2 Chronicles 25:20

KJV

But Amaziah would not hear; for it [came] of God, that he might deliver them into the hand [of their enemies], because they sought after the gods of Edom.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Amaziah {H558} would not hear {H8085}; for it came of God {H430}, that he might deliver {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of their enemies, because they sought {H1875} after the gods {H430} of Edom {H123}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Amatzyah wouldn't listen. And this was from God, so that he could hand them over [to their enemies], because they had sought the gods of Edom.

Berean Standard Bible

But Amaziah would not listen, for this had come from God in order to deliver them into the hand of Jehoash, because they had sought the gods of Edom.

American Standard Version

But Amaziah would not hear; for it was of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they had sought after the gods of Edom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse offers a profound theological insight into the consequences of spiritual rebellion and the mysterious yet righteous outworking of divine sovereignty. It explains King Amaziah's inexplicable obstinacy in rejecting prophetic counsel, attributing his hardened heart to God's deliberate purpose to deliver Judah into the hands of their enemies. This severe judgment was the direct result of Amaziah's egregious sin of idolatry, having embraced and worshipped the very gods of the Edomites whom he had recently conquered.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of [2 Chronicles 25:20](/2_chronicles/25-20 "2 Chronicles 25:20 - Amaziah's Stubbornness") is King Amaziah's reign over Judah, detailed in [2 Chronicles 25](/2_chronicles/25 "2 Chronicles 25 - Amaziah's Reign and Downfall"). Having begun his rule with a measure of righteousness, albeit "not with a whole heart" ([2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Early Reign")), Amaziah achieved a significant victory against Edom ([2 Chronicles 25:11-12](/2_chronicles/25-11 "2 Chronicles 25:11-12 - Victory over Edom")). However, this triumph was immediately followed by a catastrophic spiritual lapse: Amaziah brought back the idols of Edom and began to worship them, provoking the Lord's anger ([2 Chronicles 25:14](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry")). A prophet was sent to confront him, delivering a clear warning against his apostasy ([2 Chronicles 25:15-16](/2_chronicles/25-15 "2 Chronicles 25:15-16 - The Prophet's Warning")). [2 Chronicles 25:20](/2_chronicles/25-20 "2 Chronicles 25:20 - Amaziah's Stubbornness") serves as the divine explanation for Amaziah's subsequent, seemingly irrational decision to challenge King Joash of Israel, a challenge that led directly to Judah's humiliating defeat ([2 Chronicles 25:17-24](/2_chronicles/25-17 "2 Chronicles 25:17-24 - War with Israel and Defeat")). The verse thus provides the theological lens through which to understand the unfolding tragedy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Amaziah reigned over Judah in the early 8th century BC, a period marked by shifting political alliances and persistent religious challenges. The conflict with Edom was long-standing, with Edom often asserting independence from Judahite control, as seen in their earlier revolt during Jehoram's reign ([2 Kings 8:20-22](/2_kings/8-20 "2 Kings 8:20-22 - Edom's Revolt")). Culturally, it was common for conquering nations to appropriate the gods of the vanquished, believing they had demonstrated superior power. However, for Judah, a nation bound by the covenant with Yahweh, such an act constituted grave apostasy, a direct violation of the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, consistently highlights the direct correlation between Judah's obedience or disobedience to the Mosaic Law and their national prosperity or suffering, emphasizing the immediate consequences of their actions, particularly in matters of worship.

