2 Chronicles 25:5

KJV

Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of [their] fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice [men, able] to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover Amaziah {H558} gathered {H6908} Judah {H3063} together {H6908}, and made {H5975} them captains {H8269} over thousands {H505}, and captains {H8269} over hundreds {H3967}, according to the houses {H1004} of their fathers {H1}, throughout all Judah {H3063} and Benjamin {H1144}: and he numbered {H6485} them from twenty {H6242} years {H8141} old {H1121} and above {H4605}, and found {H4672} them three {H7969} hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} choice {H977} men, able to go forth {H3318} to war {H6635}, that could handle {H270} spear {H7420} and shield {H6793}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Amatzyahu assembled Y'hudah together and put them in order by clans under captains of thousands and captains of hundreds - all Y'hudah and Binyamin. He registered everyone twenty years old and older, and found that there were 300,000 select troops able to go to war, capable of using spears and shields.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he numbered those twenty years of age or older throughout Judah and Benjamin and found 300,000 chosen men able to serve in the army, bearing the spear and shield.

American Standard Version

Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and ordered them according to their fathers’ houses, under captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, even all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and upward, and found them three hundred thousand chosen men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Amaziah of Judah, early in his reign, diligently organized the military forces of Judah and Benjamin. Adhering to ancient Israelite military protocols, he appointed commanders over units of thousands and hundreds, structuring his army according to ancestral houses. A census revealed a formidable fighting force of three hundred thousand well-equipped and capable men, all aged twenty years and above, ready for combat with spears and shields. This verse highlights Amaziah's initial administrative competence and his adherence to traditional legal requirements for military service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse introduces King Amaziah's first major administrative act after ascending to the throne, following the assassination of his father, King Joash. The narrative in [2 Chronicles 25](/2_chronicles/25 "2 Chronicles 25 - Amaziah's Reign") begins by establishing Amaziah's initial, albeit imperfect, commitment to the Lord ([2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Initial Reign")). The detailed account of his military preparations in this verse immediately precedes his campaign against Edom ([2 Chronicles 25:11](/2_chronicles/25-11 "2 Chronicles 25:11 - Amaziah's Victory Over Edom")) and sets the stage for the critical prophetic warning he receives regarding reliance on foreign mercenaries versus divine power ([2 Chronicles 25:7-8](/2_chronicles/25-7 "2 Chronicles 25:7-8 - The Prophet's Warning")). Thus, this verse serves as a foundational moment, showcasing Amaziah's initial obedience and human effort before the deeper theological lessons of his reign unfold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the numbering of men for military service was a significant act, often tied to divine command and national readiness. The organization into "captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds" reflects a well-established military structure dating back to the time of Moses ([Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Jethro's Counsel on Leadership")). The requirement to number men "from twenty years old and above" directly aligns with the Mosaic Law for military conscription, as stipulated in [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Census for Military Service"). This demonstrates Amaziah's adherence to the covenant traditions and legal precedents of Israel. The inclusion of both Judah and Benjamin highlights the consolidated strength of the southern kingdom, a key political and military entity after the division of the monarchy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Obedience to Mosaic Law**, as Amaziah's actions directly conform to the ancient stipulations for military organization and census. Secondly, it highlights the **Tension Between Human Preparation and Divine Reliance**. While Amaziah's diligent preparation is commendable, the subsequent narrative will reveal the danger of relying solely on human strength or alliances, a recurring theme in Chronicles. Finally, the verse speaks to the **National Strength and Readiness** of Judah, showcasing its military potential under a king who initially sought to establish order and security. This impressive force, however, will later be contrasted with the ultimate source of victory and security, which is God Himself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **numbered (Hebrew, _pakad'_):** This verb signifies more than a simple count; it implies an official, careful, and often divinely-sanctioned census or enrollment. In biblical contexts, *pakad* can also carry connotations of visitation, oversight, or accountability. Here, it emphasizes the king's administrative authority and the meticulousness with which the army was organized, reflecting a serious and legitimate preparation for war.
* **choice (Hebrew, _bachur'_):** This term, often translated as "chosen," "selected," or "young men," denotes individuals who are fit, strong, and capable. It implies that Amaziah's army was not merely a large quantity of men, but a quality fighting force composed of individuals specifically deemed suitable for combat. This highlights the effectiveness and potential prowess of Judah's military.
* **spear and shield (Hebrew, _romach_ and _magen'_):** These represent the standard offensive (spear) and defensive (shield) weaponry of ancient infantry. Their mention specifically indicates that these "choice men" were not just available, but properly equipped and trained for direct engagement in warfare. It underscores their readiness for the practical realities of battle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of [their] fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin":** This clause details Amaziah's initial administrative and military organization. He convened the fighting men from both Judah and Benjamin, establishing a hierarchical command structure (captains over thousands and hundreds) that mirrored the traditional Israelite military model. The phrase "according to the houses of their fathers" emphasizes the tribal and familial basis of this organization, reflecting a deep-seated cultural and social structure that provided order and identity to the fighting units.
* **"and he numbered them from twenty years old and above":** This specifies the age requirement for military service. By adhering to the age of "twenty years old and above," Amaziah was directly following the stipulations of the Mosaic Law for military conscription (e.g., [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Census for Military Service")). This act demonstrates an initial commitment to God's covenant instructions and established legal precedents, lending legitimacy and divine sanction to his military preparations.
* **"and found them three hundred thousand choice [men, able] to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield":** This final clause reveals the impressive outcome of Amaziah's census. The number "three hundred thousand" signifies a substantial and formidable army for the southern kingdom. The description "choice men" emphasizes their quality and fitness for battle, further reinforced by the phrase "able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield," indicating their training, equipment, and readiness for active combat.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Enumeration** and **Census** are prominent, as the detailed counting and categorization of the army highlight Amaziah's administrative prowess and the considerable military might of Judah. This precise numbering lends an air of officiality and strength to the king's preparations. Furthermore, there is an **Allusion** to Mosaic Law, specifically the military regulations found in the Pentateuch (e.g., [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Census for Military Service")). This allusion grounds Amaziah's actions in traditional Israelite piety and obedience, setting a positive tone for his early reign. Finally, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, as the meticulous military preparation directly sets the stage for the upcoming conflict with Edom and, more broadly, for the theological lessons that will unfold regarding reliance on human strength versus divine power throughout Amaziah's reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a straightforward military report, carries significant theological weight within the Chronicler's narrative. It showcases Amaziah's initial commitment to order and adherence to the Mosaic Law, particularly regarding military service. This obedience is commendable, reflecting a king who, at least initially, sought to govern according to God's established ways. However, the broader context of Amaziah's reign reveals a crucial tension: while human diligence and preparation are necessary, ultimate victory and security come from God alone. The impressive size and quality of Amaziah's army are presented, but the subsequent narrative will challenge the king to trust in divine power over sheer numbers or foreign alliances. This verse thus serves as a foundational moment, demonstrating the king's human responsibility in preparation, but also implicitly setting up the subsequent narrative where the limits of human strength without divine favor will be tested.

