2 Chronicles 25:14

KJV

¶ Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up [to be] his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now it came to pass, after {H310} that Amaziah {H558} was come {H935} from the slaughter {H5221} of the Edomites {H130}, that he brought {H935} the gods {H430} of the children {H1121} of Seir {H8165}, and set them up {H5975} to be his gods {H430}, and bowed down {H7812} himself before {H6440} them, and burned incense {H6999} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

After Amatzyahu returned from the slaughter of the people from Edom, he brought the gods of the people of Se'ir and set them up as his own gods, prostrating himself before them and offering incense to them.

Berean Standard Bible

When Amaziah returned from the slaughter of the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the Seirites, set them up as his own gods, bowed before them, and burned sacrifices to them.

American Standard Version

Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following a divinely granted victory over the Edomites, King Amaziah of Judah tragically succumbed to profound spiritual apostasy, directly defying the Lord who had just delivered his enemies into his hand. Instead of offering praise to the God of Israel, Amaziah brought back the defeated deities of the children of Seir, establishing them as his personal gods, and then engaged in overt acts of worship by bowing down and burning incense before these powerless idols. This act represents a shocking display of ingratitude and a catastrophic turning point in his reign, revealing a deep spiritual blindness immediately after experiencing God's manifest power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The verse [2 Chronicles 25:14](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry") immediately follows Amaziah's decisive victory over the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, as recounted in [2 Chronicles 25:11-13](/2_chronicles/25-11-13 "2 Chronicles 25:11-13 - Amaziah's Victory over Edom"). Prior to this triumph, Amaziah had initially shown a degree of obedience by dismissing the Israelite mercenaries at the command of a man of God, despite the financial cost, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 25:7-10](/2_chronicles/25-7-10 "2 Chronicles 25:7-10 - Amaziah Dismisses Mercenaries"). The Lord's blessing on his obedience was evident in the subsequent military success. However, 2 Chronicles 25:14 marks an abrupt and shocking spiritual reversal. It sets the stage for the Lord's anger and the prophetic confrontation that follows in [2 Chronicles 25:15-16](/2_chronicles/25-15-16 "2 Chronicles 25:15-16 - God's Anger and Prophetic Warning to Amaziah"), leading directly to Amaziah's later prideful challenge to Joash of Israel and his ultimate downfall, culminating in his assassination, as narrated in [2 Chronicles 25:17-28](/2_chronicles/25-17-28 "2 Chronicles 25:17-28 - Amaziah's Downfall and Death"). This verse is thus the pivot point from initial obedience and divine blessing to profound apostasy and subsequent judgment, shaping the remainder of his reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Amaziah ruled Judah from 796-767 BC. The Edomites, referred to as "the children of Seir," were descendants of Esau and long-standing adversaries of Israel, inhabiting the mountainous region south-east of the Dead Sea. Their gods, like those of other Canaanite and surrounding nations, were typically associated with natural forces, fertility, or war, often represented by physical idols. The practice of adopting the gods of a defeated nation was not uncommon in the ancient Near East; conquerors sometimes believed that the gods of the vanquished people held some power or that incorporating them into their own pantheon would ensure continued success or prevent future threats. However, for Israel and Judah, this practice was a direct violation of the foundational covenant with Yahweh, who explicitly commanded exclusive worship, as seen in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments"). The act of "burning incense" was a significant form of worship, often reserved for deities, and "bowing down" signified submission and reverence. Amaziah's actions reflect a syncretistic impulse, attempting to blend the worship of Yahweh with pagan practices, a recurring spiritual struggle throughout the history of the divided monarchy, often leading to divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully highlights several critical themes prevalent throughout the books of Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Idolatry and Apostasy**, illustrating a direct and flagrant violation of the first two commandments given by God at Sinai, as recorded in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments"). Amaziah's actions demonstrate a profound spiritual rebellion and a turning away from the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Closely related is the theme of **Ingratitude and Folly**, as Amaziah, having just witnessed the Lord's power in defeating the Edomites, inexplicably turns to worship the very gods who proved powerless. This act underscores the spiritual blindness that can accompany even divinely granted success. Furthermore, the passage exemplifies the **Danger of Syncretism**, where the attempt to blend true worship with pagan practices inevitably corrupts and leads to spiritual decline. Finally, it serves as a stark warning regarding the **Perils of Success**, demonstrating how prosperity or victory, if not met with humility and sustained devotion, can ironically become a catalyst for spiritual pride and defection from God, rather than drawing one closer to Him. This tragic pattern is a recurring motif in the history of Israel and Judah, repeatedly leading to divine discipline, as also seen in the later downfall of King Uzziah in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - The Reign of Uzziah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** While this Hebrew term (H430) can generically refer to "gods" or even "God" (when referring to Yahweh), in this context, it specifically denotes the foreign, pagan deities worshipped by the Edomites. The use of the plural here emphasizes the polytheistic nature of their religion, contrasting sharply with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. Amaziah's adoption of these _ʼĕlôhîym_ signifies a deliberate rejection of Yahweh's exclusive claim to worship, treating the true God as merely one among many.
