root of all sin is in the heart, thence it flows. It is not Providence, the event, the occasion, whatever it is, that makes men proud, secure, discontented, or the like, but their own hearts do it.
McArther Bible Commentary
Beth Shemesh. A town about fifteen miles west of Jerusalem, where the armies of Israel and Judah faced each other in battle.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:10 Joshua 19:38

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah provokes Jehoash king of Israel, and is overcome.
For some time after the division of the kingdoms, Judah suffered much from the enmity of Israel. After Asa's time, it suffered more by the friendship of Israel, and by the alliance made with them. Now we meet with hostility between them again. How may a humble man smile to hear two proud and scornful men set their wits on work, to vilify and undervalue one another! Unholy success excites pride; pride excites contentions. The effects of pride in others, are insufferable to those who are proud themselves. These are the sources of trouble and sin in private life; but when they arise between princes, they become the misery of their whole kingdoms. Jehoash shows Amaziah the folly of his challenge; Thine heart has lifted thee up. The root of all sin is in the heart, thence it flows. It is not Providence, the event, the occasion, whatever it is, that makes men proud, secure, discontented, or the like, but their own hearts do it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Tents - Josephus says, when they were to engage, they were struck with such a terror, that they did not strike a stroke, but every man made the best of his way.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 4:10 2 Samuel 18:17 1 Kings 22:36

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah provokes Jehoash king of Israel, and is overcome.
For some time after the division of the kingdoms, Judah suffered much from the enmity of Israel. After Asa's time, it suffered more by the friendship of Israel, and by the alliance made with them. Now we meet with hostility between them again. How may a humble man smile to hear two proud and scornful men set their wits on work, to vilify and undervalue one another! Unholy success excites pride; pride excites contentions. The effects of pride in others, are insufferable to those who are proud themselves. These are the sources of trouble and sin in private life; but when they arise between princes, they become the misery of their whole kingdoms. Jehoash shows Amaziah the folly of his challenge; Thine heart has lifted thee up. The root of all sin is in the heart, thence it flows. It is not Providence, the event, the occasion, whatever it is, that makes men proud, secure, discontented, or the like, but their own hearts do it.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ahaziah - Amaziah's pedigree comes in somewhat abruptly, the son of Joash, the son of Ahaziah: Probably because he now smarted, for the iniquity of his ancestors.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jehoash … captured Amaziah. Winning the battle, Jehoash also captured Amaziah. Jehoash probably took Amaziah back to Samaria as a hostage (2Ki 14:14). The king of Judah was forced to stay in Samaria until the death of Jehoash in 782 B.C. (2Ki 14:17). Gate of Ephraim … Corner Gate. The Corner Gate (cf. Jer 31:38; Zec 14:10) was at the northwest corner of the wall around Jerusalem. The Ephraim Gate was in Jerusalem's northern wall facing Ephraim, 600 feet east of the Corner Gate. This northwestern section of the wall of Jerusalem, torn down by Jehoash, was the point where Jerusalem was most vulnerable.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:10 2 Chronicles 25:23 Nehemiah 8:16 Nehemiah 12:39 Jeremiah 31:38 Zechariah 14:10

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Amaziah provokes Jehoash king of Israel, and is overcome.
For some time after the division of the kingdoms, Judah suffered much from the enmity of Israel. After Asa's time, it suffered more by the friendship of Israel, and by the alliance made with them. Now we meet with hostility between them again. How may a humble man smile to hear two proud and scornful men set their wits on work, to vilify and undervalue one another! Unholy success excites pride; pride excites contentions. The effects of pride in others, are insufferable to those who are proud themselves. These are the sources of trouble and sin in private life; but when they arise between princes, they become the misery of their whole kingdoms. Jehoash shows Amaziah the folly of his challenge; Thine heart has lifted thee up. The root of all sin is in the heart, thence it flows. It is not Providence, the event, the occasion, whatever it is, that makes men proud, secure, discontented, or the like, but their own hearts do it.
McArther Bible Commentary
he took. Jehoash plundered both the temple at Jerusalem and the palace of Amaziah. The value of the plundered articles was probably not great, because Jehoash of Judah had previously sent the temple and palace treasures to pay tribute to Hazael of Damascus (2Ki 12:17-18). Jehoash probably took hostages from Jerusalem to Samaria to secure additional payments of tribute in view of the small war booty.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 14:26 2 Kings 12:18

