TRV
Translation
King James Version
Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
Complete Jewish Bible
True, you have defeated Edom, and now you're ambitious. So enjoy the glory, but stay home! Why provoke calamity, to your own ruin, yours and Y'hudah's too?"
Berean Standard Bible
You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?”
American Standard Version
Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thy heart hath lifted thee up: glory thereof, and abide at home; for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
World English Bible Messianic
You have indeed struck Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Enjoy the glory of it, and stay at home; for why should you meddle to your harm, that you should fall, even you, and Judah with you?’”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Because thou hast smitten Edom, thine heart hath made thee proud: bragge of glory, and tary at home. why doest thou prouoke to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, and Iudah with thee?
Young's Literal Translation
Thou hast certainly smitten Edom, and thy heart hath lifted thee up; be honoured, and abide in thy house; and why dost thou stir thyself up in evil, that thou hast fallen, thou, and Judah with thee?'
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Commentary on 2 Kings 14 verses 8–14
8 ¶ Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.
9 And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.
10 Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
11 But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah.
12 And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.
13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
14 And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria.
For several successions after the division of the kingdoms that of Judah suffered much by the enmity of Israel. After Asa's time, for several successions, it suffered more by the friendship of Israel, and by the alliance and affinity made with them. But now we meet with hostility between them again, which had not been for some ages before.
I. Amaziah, upon no provocation, and without showing any cause of quarrel, challenged Joash into the field (Kg2 14:8): "Come, let us look one another in the face; let us try our strength in battle." Had he challenged him to a personal duel only, the error would have remained with himself, but each must bring all their forces into the field, and thousands of lives on both sides must be sacrificed to his capricious humour. Hereby he showed himself proud, presumptuous, and prodigal of blood. Some think that he intended to avenge the injury which the dismissed disgusted Israelites had lately done to his country, in their return (Ch2 25:13), and that he had also the vanity to think of subduing the kingdom of Israel, and reuniting it to Judah. A fool's lips thus enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. Those that challenge are chargeable with that beginning of strife, which is as the letting forth of water. He that is eager either to fight or to go to law may perhaps have enough of it quickly, and be the first that repents it.
II. Joash sent him a grave rebuke for his challenge, with advice to withdraw it, Kg2 14:9, Kg2 14:10. 1. He mortifies his pride, by comparing himself to a cedar, a stately tree, and Amaziah to a thistle, a sorry weed, telling him he was so far from fearing him that he despised him, and scorned as much to have any thing to do with him, or make any alliance with him, as the cedar would to match his daughter to a thistle. The ancient house of David he thinks not worthy to be named the same day with the house of Jehu, though an upstart. How may a humble man smile to hear two proud and scornful men set their wits on work to vilify and undervalue one another! 2. He foretels his fall: A wild beast trode down the thistle, and so put an end to his treaty with the cedar; so easily does Joash think his forces can crush Amaziah, and so unable does he think him to make any resistance. 3. He shows him the folly of his challenge: "Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, a weak, unarmed, undisciplined body of men, and therefore thinkest thou canst carry all before thee and subdue the regular forces of Israel with as much ease. Thy heart has lifted thee up." See where the root of all sin lies; it is in the heart, thence it flows, and that must bear the blame. It is not Providence, the event, the occasion (whatever it is), that makes men proud, or secure, or discontented, or the like, but it is their own heart that does it. "Thou art proud of the blow thou hast given to Edom, as if that had made thee formidable to all mankind." Those wretchedly deceive themselves that magnify their own performances, and, because they have been blessed with some little success and reputation, conclude themselves fit for any thing and no less sure of it. 4. He counsels him to be content with the honour he has won, and not to hazard that, by grasping at more that was out of his reach: Why shouldst thou meddle to thy hurt, as fools often do, that will be meddling? Pro 20:3. Many would have had wealth and honour enough if they had but known when they had enough. He warns him of the consequence, that it would be fatal not to himself only, but to his kingdom, which he ought to protect.