* **Seir (Hebrew, _Sêʻîyr'_):** This term (H8165) refers to the mountainous region inhabited by the Edomites, descendants of Esau. The phrase "gods of the children of Seir" emphasizes the origin of these idols – they are the deities of the very people Amaziah had just conquered. This makes his act of worship even more illogical and offensive, as he attributes power to deities who were demonstrably unable to save their own people from defeat by Yahweh's hand.
* **Burned incense (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** The verb "burned incense" (H6999, from the root _qâṭar_) describes a specific and significant act of worship in the ancient Near East, often involving aromatic resins or spices offered to deities on an altar. In Israelite worship, burning incense was a sacred act reserved for Yahweh and performed by authorized priests, as detailed in [Exodus 30:7-8](/exodus/30-7-8 "Exodus 30:7-8 - Incense Offering Regulations"). Amaziah's performance of this act before foreign gods signifies a full and public commitment to their worship, a profound sacrilege and a direct affront to the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites":** This opening clause establishes the immediate temporal context, highlighting the shocking abruptness of Amaziah's apostasy. The victory over the Edomites was a clear demonstration of God's power and faithfulness, making Amaziah's subsequent actions an act of profound ingratitude and spiritual blindness. The phrase "slaughter of the Edomites" emphasizes the decisive and divinely-assisted nature of the triumph, making his turning to their gods even more incomprehensible.
* **"that he brought the gods of the children of Seir":** This is the first concrete action of Amaziah's apostasy. He physically transported the idols of the defeated Edomites back to Judah. This act is not merely a passive acceptance but an active appropriation of foreign deities, indicating a deliberate choice to integrate them into his spiritual life. The "children of Seir" again underscores the irony of worshipping the gods of a vanquished foe.
* **"and set them up [to be] his gods":** This clause reveals Amaziah's intention and commitment. He didn't just bring them back as curiosities or spoils of war; he "set them up," implying installation in a place of prominence, perhaps even a personal shrine or within the royal palace. By declaring them "his gods," he signifies a personal adoption and allegiance to these false deities, elevating them to a position of worship in his own life, directly challenging Yahweh's exclusive claim.
* **"and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them":** These two actions constitute overt acts of worship. "Bowed down" (Hebrew: _shâchâh_) indicates reverence, submission, and adoration, a posture of worship typically reserved for God alone. "Burned incense" (Hebrew: _qâṭar_) was a significant sacrificial act, often associated with prayer and devotion, signifying a full and public commitment to the deities being worshipped. Together, these actions confirm Amaziah's full-blown idolatry and apostasy, moving beyond mere possession of idols to active, personal devotion, in stark defiance of the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices** to underscore the gravity of Amaziah's actions. The most prominent is **Irony**, as Amaziah, having just experienced a divinely granted victory over the Edomites, immediately turns to worship the very gods who proved powerless to save their people. This profound irony highlights his spiritual blindness and ingratitude. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** presented between Amaziah's initial, albeit imperfect, obedience in dismissing the mercenaries (earlier in the chapter) and his subsequent, flagrant disobedience here. This contrast emphasizes the sudden and tragic turning point in his reign. The explicit listing of his actions—"brought," "set them up," "bowed down," "burned incense"—creates a sense of **Climax** in his apostasy, detailing a progression from mere acquisition to full, active worship. Finally, the narrative serves as a powerful **Didactic** tool, a cautionary tale intended to instruct the reader on the dangers of idolatry, syncretism, and spiritual complacency, particularly after experiencing divine blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amaziah's immediate turn to idolatry after a divinely orchestrated victory reveals a profound theological misunderstanding and a failure of faith. His actions demonstrate a common human tendency to attribute success to one's own power or to seek security in tangible, controllable deities rather than resting in the invisible, sovereign God who alone grants victory. This narrative underscores God's unwavering demand for exclusive worship, a cornerstone of the Mosaic Covenant. Any deviation, whether through the adoption of foreign gods or the blending of practices (syncretism), is considered spiritual adultery, provoking divine jealousy and judgment. The passage also highlights the deceptive nature of success; instead of fostering deeper dependence on God, it can ironically lead to spiritual pride and a false sense of self-sufficiency, causing one to stray. Amaziah's folly serves as a timeless reminder that true worship involves not just outward acts, but an undivided heart devoted solely to the Lord, who alone is worthy of all praise and allegiance.