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is slain by conspirators.
Amaziah survived his conqueror fifteen years. He was slain by his own subjects. Azariah, or Uzziah, seems to have been very young when his father was slain. Though the years of his reign are reckoned from that event, he was not fully made king till eleven years afterwards.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 13:12 2 Kings 13:13 2 Kings 14:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is slain by conspirators.
Amaziah survived his conqueror fifteen years. He was slain by his own subjects. Azariah, or Uzziah, seems to have been very young when his father was slain. Though the years of his reign are reckoned from that event, he was not fully made king till eleven years afterwards.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 14:15 2 Kings 14:17 1 Chronicles 5:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is slain by conspirators.
Amaziah survived his conqueror fifteen years. He was slain by his own subjects. Azariah, or Uzziah, seems to have been very young when his father was slain. Though the years of his reign are reckoned from that event, he was not fully made king till eleven years afterwards.
McArther Bible Commentary
fifteen years. -767 B.C.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 14:16 2 Kings 14:18 2 Kings 15:1 2 Chronicles 25:25

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is slain by conspirators.
Amaziah survived his conqueror fifteen years. He was slain by his own subjects. Azariah, or Uzziah, seems to have been very young when his father was slain. Though the years of his reign are reckoned from that event, he was not fully made king till eleven years afterwards.
McArther Bible Commentary
the acts of Amaziah. His apostasy (2Ch 25:27), his disastrous war with Israel, the ruinous condition of Jerusalem, the plunder of the temple, and the loss of hostages lost him the respect of his people, who rebelled and killed him.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 14:17 2 Kings 14:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is slain by conspirators.
Amaziah survived his conqueror fifteen years. He was slain by his own subjects. Azariah, or Uzziah, seems to have been very young when his father was slain. Though the years of his reign are reckoned from that event, he was not fully made king till eleven years afterwards.
McArther Bible Commentary
Lachish. A town about twenty-five miles southwest of Jerusalem to which Amaziah fled seeking to escape death.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 10:31 Joshua 15:39 2 Kings 14:18 2 Kings 14:20 2 Kings 18:14 2 Kings 18:17 2 Kings 21:23 Jeremiah 34:7 Micah 1:13

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is slain by conspirators.
Amaziah survived his conqueror fifteen years. He was slain by his own subjects. Azariah, or Uzziah, seems to have been very young when his father was slain. Though the years of his reign are reckoned from that event, he was not fully made king till eleven years afterwards.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
On horses - Or, with horses, in a chariot.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 14:19 2 Kings 14:21

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is slain by conspirators.
Amaziah survived his conqueror fifteen years. He was slain by his own subjects. Azariah, or Uzziah, seems to have been very young when his father was slain. Though the years of his reign are reckoned from that event, he was not fully made king till eleven years afterwards.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Azariah - This Azariah is called Uzziah, (2 Kings 15:30) , both names signifying the same thing for substance; that, God's help; and this, God's strength. But this was not done till twelve years after his father's death: so long the government was in the hands of protectors.
McArther Bible Commentary
sixteen years old. Azariah (Uzziah) (see note on 2Ki 15:1) had actually begun to reign at the age of sixteen in 790 B.C. when his father Amaziah was taken prisoner to Samaria (2Ki 14:13). When Amaziah returned to Judah, Azariah ruled with him as co-regent from 782-767 B.C. (2Ki 14:17). In 767 B.C. when Amaziah was killed (2Ki 14:19), Azariah began his sole rule (2Ki 15:1). See notes on 2Ch 26:1-23.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 14:20 2 Kings 14:22

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He is slain by conspirators.
Amaziah survived his conqueror fifteen years. He was slain by his own subjects. Azariah, or Uzziah, seems to have been very young when his father was slain. Though the years of his reign are reckoned from that event, he was not fully made king till eleven years afterwards.
McArther Bible Commentary
Elath. Elath was located on the northern coast of the Gulf of Aqabah and was closely associated with Ezion Geber, a seaport of Solomon (1Ki 9:26). Azariah's restoration of Elath to Judah marked the first significant act of his sole rule; his further successes are summarized in 2Ch 26:6-15.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 9:26 2 Kings 14:21 2 Kings 14:23 2 Kings 16:6 2 Chronicles 8:17