III. Amaziah persisted in his resolution, and the issue was bad; he had better have tarried at home, for Joash gave him such a look in the face as put him to confusion. Challengers commonly prove to be on the losing side. 1. His army was routed and dispersed, Kg2 14:12. Josephus says, When they were to engage they were struck with such terror that they did not strike a stroke, but every one made the best of his way. 2. He himself was taken prisoner by the king of Israel, and then had enough of looking him in the face. Amaziah's pedigree comes in here somewhat abruptly (the son of Joash, the son of Ahaziah), because perhaps he had gloried in the dignity of his ancestors, or because he now smarted for their iniquity. 3. The conqueror entered Jerusalem, which tamely opened to him, and yet he broke down their wall (and, as Josephus says, drove his chariot in triumph through the breach), in reproach to them, and that he might, when he pleased, take possession of the royal city. 4. He plundered Jerusalem, took away all that was valuable, and returned to Samaria, laden with spoils, Kg2 14:14. It was said of Joash that he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, and of Amaziah that he did that which was right; and yet Joash triumphs thus over Amaziah, and why so? Because God would show, in Amaziah's fate, that he resists the proud, or because, whatever they were otherwise, Joash had lately been respectful to one of God's prophets (Kg2 13:14), but Amaziah had been abusive to another (Ch2 25:16), and God will honour those who honour him in his prophets, but those who despise them, and him in them, shall be lightly esteemed.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–14. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
ON GRACE AND FREE WILL 21.42
The Almighty, who cannot possibly will anything unjust, is able to set in motion even the inclinations of their will in people's hearts in order to accomplish through these people whatever he wishes to achieve through their agency. What meaning can these words have that the man of God addressed to King Amaziah: "Do not allow the army of Israel to go out with you, for the Lord is not with Israel and all the children of Ephraim. And if you think to prevail over them, God will put you to flight before your enemies; for it belongs to God both to help and to put to flight"?How does the power of God help some in war by giving them confidence and turns others to flight by instilling them with fear, except for this reason, that he who has made all things as he willed in heaven and on earth, also works in the human hearts? We also read of what Joash, king of Israel, said when he dispatched a messenger to King Amaziah, who had a mind to go to war with him. Having mentioned certain things, he went on to say, "Sit at home. Why do you provoke evil that you should fall and Judah with you?" The Scripture then went on to add, "And Amaziah would not listen to him because it was the Lord's will that he should be delivered into the hands of enemies because he sought after the gods of Edom."
There you see how God, wishing to punish the sin of idolatry, influenced the heart of this man with whom he was justly angry, that he would not heed salutary advice but, in his contempt for it, would engage in battle, there to perish together with his army.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In King Jehoash of Israel delivers a sharp, cautionary rebuke to King Amaziah of Judah. Amaziah, recently victorious over Edom, had allowed his heart to be "lifted up" in pride, prompting him to foolishly challenge Israel to war. Jehoash, recognizing the self-destructive nature of such hubris, advises Amaziah to be content with his current glory and remain at home, warning that further "meddling" would only lead to the catastrophic downfall of both Amaziah himself and the entire kingdom of Judah. This verse serves as a potent biblical warning against the perils of arrogance and the wisdom of discerning restraint.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Jehoash's response in 2 Kings 14:10 is rich with literary devices that amplify its cautionary message and underscore the gravity of Amaziah's folly. The most prominent is Apostrophe, a direct and forceful address to Amaziah, making the warning personal and immediate, leaving no room for misinterpretation. The phrase "thine heart hath lifted thee up" is a powerful example of Metonymy, where "heart" (the organ) stands for the entire inner person, emphasizing the internal source of Amaziah's pride—his intellect, will, and moral character. Jehoash employs a Rhetorical Question ("for why shouldest thou meddle to [thy] hurt...?") not to solicit an answer, but to underscore the utter folly and self-destructive nature of Amaziah's proposed action, making the negative consequences seem self-evident and unavoidable. There is also an element of Irony, as Amaziah's pursuit of further glory, stemming from his recent victory, is precisely what will lead to his downfall and humiliation, a reversal of fortune. Finally, the verse functions as a concise piece of Proverbial Wisdom, encapsulating a timeless truth about the dangers of pride and the prudence of knowing when to exercise restraint, echoing the broader wisdom tradition found in books like Proverbs.