2 Chronicles 25:10

KJV

Then Amaziah separated them, [to wit], the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Amaziah {H558} separated {H914} them, to wit, the army {H1416} that was come {H935} to him out of Ephraim {H669}, to go {H3212} home {H4725} again {H3212}: wherefore their anger {H639} was greatly {H3966} kindled {H2734} against Judah {H3063}, and they returned {H7725} home {H4725} in great {H2750} anger {H639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Amatzyahu separated out the battalion that had come to him from Efrayim and told them to go back home - which made their anger burn hotly against Y'hudah, and they returned home enraged.

Berean Standard Bible

So Amaziah dismissed the troops who had come to him from Ephraim and sent them home. And they were furious with Judah and returned home in great anger.

American Standard Version

Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in fierce anger.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 25:10 vividly details the immediate and intense repercussions of King Amaziah's obedient decision to dismiss the Israelite mercenary troops he had hired. Despite the significant financial investment and the potential military advantage these forces offered, Amaziah's act of faith, in compliance with a divine command, ignited a profound and volatile anger among the Ephraimite soldiers. This verse powerfully illustrates the often-unforeseen human reactions and the immediate costs that can accompany acts of obedience to God, setting the stage for subsequent conflict and highlighting the spiritual chasm between Judah and Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of King Amaziah's reign, specifically during his preparations for a crucial war against the Edomites. The preceding verses establish the context: [2 Chronicles 25:5-6](/2_chronicles/25-5-6 "2 Chronicles 25:5-6 - Amaziah Gathers His Army and Hires Mercenaries") describes Amaziah's initial muster of Judahite forces and his subsequent decision to hire 100,000 Israelite mercenaries for a substantial sum. A "man of God" then intervenes in [2 Chronicles 25:7-8](/2_chronicles/25-7-8 "2 Chronicles 25:7-8 - The Man of God's Warning to Amaziah"), delivering a stark warning that God is not with Israel and that relying on them would inevitably lead to defeat. Amaziah's remarkable act of obedience, despite the immense financial loss of 100 talents of silver, is recorded in [2 Chronicles 25:9](/2_chronicles/25-9 "2 Chronicles 25:9 - Amaziah's Obedience and God's Promise"). Verse 10 immediately follows this pivotal moment, detailing the furious response of the dismissed troops, which directly foreshadows their destructive raid on Judahite cities, as recounted in [2 Chronicles 25:13](/2_chronicles/25-13 "2 Chronicles 25:13 - The Ephraimite Raid on Judah"). The narrative sequence thus emphasizes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Amaziah's faith-filled obedience and the mercenaries' vengeful wrath.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Amaziah ruled the southern kingdom of Judah from approximately 800-783 BC. This period was characterized by a distinct spiritual and political divide between Judah, which sought to maintain the Davidic covenant and the worship centered at the Jerusalem Temple, and the northern kingdom of Israel (of which Ephraim was a dominant tribe), which had largely succumbed to idolatry and political instability since the schism. The hiring of mercenary forces was a common military practice in the ancient Near East, reflecting a pragmatic approach to warfare. However, forming alliances with a spiritually compromised neighboring kingdom like Israel was often viewed as a theological compromise for Judah. The "100 talents of silver" was an astronomical sum, equivalent to roughly 3.75 tons of silver, representing a significant portion of the royal treasury and a substantial investment for Amaziah. The intense anger of the Ephraimite soldiers stemmed from multiple factors: the profound humiliation of being dismissed without fighting, the loss of anticipated plunder and spoils from the Edomite campaign, and the perceived insult of being sent home empty-handed after having committed themselves to the war. This dismissal was not just a financial slight but a grave affront to their honor and professional identity as warriors.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout 2 Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Cost of Obedience** to God. Amaziah's decision, though divinely commanded and spiritually sound, incurs immediate human opposition, financial loss, and future conflict, demonstrating that faithfulness is not always convenient or without earthly repercussions. Secondly, it underscores the critical theme of **Divine Reliance vs. Human Strength**. God's instruction to dismiss the Israelite troops highlights His desire for Judah to depend solely on Him for victory, rather than on ungodly alliances or superior numbers, a principle consistently emphasized in the historical books (e.g., [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle Belongs to the Lord")). Thirdly, the "great anger" of the Ephraimites introduces the theme of **Consequences of Disobedience/Rejection of God's Will**, as their fury would soon manifest in destructive raids against Judah. This serves as a bitter fruit of their mercenary spirit and the broader spiritual and political chasm between the two kingdoms, subtly touching on the theme of **Separation**, where God calls His people to be distinct from those who do not walk in His ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **separated (Hebrew, _bâdal'_):** From the root H914, meaning "to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.); (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly." In this context, it signifies Amaziah's decisive and physical act of dividing his forces by sending the Israelite contingent away. This separation was not merely logistical but a direct act of obedience to God's command to disassociate from those with whom God was not, carrying a theological weight of distinction.
* **anger (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** From the root H639, meaning "the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire; anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath." This term, literally referring to the nose or nostril (which flares in anger), is a powerful idiom for intense wrath or fury. It denotes a visceral, passionate indignation that goes beyond mere displeasure, indicating a readiness for violent reaction.