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Wicked reign of Jeroboam II.
God raised up the prophet Jonah, and by him declared the purposes of his favour to Israel. It is a sign that God has not cast off his people, if he continues faithful ministers among them. Two reasons are given why God blessed them with those victories: 1. Because the distress was very great, which made them objects of his compassion. 2. Because the decree was not yet gone forth for their destruction. Many prophets there had been in Israel, but none left prophecies in writing till this age, and their prophecies are part of the Bible. Hosea began to prophesy in the reign of this Jeroboam. At the same time Amos prophesied; soon after Micah, then Isaiah, in the days of Ahaz and Hezekiah. Thus God, in the darkest and most degenerate ages of the church, raised up some to be burning and shining lights in it; to their own age, by their preaching and living, and a few by their writings, to reflect light upon us in the last times.
McArther Bible Commentary
fifteenth year. C. 782 B.C. This marked the beginning of the sole reign of Jeroboam II. Since his son Zechariah succeeded him in 753 B.C. (see 2Ki 15:8), Jeroboam II must have had a co-regency with his father Jehoash for eleven years, making a total reign of forty-one years (793-753 B.C.), longer than any other king in the Northern Kingdom. Jeroboam. This was Jeroboam II who, like the other kings of Israel, followed the false religion of Jeroboam I. During the reign of Jeroboam II, the prophets Hosea (Hos 1:1) and Amos (Amo 1:1) ministered to the Northern Kingdom. These prophets showed that Jeroboam II's reign was a time of great prosperity and greater spiritual apostasy in Israel.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 14:22 2 Kings 14:24 Hosea 1:1 Amos 1:1 Amos 7:10

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Wicked reign of Jeroboam II.
God raised up the prophet Jonah, and by him declared the purposes of his favour to Israel. It is a sign that God has not cast off his people, if he continues faithful ministers among them. Two reasons are given why God blessed them with those victories: 1. Because the distress was very great, which made them objects of his compassion. 2. Because the decree was not yet gone forth for their destruction. Many prophets there had been in Israel, but none left prophecies in writing till this age, and their prophecies are part of the Bible. Hosea began to prophesy in the reign of this Jeroboam. At the same time Amos prophesied; soon after Micah, then Isaiah, in the days of Ahaz and Hezekiah. Thus God, in the darkest and most degenerate ages of the church, raised up some to be burning and shining lights in it; to their own age, by their preaching and living, and a few by their writings, to reflect light upon us in the last times.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 14:23 2 Kings 14:25 Amos 7:10

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Wicked reign of Jeroboam II.
God raised up the prophet Jonah, and by him declared the purposes of his favour to Israel. It is a sign that God has not cast off his people, if he continues faithful ministers among them. Two reasons are given why God blessed them with those victories: 1. Because the distress was very great, which made them objects of his compassion. 2. Because the decree was not yet gone forth for their destruction. Many prophets there had been in Israel, but none left prophecies in writing till this age, and their prophecies are part of the Bible. Hosea began to prophesy in the reign of this Jeroboam. At the same time Amos prophesied; soon after Micah, then Isaiah, in the days of Ahaz and Hezekiah. Thus God, in the darkest and most degenerate ages of the church, raised up some to be burning and shining lights in it; to their own age, by their preaching and living, and a few by their writings, to reflect light upon us in the last times.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The sea - Unto the dead sea, once a goodly plain, (Genesis 13:10) , which was their southern border.
McArther Bible Commentary
restored the territory of Israel. Jeroboam II's greatest accomplishment was the restoration of Israel's boundaries to approximately their extent in Solomon's time, excluding the territory belonging to Judah. The northern boundary was the entrance of Hamath, the same as Solomon's (cf. 1Ki 8:65) and the southern boundary was the Sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea (Jos 3:16; Jos 12:3). Jeroboam II took Hamath, a major city located on the Orontes River, about 160 miles north of the Sea of Galilee. He also controlled Damascus, indicating that the Transjordan territory south to Moab was also under his authority. These victories of Jeroboam II were accomplished because the Syrians had been weakened by attacks from the Assyrians, while Assyria herself was weak at this time, suffering from threats on her northern border, internal dissension, and a series of weak kings. Jonah. The territorial extension of Jeroboam II was in accordance with the will of the Lord as revealed through the prophet Jonah. This was the same Jonah who traveled to Nineveh with God's message of repentance for the Assyrians (see Introduction to Jonah). Gath Hepher. A town located in the tribal area of Zebulun, about fourteen miles west of the Sea of Galilee (Jos 19:13).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:39 Matthew 12:40 Deuteronomy 3:17 Joshua 19:13 1 Kings 8:65 2 Kings 10:32 2 Kings 13:5 2 Kings 13:25 2 Kings 14:24 Ezekiel 11:10 Amos 6:14 Jonah 1:1