* [Deuteronomy 6:14-15](/deuteronomy/6-14-15 "Deuteronomy 6:14-15 - Warning Against Idolatry")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "The Folly of Idols")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Suppressing the Truth in Unrighteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amaziah's story in 2 Chronicles 25:14 offers a sobering and profoundly relevant lesson for believers today. It challenges us to examine our hearts, especially in moments of success or blessing. When God grants us a victory—whether in our careers, relationships, health, or spiritual growth—do we immediately attribute it back to Him, or do we subtly begin to trust in our own abilities, strategies, or even the "gods" of this world? Modern idolatry rarely involves physical statues, but it manifests when we place anything—our reputation, financial security, comfort, worldly approval, or even our own spiritual disciplines—above our absolute devotion to God. The temptation to find security or identity in things other than Christ is ever-present. Amaziah's immediate spiritual downfall after a great triumph warns us against spiritual complacency and the deceptive nature of prosperity. We must remain vigilant, humble, and deeply rooted in our dependence on God, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Our worship must be exclusive, undivided, and heartfelt, lest we, like Amaziah, turn to powerless substitutes after experiencing the living God's mighty hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or sources of security do I tend to turn to immediately after experiencing a significant success or blessing in my life?**
* **In what subtle ways might I be engaging in "spiritual syncretism," attempting to blend my faith in Christ with the values or practices of the world?**
* **How does Amaziah's story challenge my understanding of gratitude and the proper response to God's faithfulness and provision?**

### FAQ
**Why would Amaziah worship the gods of a defeated nation?**

Answer: Amaziah's actions, while seemingly illogical from a monotheistic perspective, can be understood through the lens of ancient Near Eastern religious practices and human psychological tendencies. In that era, it was common for conquerors to either destroy the gods of the vanquished (to demonstrate their own deity's superiority) or, paradoxically, to adopt them. The adoption could stem from a superstitious belief that these gods, despite their defeat, still held some localized power, or perhaps that incorporating them would prevent future retribution or ensure continued success. It might also have been an attempt to integrate the conquered people's culture or simply a display of the spoils of war that then morphed into actual worship. For Amaziah, it reveals a profound spiritual blindness and a lack of true faith in Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty, perhaps believing that the God of Israel was merely one powerful deity among many, rather than the only true God, as taught in [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The Lord is God; there is no other").

**Does this mean God's victory over Edom was not truly from Him?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The text clearly attributes the victory over the Edomites to the Lord. Prior to the battle, a "man of God" explicitly tells Amaziah that "the Lord is able to give you much more than this" if he dismisses the Israelite mercenaries, implying divine assistance is conditional on obedience ([2 Chronicles 25:9](/2_chronicles/25-9 "2 Chronicles 25:9 - The Man of God's Counsel to Amaziah")). The subsequent slaughter of 10,000 Edomites and the capture of Sela ([2 Chronicles 25:11-12](/2_chronicles/25-11-12 "2 Chronicles 25:11-12 - Amaziah's Victory")) are presented as the direct result of God's blessing on Amaziah's initial obedience. Amaziah's apostasy in [2 Chronicles 25:14](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry") is not a reflection on the source of the victory but rather a tragic demonstration of human ingratitude and spiritual folly *after* experiencing God's manifest power. It underscores that even divine blessings do not guarantee sustained faithfulness if the heart is not fully devoted to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amaziah's tragic apostasy, turning from the living God to lifeless idols after experiencing divine victory, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in Christ. The Old Testament narrative, replete with Israel's cycles of obedience and idolatry, continually points to humanity's desperate need for a perfect King and a new covenant. Amaziah's failure to maintain faithfulness after success highlights the inherent weakness of human kingship and the brokenness of the human heart, unable to consistently render exclusive worship to God. In contrast, Jesus Christ, the true King of Judah and the Son of God, perfectly embodies faithfulness and unwavering devotion to the Father, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He faced every temptation to turn from God—from the devil's offers in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8-10 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Jesus Resists Temptation")) to the allure of worldly power—yet He remained steadfast, declaring, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve" ([Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus' Response to Temptation")). Unlike Amaziah, who worshipped the gods of a defeated foe, Christ Himself defeated the ultimate enemy, sin and death, through His resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). He then calls His followers not to worship powerless idols, but to worship the Father in spirit and truth, through Him, the only way to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Our deliverance from the idolatry of self and the world is found not in our own strength or victories, but in His finished work on the cross, which enables us to offer true, undivided worship to the one true God ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")).

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 28:23

For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, [therefore] will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.

Exodus 20:3

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Deuteronomy 7:25

The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold [that is] on them, nor take [it] unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it [is] an abomination to the LORD thy God.

Isaiah 44:19

And none considereth in his heart, neither [is there] knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten [it]: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?

Deuteronomy 7:5

But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.

2 Samuel 5:21

And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.