2 Chronicles 25:12

KJV

And [other] ten thousand [left] alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.

KJV (with Strong's)

And other ten {H6235} thousand {H505} left alive {H2416} did the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} carry away captive {H7617}, and brought {H935} them unto the top {H7218} of the rock {H5553}, and cast them down {H7993} from the top {H7218} of the rock {H5553}, that they all were broken in pieces {H1234}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people of Y'hudah took another 10,000 away alive, brought them to the top of the Rock and threw them off the top of the Rock, so that they were all dashed to pieces.

Berean Standard Bible

and the army of Judah also captured 10,000 men alive. They took them to the top of a cliff and threw them down so that all were dashed to pieces.

American Standard Version

And other ten thousand did the children of Judah carry away alive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, so that they were all broken in pieces.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 25:12 recounts a horrific act committed by King Amaziah of Judah following his victory over the Edomites. After defeating them in the Valley of Salt, Amaziah's forces captured an additional ten thousand Edomite survivors. These captives were then brought to the summit of Sela, the Edomite capital, and brutally executed by being cast down from the cliffs, resulting in their complete destruction. This verse serves as a stark and grim testament to the extreme cruelty of ancient warfare and the depths of human depravity when unchecked by divine principles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of King Amaziah's military campaign against Edom. [2 Chronicles 25:11](/2_chronicles/25-11 "2 Chronicles 25:11 - Amaziah's Victory Over Edom") describes Amaziah leading his army to the Valley of Salt, where they achieved a decisive victory, slaying ten thousand Edomites. Verse 12 then details the grim fate of a *further* ten thousand Edomites who were taken alive as captives, highlighting the comprehensive and brutal nature of Judah's retribution. The narrative quickly shifts in [2 Chronicles 25:13](/2_chronicles/25-13 "2 Chronicles 25:13 - The Mercenary Attack on Judah's Cities") to describe the mercenary troops Amaziah had dismissed, who subsequently attacked Judean cities. This is followed by Amaziah's tragic and immediate turn to idolatry in [2 Chronicles 25:14](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry"), demonstrating a rapid moral and spiritual decline in his reign after this initial military success. The sequence of events underscores the Chronicler's interest in the character and spiritual trajectory of Judah's kings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Edomites, descendants of Esau, maintained a long-standing, often hostile relationship with Israel, marked by centuries of conflict (e.g., their refusal to allow Israel passage in [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage to Israel")). Their capital, Sela (meaning "rock" in Hebrew), was renowned as a formidable stronghold, often identified with later Petra, characterized by towering sandstone cliffs and deep gorges that provided natural defenses. The act of casting captives from a great height, while shocking to modern sensibilities, was a known, albeit extreme, method of execution in the ancient Near East. It served not only to eliminate enemies but also to inflict maximum psychological terror, public humiliation, and an undeniable display of absolute dominance. This brutal practice epitomized the "total war" mentality prevalent in the region, where mercy for vanquished foes was rare, and the extermination or enslavement of enemies was a common outcome of conquest.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the **Brutality of Ancient Warfare**, depicting the extreme cruelty and lack of mercy often characteristic of conflicts in the ancient Near East, serving as a sobering reminder of humanity's capacity for violence. Secondly, it exemplifies **Vengeance and Retribution**, as Amaziah and the people of Judah exact severe and disproportionate punishment upon their long-standing Edomite enemies. This act goes beyond mere conquest to deliberate annihilation. Thirdly, it provides a crucial, early insight into **Amaziah's Character**. Although he began his reign by doing "what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a loyal heart" ([2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Reign Begins")), this act of extreme cruelty, immediately preceding his swift turn to idolatry ([2 Chronicles 25:14](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry")), reveals a deeply flawed and ultimately unrighteous aspect of his leadership, foreshadowing his eventual downfall and the Chronicler's assessment of his reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Alive (Hebrew, _chay'_):** This word, derived from the root meaning "to live," emphasizes that these ten thousand were not killed in battle but were "left alive" and taken as prisoners. The use of "alive" here underscores the deliberate choice to capture them rather than slay them on the battlefield, setting the stage for their premeditated and horrific execution. It highlights that their subsequent fate was a calculated act, not a casualty of immediate combat.
* **Captive (Hebrew, _shavah'_):** This Hebrew verb means "to transport into captivity" or "to lead away captive." It describes the act of seizing individuals as spoils of war, often for enslavement or, as in this horrific instance, for execution. The term underlines that these were not combatants killed in the heat of battle, but prisoners of war, highlighting the deliberate and calculated nature of their fate as they were "carried away captive" by the children of Judah.
* **Rock (Hebrew, _selaʻ'_):** While meaning "a craggy rock" or "a fortress," in this context, "the top of the rock" is a direct reference to Sela, the capital city of Edom. This name itself (Sela) is derived from the Hebrew word for rock, underscoring the city's formidable natural defenses and its location amidst high cliffs. The choice of this specific location for the executions was profoundly symbolic, turning the very symbol of Edomite strength and security into a place of their utter humiliation and destruction.
* **Broken in pieces (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ'_):** This verb, a primitive root, means "to cleave," "to rend," or "to break open." In the Niphal stem, as used here, it conveys a passive sense of being broken or shattered. The phrase vividly communicates the complete and violent destruction of the victims' bodies upon impact, leaving no doubt about the gruesome and fatal outcome of their fall from the cliffs. It emphasizes the totality of their physical annihilation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [other] ten thousand [left] alive did the children of Judah carry away captive":** This clause specifies that these were not the initial ten thousand slain in battle (as per [2 Chronicles 25:11](/2_chronicles/25-11 "2 Chronicles 25:11 - Amaziah's Victory Over Edom")), but an additional ten thousand survivors who were taken as prisoners. It emphasizes the immense scale of the capture and the deliberate act of taking non-combatants captive, setting the stage for their subsequent, premeditated fate. The phrase "children of Judah" highlights the collective responsibility of the nation under Amaziah's command.
* **"and brought them unto the top of the rock":** This details the destination of the captives. "The top of the rock" unequivocally refers to Sela, the capital of Edom. Transporting such a large number of captives to this specific, high-altitude location indicates a premeditated act, designed for maximum visibility and impact, turning the very symbol of Edomite strength and independence into a stage for their public demise and humiliation.
* **"and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces":** This climactic clause describes the horrific method of execution. The act of "casting them down" from the cliffs was a deliberate, brutal, and public form of capital punishment, designed to be both lethal and terrifying. The outcome, "that they all were broken in pieces," leaves no ambiguity about the total and gruesome destruction of the victims' bodies, emphasizing the extreme violence and utter lack of mercy involved in this mass execution.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its grim message and the brutality of the event. **Vivid Imagery** is paramount, painting a stark and unforgettable picture of the captives being hurled from a great height and "broken in pieces," leaving an indelible impression of extreme violence and destruction. The sheer number of victims, "ten thousand," contributes to a sense of overwhelming scale, potentially bordering on **Hyperbole** to emphasize the magnitude of the massacre, though presented as a factual account. There is a profound **Irony** in the location chosen for this atrocity: Sela, the "Rock," a name that embodies strength, security, and the very identity of Edom, becomes the instrument of their utter annihilation and humiliation. Furthermore, the event serves as a grim **Foreshadowing** of Amaziah's own moral decline and eventual demise. A king capable of such an act of cruelty hints at a deeper spiritual flaw that will lead to other forms of unrighteousness and ultimately, divine judgment and his own violent end.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse presents a stark and challenging episode in the biblical narrative, prompting reflection on the nature of divine justice, human depravity, and the evolving ethical demands placed upon God's covenant people. While the Old Testament often details God's use of nations, including Israel, as instruments of judgment against wicked peoples, this particular act of extreme cruelty by Amaziah appears to stem from human vengeance and unchecked power rather than a direct divine command for such a specific, brutal method of execution. It highlights the dangers of allowing bitterness and retribution to dictate actions, even after a divinely sanctioned victory. The Chronicler reports the event factually, without explicit commendation, allowing the reader to grapple with its implications, especially when contrasted with later biblical teachings that emphasize mercy, compassion, and even love for one's enemies, revealing a trajectory towards a higher moral standard for God's people.