* [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Military Census Requirements")
* [2 Chronicles 25:7-8](/2_chronicles/25-7 "2 Chronicles 25:7-8 - Prophet's Warning to Amaziah")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not Armies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Amaziah's meticulous organization of his army in 2 Chronicles 25:5 offers a powerful lesson on the importance of diligent preparation and responsible stewardship. He didn't simply hope for victory; he actively prepared his nation according to established, God-given principles. This highlights that faith is not passive; it calls for our best efforts, our strategic planning, and our commitment to order. In our own lives, whether in spiritual disciplines, vocational pursuits, or personal responsibilities, we are called to be diligent, organized, and prepared, utilizing the resources and wisdom God provides. However, Amaziah's story quickly pivots to reveal the danger of relying *solely* on these human strengths. While our preparation is crucial, our ultimate reliance must always be on God's power and provision. This verse reminds us to balance our human effort with a profound trust in divine sovereignty, recognizing that true success and blessing flow from His favor, not merely from the size or skill of our "army." We are to "go forth to war" with our "spear and shield," but always with our eyes fixed on the Lord, knowing that "the battle is the Lord's."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Amaziah's initial obedience in military organization challenge or affirm my approach to preparation in my own life, whether spiritually, professionally, or personally?**
* **Where might I be tempted to rely solely on my own strength, resources, or cleverness, rather than seeking God's guidance and power in my endeavors?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my diligent efforts are always coupled with a deep trust in God's ultimate provision and sovereignty, recognizing that true power comes from Him?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for Amaziah to number his army "from twenty years old and above"?**

Answer: This age requirement was a direct adherence to the Mosaic Law, specifically outlined in [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Census for Military Service"), which stipulated that men "from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go to war in Israel" should be counted for military service. By following this command, Amaziah demonstrated an initial commitment to God's covenant instructions, lending legitimacy and divine sanction to his military preparations. It also ensured a mature and capable fighting force, as this age marked the transition into full adult responsibility and physical readiness for the rigors of ancient warfare in Israelite society. This act of obedience contrasted with later instances of disobedience in his reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Amaziah meticulously organized a physical army for earthly warfare, the ultimate fulfillment of military preparation and strategic victory is found in Christ. Amaziah's "three hundred thousand choice men" with "spear and shield" foreshadow a far greater, spiritual army, equipped by the true King. Jesus, the Lord of hosts, does not gather forces for a worldly kingdom ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), but He equips His followers for spiritual warfare against unseen principalities and powers ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Unlike Amaziah, who would later falter in his trust, Christ perfectly relied on the Father, achieving victory not through physical might but through His sacrificial death and resurrection, disarming all hostile powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "choice men" of Amaziah's army find their ultimate counterpart in the "chosen generation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Generation")) of believers, who are called to stand firm in the Lord and in the strength of His might, putting on the full armor of God to wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Full Armor of God")). In Christ, the victory is already secured, and His followers are more than conquerors through Him who loved them ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")).

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

Numbers 1:3

From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

2 Chronicles 17:14

And these [are] the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.

2 Chronicles 17:18

And next him [was] Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.

2 Chronicles 11:1

¶ And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen [men], which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.

1 Chronicles 13:1

¶ And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, [and] with every leader.

2 Chronicles 26:13

And under their hand [was] an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.

1 Samuel 8:12

And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and [will set them] to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.