* **Key Themes:** Several key themes converge in [2 Chronicles 25:20](/2_chronicles/25-20 "2 Chronicles 25:20 - Amaziah's Stubbornness"), reflecting the Chronicler's overarching theological agenda. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting that God is ultimately in control, even orchestrating human stubbornness to fulfill His righteous purposes. Amaziah's refusal to listen is not merely human folly but "came of God," demonstrating that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a direct, sovereign response to sin. This leads to the second crucial theme: the **Consequences of Idolatry**. The verse explicitly states the reason for God's action: "because they sought after the gods of Edom." This act of spiritual apostasy, a profound breach of the covenant and the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"), is presented as the primary catalyst for Judah's impending disaster. Finally, the theme of **Refusal to Hear Counsel** is prominent. Amaziah's unwillingness to "hear" the prophet's clear warning ([2 Chronicles 25:16](/2_chronicles/25-16 "2 Chronicles 25:16 - Amaziah Rejects the Prophet")) signifies a hardened heart, a recurring motif in biblical narratives where rejection of divine instruction leads inevitably to downfall, as seen in the warnings of [Proverbs 1:24-33](/proverbs/1-24 "Proverbs 1:24-33 - Wisdom's Invitation and Warning").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shama'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (_shama'_) translated as "hear" in "Amaziah would not hear" carries a much deeper meaning than mere auditory perception. It implies listening with understanding, paying attention, and, crucially, obeying or heeding. When Amaziah "would not hear" the prophet's warning, it signifies a deliberate and stubborn refusal to comply with God's revealed will, indicating a hardened heart and a closed mind to divine counsel. This rejection of God's word sealed his fate.
* **Came of God (Hebrew, _min ha'Elohim'_):** The phrase "it came of God" (מֵהָאֱלֹהִים, _min ha'Elohim_) literally means "from God" or "by God." This expression denotes divine causation or origin. It does not suggest that God directly compelled Amaziah to sin, but rather that God, in His sovereignty, permitted or orchestrated the circumstances, including Amaziah's own sinful stubbornness, to achieve His righteous judgment. This is a theological statement about God's ultimate control over human affairs, allowing sin to run its course to bring about just retribution, especially in response to profound apostasy.
* **Sought after (Hebrew, _darash'_):** The verb דָּרַשׁ (_darash_) means "to seek," "to inquire," "to consult," or "to frequent." When applied to "the gods of Edom," it indicates an active, intentional, and devoted pursuit of these false deities. It's not a casual glance or a momentary lapse, but a deliberate turning away from Yahweh to engage in the worship and practices associated with foreign idols, signifying a deep spiritual commitment to them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Amaziah would not hear;":** This clause highlights King Amaziah's deliberate and stubborn refusal to heed the clear prophetic warning delivered to him in [2 Chronicles 25:15-16](/2_chronicles/25-15 "2 Chronicles 25:15-16 - The Prophet's Warning to Amaziah"). It signifies not merely a lack of auditory perception, but a willful rejection of divine counsel, demonstrating a hardened heart and a rebellious spirit against the Lord. This obstinacy is presented as the immediate human cause of the ensuing disaster.
* **"for it [came] of God, that he might deliver them into the hand [of their enemies],":** This is the theological explanation for Amaziah's inexplicable stubbornness. The phrase "it came of God" asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over the situation. It implies that God, in His righteous judgment, allowed Amaziah's sinful inclination to persist and lead him down a path of self-destruction. God's purpose in this was to "deliver them into the hand [of their enemies]," specifically referring to the impending defeat by King Joash of Israel, serving as a divinely ordained punishment for their transgression.
* **"because they sought after the gods of Edom.":** This final clause provides the fundamental reason for God's severe judgment. Amaziah, immediately after his victory over Edom, had brought back their idols and begun to worship them ([2 Chronicles 25:14](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry")). This act of apostasy—turning from the one true God to serve pagan deities—was a grave violation of the covenant and the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). It was this profound spiritual infidelity that provoked God's wrath and necessitated the judgment described in the preceding clause.

#### Literary Devices
[2 Chronicles 25:20](/2_chronicles/25-20 "2 Chronicles 25:20 - Amaziah's Stubbornness") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful theological message. The most prominent is **Divine Causation**, encapsulated in the phrase "it came of God." This attributes Amaziah's stubborn refusal to a divine origin, not as a direct compulsion to sin, but as a sovereign act of God allowing the natural consequences of sin to unfold for the purpose of judgment. This reflects the Chronicler's consistent theological perspective that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people, dispensing immediate retribution for disobedience. There is also a stark **Irony** present: Amaziah, having decisively defeated the Edomites and destroyed their people, paradoxically brings their gods back to Judah and worships them. The very symbols of the vanquished become the objects of the victor's devotion, leading directly to his own defeat. This highlights the absurdity and spiritual blindness of his actions. Furthermore, the verse functions as a clear statement of **Cause and Effect**, explicitly linking Amaziah's apostasy—"because they sought after the gods of Edom"—to the subsequent divine judgment of being "deliver[ed] into the hand [of their enemies]." This direct causal relationship underscores the gravity of idolatry and the certainty of divine retribution. Finally, the narrative serves as a **Foreshadowing** of Judah's ultimate fate, as repeated patterns of idolatry and rejection of prophetic warnings eventually lead to the nation's exile, reinforcing the Chronicler's message about the consequences of covenant infidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Chronicles 25:20](/2_chronicles/25-20 "2 Chronicles 25:20 - Amaziah's Stubbornness") stands as a potent theological statement on divine sovereignty, particularly in the context of judgment. It reveals that God, while never the author of sin, can actively permit or even orchestrate circumstances, including the hardening of a human heart, to bring about His righteous will and just retribution. Amaziah's stubbornness was not merely a human failing but a divinely ordained means to deliver judgment upon Judah because of their profound apostasy. This underscores the gravity of idolatry, demonstrating that God will not share His glory or tolerate rivals, and that turning from Him to false gods inevitably leads to severe consequences. The narrative serves as a stark reminder that spiritual compromise, even after apparent success, can lead to catastrophic downfall, illustrating the principle that God's justice is unwavering.