* **kindled (Hebrew, _chârâh'_):** From the root H2734, meaning "to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy; be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth." This verb describes the active process of anger flaring up, intensifying, and becoming a burning, consuming force. When combined with _ʼaph_ ("anger"), it creates the vivid imagery of a profound, internal combustion of rage that is about to erupt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Amaziah separated them":** This opening clause immediately establishes King Amaziah's swift and decisive action. "Them" refers specifically to the 100,000 Israelite mercenary troops he had previously hired. This act of separation was a direct and costly fulfillment of the prophet's warning and God's command in [2 Chronicles 25:7-8](/2_chronicles/25-7-8 "2 Chronicles 25:7-8 - The Man of God's Warning to Amaziah"), demonstrating his obedience to divine instruction over worldly military advantage or financial considerations.
* **"[to wit], the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again":** This parenthetical clarification precisely identifies the dismissed group as the northern kingdom's contingent, specifically from Ephraim, emphasizing the spiritual and political divide between the two kingdoms. Being sent "home again" signifies a humiliating and unrewarding dismissal, as they had traveled a considerable distance to participate in battle and expected plunder and glory, not ignominious expulsion.
* **"wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah":** This clause reveals the direct and intense emotional consequence of Amaziah's action. The dismissal, coupled with the loss of anticipated battle spoils and the perceived insult to their honor, ignited a deep-seated and fierce rage within the mercenaries. Their anger was not merely directed at Amaziah personally but "against Judah" as a whole, indicating a broader resentment that transcended the immediate transaction and foreshadowed inter-kingdom conflict.
* **"and they returned home in great anger":** This concluding clause reiterates and reinforces the severity and intensity of the mercenaries' emotional state. The repetition and emphasis on "great anger" (using H2750 _chŏrîy_ for "great" and H639 _ʼaph_ for "anger") underscore the profound and consuming nature of their fury, leaving no doubt that this resentment would manifest in destructive actions against Judah, as indeed it did shortly thereafter.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Foreshadowing**, as the intense "great anger" of the Ephraimite soldiers is not merely an emotional outburst but a clear harbinger of future conflict and destructive actions. This profound rage directly precipitates the violent raids on Judahite cities described later in [2 Chronicles 25:13](/2_chronicles/25-13 "2 Chronicles 25:13 - The Ephraimite Raid on Judah"), demonstrating that the consequences of this dismissal were far from benign. The phrase "anger was greatly kindled" is a powerful **Idiom** (Hebrew: _charah aph_), literally meaning "the nose burned," which vividly conveys a deep, visceral, and uncontrollable rage, making the emotional state of the mercenaries palpable to the reader. There is also a subtle but significant **Contrast** between Amaziah's obedient, faith-filled action—a costly decision made in reliance on God—and the mercenaries' self-interested, vengeful reaction, highlighting the divergent motivations and spiritual alignments at play. The repetition of "great anger" (or "in great anger") at the end serves as an **Emphasis**, reinforcing the intensity and significance of their emotional state and its impending consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 25:10 profoundly illustrates that obedience to God does not always lead to immediate peace, worldly advantage, or human approval; sometimes, it provokes opposition and unexpected costs. Amaziah's decision to trust God's promise over a large sum of money and a formidable army, while divinely affirmed, incited a fierce human reaction from those whose self-interest was thwarted. This narrative teaches that God's people are called to prioritize His will above all, even when it means facing the wrath of those who operate by worldly principles and whose values are antithetical to God's kingdom. The anger of the Ephraimite mercenaries serves as a stark reminder that ungodly alliances, even if seemingly pragmatic or militarily advantageous, can become a source of trouble and opposition when God calls for separation. True security and blessing come from sole reliance on the Lord, not from human strength, expedient partnerships, or the approval of man.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots, Some in Horses")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Chronicles 25:10 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating a world that often operates contrary to God's principles. It challenges us to examine our own priorities and allegiances: are we willing to incur personal, financial, or social costs for the sake of unwavering obedience to God? Amaziah's choice, though immediately costly in terms of money and human relations, ultimately positioned him for divine favor in the battle against Edom (though his later disobedience would prove his ultimate downfall). This verse reminds us that doing what is right in God's eyes does not guarantee a smooth path with others. In fact, our commitment to righteousness, our refusal to compromise on divine principles, and our willingness to separate from ungodly influences can sometimes provoke anger, misunderstanding, or opposition from those who do not share our values or whose self-interest is threatened by our faithfulness. Therefore, we are called to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's provision and protection, knowing that His ways are infinitely higher than our ways and His wisdom transcends all human logic. We must discern carefully the alliances we form, the resources we rely upon, and the counsel we heed, ensuring they align with God's perfect will and not merely worldly expediency or convenience. Our ultimate security is found not in human strength or popular opinion, but in God alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "costs" or potential negative reactions have I faced, or might I anticipate, when choosing to obey God's commands and stand for biblical truth in my life?**
* **How does Amaziah's initial obedience, despite the significant financial loss, challenge my own willingness to trust God with my resources, reputation, and future?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on "mercenary" alliances, worldly wisdom, or human strength rather than solely on God's power and provision?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Ephraimite soldiers so angry about being dismissed?**

