2 Chronicles 25:9

KJV

And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Amaziah {H558} said {H559} to the man {H376} of God {H430}, But what shall we do {H6213} for the hundred {H3967} talents {H3603} which I have given {H5414} to the army {H1416} of Israel {H3478}? And the man {H376} of God {H430} answered {H559}, The LORD {H3068} is {H3426} able to give {H5414} thee much more {H7235} than this.

Complete Jewish Bible

Amatzyahu said to the man of God, "But what do we do about the three-and-a-third tons [of silver] I paid for Isra'el's army?"The man of God answered, "ADONAI can give you far more than that!"

Berean Standard Bible

Amaziah asked the man of God, “What should I do about the hundred talents I have given to the army of Israel?” And the man of God replied, “The LORD is able to give you much more than this.”

American Standard Version

And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, Jehovah is able to give thee much more than this.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 25:9 captures a pivotal moment in King Amaziah's reign, where his human concern over a significant financial loss of one hundred talents, paid to a forbidden Israelite army, clashes with a divine command for obedience. The prophet's concise yet profound response reassures Amaziah that God's capacity to provide and compensate far exceeds any perceived material sacrifice, underscoring the Lord's limitless power and faithfulness to those who prioritize His will above worldly considerations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the early stages of King Amaziah's reign, as chronicled in [2 Chronicles 25](/2_chronicles/25 "2 Chronicles 25 - Amaziah's Reign"). Having begun his rule by doing "what was right in the eyes of the Lord, though not wholeheartedly" ([2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Reign Begins")), Amaziah prepared for war against Edom. In an attempt to bolster his forces, he hired 100,000 Israelite mercenaries for 100 talents of silver ([2 Chronicles 25:6](/2_chronicles/25-6 "2 Chronicles 25:6 - Amaziah Hires Israelite Mercenaries")). However, a "man of God" intervened, warning Amaziah that God was not with the northern kingdom of Israel due to their idolatry, and that their inclusion would guarantee defeat ([2 Chronicles 25:7-8](/2_chronicles/25-7-8 "2 Chronicles 25:7-8 - The Prophet's Warning")). Amaziah's question in verse 9 reveals his immediate, practical concern about the substantial financial outlay. The prophet's answer then serves as the divine assurance that prompts Amaziah's initial, albeit temporary, obedience, as he dismisses the Israelite troops ([2 Chronicles 25:10](/2_chronicles/25-10 "2 Chronicles 25:10 - Amaziah Obeys and Dismisses Troops")), leading to a victory against Edom ([2 Chronicles 25:11-12](/2_chronicles/25-11-12 "2 Chronicles 25:11-12 - Victory Over Edom")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds during the period of the Divided Monarchy, with Judah in the south and Israel in the north. Relations between the two kingdoms were often strained, marked by theological divergence, as Israel consistently practiced idolatry, which is why God was not "with" them. Hiring mercenary armies was a common military strategy in the ancient Near East, allowing kings to quickly expand their forces. The "hundred talents of silver" represented an enormous sum, likely equivalent to many years of a laborer's wages, highlighting the significant financial sacrifice Amaziah was being asked to make. Edom, located southeast of Judah, was a perennial enemy, descendants of Esau, often in conflict with Israel and Judah, making Amaziah's desire for a decisive victory understandable. The Chronicler's emphasis on the direct consequences of obedience or disobedience to God's law is a hallmark of this historical book.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several core themes prevalent in Chronicles and throughout Scripture. Firstly, it highlights the **conflict between human wisdom/material gain and divine obedience**. Amaziah's dilemma forces him to choose between a tangible financial loss and adherence to God's direct command. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **God's limitless provision and sovereignty**. The prophet's declaration, "The LORD is able to give thee much more than this," directly challenges human limitations and economic calculations, asserting God's boundless resources and His ability to compensate far beyond human expectation. This echoes the principle found in [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs") that God will supply all needs according to His riches. Finally, the verse implicitly calls for **radical trust in God's faithfulness**. It demands that Amaziah (and the reader) place ultimate reliance not on human alliances or accumulated wealth, but on the unseen power and unfailing promises of God, even when the immediate cost seems prohibitive. This trust is foundational to the Chronicler's theology of immediate divine response to human action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Talents (Hebrew, _kikkar'_):** In ancient Israel, a "talent" (כִּכַּר, _kikkar_) was a significant unit of weight, typically for precious metals like silver or gold. A hundred talents of silver, as mentioned here, represented an immense sum of wealth, often equivalent to the annual wages of thousands of laborers or the revenue of a small kingdom for a year. The use of this term emphasizes the magnitude of the financial sacrifice Amaziah was being asked to consider, making his concern about the loss deeply relatable.
* **Able (Hebrew, _yakhol'_):** The Hebrew verb "able" (יָכֹל, _yakhol_) denotes capacity, power, or capability. When applied to the LORD, as in the prophet's declaration, it signifies divine omnipotence and limitless power. It asserts that God possesses the inherent ability and resources to accomplish anything He wills, including providing for His people in ways that far exceed human comprehension or economic constraints.
* **Much more (Hebrew, _harbeh mizzeh'_):** The phrase "much more" (הַרְבֵּה מִזֶּה, _harbeh mizzeh_) signifies an abundance that goes beyond the current amount, implying superabundant compensation, blessing, or provision. It's not merely an equal exchange but a generous overflow, emphasizing God's magnanimity and His capacity to bless beyond human calculation or expectation. This phrase encapsulates the core message of divine generosity in response to obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Amaziah said to the man of God,":** This opening clause establishes a direct dialogue between the king and the divine messenger, highlighting the immediacy and personal nature of the conflict and the impending divine revelation. Amaziah is directly confronted with God's will.
* **"But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel?":** This is Amaziah's anxious question, revealing his primary concern: the substantial financial investment already made. It expresses a very human dilemma, weighing the cost of obedience against a tangible, significant loss. It's a question rooted in practical economics and immediate consequence.
* **"And the man of God answered,":** This marks the transition to the divine response, delivered through the prophet. It signifies that the answer comes with divine authority and wisdom, directly addressing Amaziah's human-centered concern with a God-centered truth.
* **"The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.":** This is the profound theological declaration. It asserts God's boundless power and inexhaustible resources. It directly counters Amaziah's financial anxiety by shifting the focus from human limitations and perceived loss to divine omnipotence and superabundant provision. It's a promise of God's faithfulness to those who trust and obey Him, implying that no sacrifice made for God's sake goes unrewarded by Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. The primary device is **Dialogue**, which creates a direct and immediate tension between Amaziah's human concern and the divine response. Amaziah's question functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not seeking information but expressing his dilemma and anxiety over the financial loss. This is met with a divine **Assurance**, a declarative statement from the prophet that serves to resolve the king's apprehension. There is a clear **Contrast** established between human financial calculation (the 100 talents) and divine boundless provision ("much more than this"), highlighting the vast difference between earthly and heavenly economies. This contrast underscores the theme of trusting God's unseen power over visible assets. The prophet's statement also functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** in its promise of "much more," emphasizing the immeasurable generosity of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the nature of God as the ultimate provider and the importance of radical obedience. It challenges the human tendency to calculate risk and reward based solely on visible assets or immediate financial implications. The prophet's response asserts that God's economy operates on principles far superior to human ones, where obedience, even at significant personal cost, unlocks a divine provision that is not merely compensatory but superabundant. It teaches that true security and prosperity are found not in human alliances or accumulated wealth, but in aligning one's will with God's, trusting in His limitless capacity to bless and restore. This principle is foundational to a life of faith, urging believers to prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness above all else.

* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Test God with Your Tithes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our contemporary lives, we often face dilemmas similar to Amaziah's, where obedience to God's principles seems to incur a tangible cost—whether it's financial, reputational, social, or a sacrifice of comfort. We might be tempted to compromise on ethical standards for career advancement, cling to unhealthy relationships for fear of loneliness, or prioritize financial security over a call to ministry or generous giving. Amaziah's question, "But what shall we do for the hundred talents?", echoes our own anxieties when faced with such choices. The prophet's answer serves as a powerful, timeless reminder that God is not limited by our perceived losses or human calculations. He sees our sacrifices, honors our obedience, and possesses an infinite capacity to provide, restore, and bless in ways that far exceed any earthly cost. Our ultimate well-being and true prosperity are found in radical trust and unwavering obedience to Him, knowing that His generosity will always outstrip our greatest giving.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "talents" (resources, time, relationships, comfort) might God be asking me to "lose" or release for the sake of obedience in my life today?**
* **How does my trust in God's provision compare to my reliance on my own savings, career, or human systems for security?**
* **In what specific area of my life am I currently prioritizing perceived gain or avoiding a potential loss over clear divine instruction or a call to greater faith?**

### FAQ
**Why was it wrong for Amaziah to hire the Israelite soldiers, even if they were from a related kingdom?**

Answer: While hiring mercenaries was a common practice, it was specifically forbidden here because God declared He was "not with Israel" ([2 Chronicles 25:7](/2_chronicles/25-7 "2 Chronicles 25:7 - God Is Not With Israel")). This was due to Israel's persistent idolatry and spiritual apostasy. For Amaziah, the king of Judah, to ally with them would imply reliance on human strength and a spiritually compromised force rather than exclusive trust in the Lord. God desired to demonstrate His power through Judah alone, ensuring that the victory would be clearly attributed to Him, not to the numerical superiority gained through an unholy alliance.

**What does "The LORD is able to give thee much more than this" mean practically for believers today?**

Answer: This statement means that God is not limited by human economics, logic, or resources. When we obey Him, even when it involves a significant sacrifice or perceived loss, God has the infinite capacity to compensate, restore, and bless us in ways that far exceed what we "lost." This compensation is not always financial; it can manifest as peace, spiritual growth, divine favor, unexpected opportunities, protection, or a deeper relationship with Him. It's a promise of God's superabundant provision and faithfulness, assuring us that no act of obedience for His sake goes unrewarded by His boundless grace and power.

**Did Amaziah fully obey the man of God, and what was the long-term outcome of his reign?**

Answer: Amaziah initially obeyed, dismissing the Israelite troops and sending them home ([2 Chronicles 25:10](/2_chronicles/25-10 "2 Chronicles 25:10 - Amaziah Obeys")). As a result of this obedience, he achieved a great victory over the Edomites ([2 Chronicles 25:11-12](/2_chronicles/25-11-12 "2 Chronicles 25:11-12 - Victory Over Edom")). However, his obedience was not sustained. After his victory, Amaziah brought back the idols of Edom and began to worship them ([2 Chronicles 25:14](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry")), leading to God's judgment and ultimately his downfall and assassination ([2 Chronicles 25:27](/2_chronicles/25-27 "2 Chronicles 25:27 - Amaziah's Death")). This tragic trajectory highlights that initial obedience, while blessed, must be followed by sustained faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth declared to Amaziah—that "The LORD is able to give thee much more than this"—finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The principle of losing to gain, of sacrifice leading to superabundant blessing, is central to the Gospel. Jesus Himself taught that whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for His sake will find it ([Matthew 10:39](/matthew/10-39 "Matthew 10:39 - Losing Your Life for Christ")). This is supremely exemplified in Christ's own life: He, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")). In this ultimate "loss" of His life, He secured the ultimate "gain" for humanity: redemption, reconciliation, and eternal life ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). God's response to Christ's obedience was to exalt Him to the highest place, granting Him the name that is above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). For believers, the "much more" God gives is not merely material compensation but the immeasurable riches of His grace in Christ Jesus ([Ephesians 2:7](/ephesians/2-7 "Ephesians 2:7 - The Riches of His Grace")), including spiritual blessings, adoption into His family, and the promise of an eternal inheritance that far surpasses any earthly treasure or sacrifice ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in 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

Proverbs 10:22

¶ The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Deuteronomy 8:18

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day.