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning in 2 Kings 14:10 resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of human nature, divine sovereignty, and the principles of leadership. Amaziah's pride, a common human failing, is presented as a direct threat to his well-being and the stability of his kingdom. The narrative consistently shows that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble, and that human ambition, when untethered from divine wisdom and humility, inevitably leads to destruction. This verse serves as a microcosm of the larger biblical narrative where self-exaltation is contrasted with reliance on God, and where true strength is found not in worldly power or boasting, but in righteous living and discerning leadership guided by spiritual principles. The consequences of Amaziah's actions are not merely political but demonstrate a spiritual principle: a heart lifted up in pride invites a fall, affecting not only the individual but all those under their influence.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Kings 14:10 offers profound wisdom applicable to individuals and leaders across all generations. It serves as a potent reminder that success, whether personal, professional, or spiritual, carries with it the insidious danger of pride. When our "heart is lifted up," we become vulnerable to making rash decisions, overestimating our own capabilities, and underestimating potential risks. This verse challenges us to examine our motivations: are we driven by a desire for genuine accomplishment and service, or by a thirst for personal glory and recognition? True wisdom lies not in constantly seeking more glory or conflict, but in discerning when to be content, when to consolidate gains, and when to exercise restraint. For leaders, this verse is a sobering call to consider the broader impact of their decisions. Amaziah's folly threatened "Judah with thee," illustrating that a leader's pride can have devastating consequences for those under their care. We are called to cultivate humility, recognizing that all true success and ability come from God, and to prioritize peace, wisdom, and the well-being of others over vain glory or personal ambition.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the relationship between Judah and Israel at this time?
Answer: At this point in history, Judah (the southern kingdom, ruled by Amaziah) and Israel (the northern kingdom, ruled by Jehoash) were distinct political entities, having split after the reign of Solomon (1 Kings 12). While they shared a common heritage as descendants of Jacob, their relationship was often characterized by rivalry, occasional conflict, and shifting alliances rather than consistent unity. Jehoash's warning to Amaziah in 2 Kings 14:10 highlights this tension, as he seeks to avert a destructive war between the two brother nations, a conflict that ultimately proved devastating for Judah due to Amaziah's pride.
Why was Amaziah's victory over Edom significant?
Answer: Amaziah's victory over Edom, specifically in the Valley of Salt, was historically and strategically significant. Edom, located southeast of Judah, was a long-standing adversary and a descendant of Esau, Jacob's brother. Control over Edom often meant control over important trade routes, particularly those leading to the Red Sea and Arabia. The victory, described in 2 Kings 14:7, reasserted Judah's dominance over a traditional foe and would have been a major boost to national morale and Amaziah's prestige. However, this success unfortunately fueled his pride and ambition, leading him to make the ill-advised challenge to Israel, which ultimately resulted in his downfall.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Amaziah's pride and fall in 2 Kings 14:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human hubris and divine humility. Amaziah's heart was "lifted up" by earthly victory, leading him to self-destruction and the downfall of his kingdom. In profound opposition, Jesus Christ, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). He did not "glory" in worldly conquests or "meddle" in human affairs to His own gain or self-exaltation. Rather, in ultimate humility and obedience, He submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). Where Amaziah's pride led to his own fall and the fall of Judah, Christ's profound humility led to His exaltation by God and the offer of salvation to all who believe (Philippians 2:9-11). He is the true King who did not seek earthly glory but offered Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, demonstrating that true victory and lasting glory are found not in self-exaltation, but in self-sacrificial love and obedience to God, establishing a kingdom that will never fall (Daniel 7:14).