* [Deuteronomy 20:10-14](/deuteronomy/20-10-14 "Deuteronomy 20:10-14 - Laws of Warfare and Siege")
* [Psalm 137:8-9](/psalm/137-8-9 "Psalm 137:8-9 - Vengeance Against Babylon")
* [Matthew 5:43-44](/matthew/5-43-44 "Matthew 5:43-44 - Love Your Enemies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The horrific events of 2 Chronicles 25:12 serve as a sobering reminder of the depths of human depravity and the brutal realities of ancient warfare. While we live in a different covenant and cultural context, this passage challenges us to consider the enduring human propensity for vengeance and cruelty when not constrained by divine love and mercy. It compels us to reflect on the dangers of unchecked power, the dehumanization of enemies, and the tragic consequences of allowing bitterness and retribution to dictate our actions. For the believer, this passage stands in stark contrast to the New Testament call for compassion, forgiveness, and even love for one's enemies, urging us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of vindictiveness and to actively pursue justice tempered with mercy, reflecting the character of Christ. This account reminds us that God's people are called to a higher standard, one that transcends the brutal norms of any age and aligns with the compassionate heart of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this account challenge your understanding of warfare and justice in the Old Testament, particularly concerning acts committed by God's people?**
* **In what ways does this act of Amaziah contrast with the ethical teachings of Jesus, especially regarding the treatment of enemies and the call to love?**
* **What lessons can we draw from this verse about the dangers of unchecked power, the human capacity for cruelty, and the need for divine guidance in all actions?**
* **How can we, as followers of Christ, apply principles of mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation in a world that often seeks retribution and perpetuates cycles of violence?**