* [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "Exodus 9:12 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "Proverbs 29:1 - The Stubborn Sinner")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Chronicles 25:20](/2_chronicles/25-20 "2 Chronicles 25:20 - Amaziah's Stubbornness") serves as a profound and sobering mirror for contemporary believers. Amaziah's swift descent into idolatry after a significant victory highlights the insidious nature of spiritual complacency and the ever-present danger of syncretism. We are prompted to examine our own hearts: What "gods of Edom"—perhaps the idols of material wealth, professional ambition, social approval, or even self-sufficiency—do we unwittingly bring into our lives, especially after experiencing a measure of success or blessing? The verse forcefully reminds us of the critical importance of cultivating a heart that is not only willing to "hear" God's voice but eager to obey it. Stubbornness, pride, and a refusal to heed divine warnings, whether communicated through the clear teaching of Scripture, the wise counsel of trusted spiritual mentors, or the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit, can lead to spiritual blindness and ultimately, to God's corrective discipline. Our devotion to the Lord must be exclusive, unwavering, and wholehearted, recognizing His absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. True and lasting success is found not in worldly triumphs, but in unreserved fidelity and humble submission to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods of Edom" might I be subtly embracing in my life, perhaps after a season of success or blessing?**
* **How sensitive am I to God's warnings, whether through Scripture, wise counsel, or the Holy Spirit's conviction?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "hardened heart" or stubbornness against God's will?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in judgment shape my reverence and my commitment to obedience?**

### FAQ
**Did God force Amaziah to sin by making him stubborn?**

Answer: No, the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty does not imply that He directly compels individuals to sin. The phrase "it came of God" (or "this was from God") in [2 Chronicles 25:20](/2_chronicles/25-20 "2 Chronicles 25:20 - Amaziah's Stubbornness") indicates God's sovereign permission and orchestration of circumstances to bring about His righteous judgment, rather than His direct causation of Amaziah's sinful act. Amaziah's stubbornness was a manifestation of his own rebellious heart, a choice he made to reject the prophet's warning ([2 Chronicles 25:16](/2_chronicles/25-16 "2 Chronicles 25:16 - Amaziah Rejects the Prophet")). God, in His justice, allowed Amaziah's sin to run its course, leading to the consequences that fulfilled God's punitive purpose against a king and nation that had turned to idolatry. This aligns with other biblical accounts where God "hardens" hearts in response to prior rebellion, such as with Pharaoh in [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "Exodus 9:12 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart").

**What was so offensive about "the gods of Edom" that it provoked such a severe divine response?**

Answer: The "gods of Edom" were pagan deities worshipped by the Edomites, likely including gods associated with their land, fertility, or warfare. For Amaziah to bring these idols back to Jerusalem and "seek after" them ([2 Chronicles 25:14](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry")) was a profound act of apostasy and a direct violation of the covenant God had made with Israel. The [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment") explicitly states, "You shall have no other gods before me." By worshipping the gods of a conquered nation, Amaziah was not only rejecting Yahweh, the God who had just granted him victory over those very Edomites, but also embracing the spiritual practices of a people whom God had judged. This act demonstrated a contempt for God's exclusivity and holiness, provoking His righteous anger and necessitating severe judgment, as outlined in the warnings of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Amaziah in [2 Chronicles 25:20](/2_chronicles/25-20 "2 Chronicles 25:20 - Amaziah's Stubbornness") powerfully foreshadows humanity's inherent propensity for idolatry and stubborn rebellion, which inevitably leads to divine judgment and separation from God. This profound brokenness in the human condition underscores the desperate need for a perfect King and a new covenant. Jesus Christ perfectly fulfills what Amaziah, and indeed all earthly kings, failed to be. He is the true King of Judah, the Son of David, who never sought after false gods but perfectly obeyed the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike Amaziah, whose stubbornness delivered his people into the hands of their enemies, Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death "delivered" His people, not into the hands of judgment, but from the dominion of darkness and the power of sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness to Light")). He became the ultimate sacrifice for idolatry and all human sin, taking God's righteous judgment upon Himself so that all who believe in Him might receive forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His Spirit, Christ replaces the hardened heart of stone with a heart of flesh, enabling true spiritual hearing and obedience to God's voice ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). In Him, we are truly delivered and brought into eternal fellowship with the living God, never again to seek after the empty idols of this world.

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

1 Kings 12:15

Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

2 Chronicles 22:7

And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God by coming to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.

Acts 28:25

And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

Acts 28:27

For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Psalms 81:11

But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.

Psalms 81:12

So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: [and] they walked in their own counsels.

2 Thessalonians 2:9

[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,