FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
2 Kings 14:2
KJVHe 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.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The accounts of the kings culminate in Assyria's conquest of Israel and an extended explanation of the disaster.
- 14:1 In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.
- 14:2 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.
- 14:3 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.
- 14:4 Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.
- 14:5 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.
- 14:6 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.
- 14:7 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution to Kings. The completed work incorporates records of Israel and Judah and events during exile; its final compiler is uncertain. Biblical references: 2 Kings 15:11; 2 Kings 25:27. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Kings 14:1–15:38): The kings, officials, and peoples of Judah and Israel are described in successive reigns, wars, and changes of power. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Israelite and Judean community in and after the exile, reflecting on why both kingdoms fell and what remained of the Davidic line. Biblical references: 2 Kings 17:7; 2 Kings 23:27; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Amaziah Reigns in Judah. Read 2 Kings 14:1 through 2 Kings 14:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The accounts of the kings culminate in Assyria's conquest of Israel and an extended explanation of the disaster. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book continues the divided-kingdom histories through Assyria's conquest of Israel and Babylon's conquest of Judah, ending with a notice concerning Jehoiachin. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Israel and Judah, including Samaria and Jerusalem, and ends with exile in Babylon. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Amaziah Reigns in Judah (2 Kings 14:1 to 2 Kings 14:7). Start reading at 2 Kings 14:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus cites the cleansing of Naaman in His discourse at Nazareth. This supplies a specific connection to the book's prophetic narratives and challenges assumptions about privilege. See 2 Kings 5:14, Luke 4:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Hear warnings before repeated refusal hardens into habit. Reform, repentance, and faithfulness should be assessed from the narrated response to God's word, not merely a ruler's reputation. interpretation
Cited: 2 Kings 14:1, 2 Kings 14:7, 2 Kings 5:14, Luke 4:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Kings 14
2 Kings 17:7 2 Kings 23:27 2 Kings 25:27
Jehoash Defeats Amaziah
2 Kings 14:8–14FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Jeroboam II Succeeds Jehoash in Israel
2 Kings 14:15–16FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
The Death of Amaziah
2 Kings 14:17–20FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Azariah Succeeds Amaziah in Judah
2 Kings 14:21–22FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Jeroboam II Reigns in Israel
2 Kings 14:23–29FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Kings
2 Kings 17:7 2 Kings 23:27 2 Kings 25:27
Elijah's departure and Elisha's ministry
2 Kings 1:1–8:15FocusThe prophetic word continues
FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Judah before its fall
2 Kings 18:1–23:30FocusHezekiah, Manasseh, and Josiah
Jerusalem falls and Judah is exiled
2 Kings 23:31–25:30FocusDestruction and a final note of favor
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.