### FAQ

**Was this a common practice in ancient warfare?**

Answer: While the specific act of casting ten thousand captives from a cliff is exceptionally brutal and recorded rarely in such precise detail, the general practice of executing or enslaving large numbers of prisoners of war was not uncommon in the ancient Near East. Warfare in that period was often characterized by extreme cruelty, designed to break the will of the enemy, instill terror, and demonstrate absolute dominance. Other methods included impalement, flaying, and mass slaughter, as evidenced in Assyrian and other ancient Near Eastern records. The unique aspect here is the scale and the specific, highly public method of execution at Sela, turning the enemy's stronghold into a site of their annihilation.

**Why would God allow such an act by His people?**

Answer: The Bible often records the actions of individuals and nations, including Israel, without explicitly endorsing them. While God did command certain acts of judgment against wicked nations in the Old Testament (e.g., the Canaanites, as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Destroy Nations")), this particular act by Amaziah is presented as a human decision, likely driven by vengeance against a long-standing enemy (Edom). The Chronicler reports it as part of Amaziah's story, which ultimately leads to his downfall, suggesting that such cruelty was not a sign of God's favor or a model for righteous conduct. The narrative implicitly critiques Amaziah's character, especially when contrasted with his later idolatry ([2 Chronicles 25:14](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry")), indicating that this act was part of a pattern of unrighteousness and a manifestation of a heart "not loyal" to the Lord ([2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Initial Reign")).

**What does this tell us about Amaziah's character?**

Answer: This act reveals a deeply flawed and ruthless aspect of King Amaziah's character. Although [2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Initial Reign") states he "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a loyal heart," this extreme cruelty demonstrates a profound lack of compassion and an embrace of ancient Near Eastern barbarity, rather than adherence to the higher moral standards God desired for His people. This act of vengeance foreshadows his subsequent turn to idolatry and his ultimate rejection by God, culminating in his assassination ([2 Chronicles 25:27](/2_chronicles/25-27 "2 Chronicles 25:27 - Amaziah's Assassination")). It illustrates that initial obedience or military success does not guarantee a righteous heart or a sustained walk with God, and that a lack of inner devotion can lead to horrific outward actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The gruesome scene in 2 Chronicles 25:12 stands in stark and profound contrast to the character and mission of Jesus Christ. While Amaziah, a king of Judah, demonstrated his power through brutal conquest and retribution, Jesus, the true King of Judah and the Son of God, manifested His ultimate power through self-sacrificial love and radical mercy. The "rock" of Sela, from which ten thousand lives were shattered in an act of human vengeance and destruction, finds its divine counterpoint in Christ, who is the "Rock" of our salvation ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ, the Spiritual Rock")), the foundation upon whom His church is built ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter, the Rock and the Church")). He did not come to cast down His enemies but to lay down His life for them, offering redemption even to those who crucified Him, praying "Father, forgive them" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Executioners")). The cycle of violence and vengeance, so tragically evident in Amaziah's act, is decisively broken by Christ's revolutionary command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")). His kingdom is not established through the shattering of human bodies but through the mending of broken souls, inviting all to find reconciliation and peace through His atoning sacrifice ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He is the true and perfect King whose reign is marked by grace, not gratuitous violence, offering life where others brought death.

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

2 Chronicles 20:10

And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not;

1 Chronicles 20:3

And he brought out the people that [were] in it, and cut [them] with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 21:8

In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king.

2 Chronicles 21:10

So the Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. The same time [also] did Libnah revolt from under his hand; because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers.

2 Samuel 12:31

And he brought forth the people that [were] therein, and put [them] under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.