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Wicked reign of Jeroboam II.
God raised up the prophet Jonah, and by him declared the purposes of his favour to Israel. It is a sign that God has not cast off his people, if he continues faithful ministers among them. Two reasons are given why God blessed them with those victories: 1. Because the distress was very great, which made them objects of his compassion. 2. Because the decree was not yet gone forth for their destruction. Many prophets there had been in Israel, but none left prophecies in writing till this age, and their prophecies are part of the Bible. Hosea began to prophesy in the reign of this Jeroboam. At the same time Amos prophesied; soon after Micah, then Isaiah, in the days of Ahaz and Hezekiah. Thus God, in the darkest and most degenerate ages of the church, raised up some to be burning and shining lights in it; to their own age, by their preaching and living, and a few by their writings, to reflect light upon us in the last times.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Was bitter - Whereby he was moved to pity and help them, though they were an unworthy people. Nor any left - Both towns and country were utterly laid waste.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:36 1 Kings 14:10 2 Kings 9:8 2 Kings 13:4 Psalm 22:11

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Wicked reign of Jeroboam II.
God raised up the prophet Jonah, and by him declared the purposes of his favour to Israel. It is a sign that God has not cast off his people, if he continues faithful ministers among them. Two reasons are given why God blessed them with those victories: 1. Because the distress was very great, which made them objects of his compassion. 2. Because the decree was not yet gone forth for their destruction. Many prophets there had been in Israel, but none left prophecies in writing till this age, and their prophecies are part of the Bible. Hosea began to prophesy in the reign of this Jeroboam. At the same time Amos prophesied; soon after Micah, then Isaiah, in the days of Ahaz and Hezekiah. Thus God, in the darkest and most degenerate ages of the church, raised up some to be burning and shining lights in it; to their own age, by their preaching and living, and a few by their writings, to reflect light upon us in the last times.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Said not - Not yet; he had not yet declared this, as afterwards he did by the succeeding prophets.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 29:20 2 Kings 13:5 2 Kings 13:23

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Wicked reign of Jeroboam II.
God raised up the prophet Jonah, and by him declared the purposes of his favour to Israel. It is a sign that God has not cast off his people, if he continues faithful ministers among them. Two reasons are given why God blessed them with those victories: 1. Because the distress was very great, which made them objects of his compassion. 2. Because the decree was not yet gone forth for their destruction. Many prophets there had been in Israel, but none left prophecies in writing till this age, and their prophecies are part of the Bible. Hosea began to prophesy in the reign of this Jeroboam. At the same time Amos prophesied; soon after Micah, then Isaiah, in the days of Ahaz and Hezekiah. Thus God, in the darkest and most degenerate ages of the church, raised up some to be burning and shining lights in it; to their own age, by their preaching and living, and a few by their writings, to reflect light upon us in the last times.
McArther Bible Commentary
Without devotion to the Lord, Jeroboam, by might and clever leadership, brought Israel more prosperity than the country had known since Solomon. The people rested in their prosperity rather than God's power. Material blessing was no sign of God's blessing, since they had no commitment to Him.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 11:24 2 Kings 14:29 1 Chronicles 5:17 2 Chronicles 8:3

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Wicked reign of Jeroboam II.
God raised up the prophet Jonah, and by him declared the purposes of his favour to Israel. It is a sign that God has not cast off his people, if he continues faithful ministers among them. Two reasons are given why God blessed them with those victories: 1. Because the distress was very great, which made them objects of his compassion. 2. Because the decree was not yet gone forth for their destruction. Many prophets there had been in Israel, but none left prophecies in writing till this age, and their prophecies are part of the Bible. Hosea began to prophesy in the reign of this Jeroboam. At the same time Amos prophesied; soon after Micah, then Isaiah, in the days of Ahaz and Hezekiah. Thus God, in the darkest and most degenerate ages of the church, raised up some to be burning and shining lights in it; to their own age, by their preaching and living, and a few by their writings, to reflect light upon us in the last times.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Jeroboam - It was in the reign of this Jeroboam, that Hosea began to prophesy, and he was the first that wrote his prophecies. At the same time Amos prophesied, soon after Micah, and then Isaiah in the days of Ahaz and Hezekiah. Thus God never left himself without witness, but in the darkest ages of the church, raised up some to be burning and shining lights, to their own age, by their preaching and living; and a few by their writings to reflect light upon us, on whom the ends of the world are come.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 14:28 2 Kings 15:1