Answer: Their anger was "greatly kindled" for several compelling reasons. Primarily, they had been hired for a substantial sum (100 talents of silver) and had traveled to participate in a military campaign, fully expecting to earn plunder, glory, and additional payment from the war against Edom. Being dismissed before the battle, after having committed their time, effort, and risking their lives, was a profound humiliation and a direct loss of anticipated financial gain and honor. Secondly, it was a significant insult to their professional pride and martial identity. They were described as "mighty men of valor" ([2 Chronicles 25:6](/2_chronicles/25-6 "2 Chronicles 25:6 - Amaziah Hires Israelite Mercenaries")), and being sent home without fighting was a public shaming that deeply wounded their sense of worth and purpose. Their fury was not just disappointment but a deep-seated resentment against Judah for what they perceived as a breach of contract and an affront to their dignity.

**What were the immediate consequences of this "great anger"?**

Answer: The "great anger" of the Ephraimite soldiers was not merely an emotional outburst but led to direct, destructive action against Judah. As they returned home, filled with fury, they raided several Judahite cities that were undefended due to Amaziah's army being away fighting the Edomites. These cities included Beth-horon. During their rampage, they carried off a great deal of plunder, including sheep, oxen, and donkeys, and tragically killed 3,000 people ([2 Chronicles 25:13](/2_chronicles/25-13 "2 Chronicles 25:13 - The Ephraimite Raid on Judah")). This act of vengeance was a significant blow to Judah, demonstrating the immediate and violent repercussions of their dismissal and highlighting the inherent danger of aligning with those who do not share a commitment to God's ways or who are driven by self-interest rather than divine principle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Amaziah's costly obedience and the ensuing wrath of the dismissed mercenaries finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Amaziah's willingness to forgo worldly advantage and incur human opposition for the sake of God's command foreshadows Christ's perfect obedience, even unto the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God, willingly laid down His life, not for an earthly kingdom or temporary gain, but for the eternal redemption of humanity ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly")). His mission, though divinely ordained and perfectly executed, provoked intense "anger" and opposition from those who rejected His authority and message, culminating in His unjust crucifixion ([John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - Crucify Him!")). Just as Amaziah separated from an ungodly alliance to rely solely on God, Christ calls His followers to separate from the world's values, systems, and ungodly alliances, and to rely wholly on Him for salvation and strength ([2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them")). The "cost of obedience" for Amaziah was human wrath and material loss; for Christ, it was the cross, which, though seemingly a defeat, was God's ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, leading to reconciliation and eternal life for all who believe ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumphing Over Principalities and Powers")). Through Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to obey God, even when it means facing opposition or making costly decisions, knowing that our ultimate reward and security are found in Him alone ([Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed Are Those Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 29:22

¶ An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

1 Kings 12:24

Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.

2 Samuel 19:43

And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more [right] in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.