TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
But Amatzyah wouldn't listen. So Y'ho'ash king of Isra'el went up; and he and Amatzyah king of Y'hudah had it out face-to-face at Beit-Shemesh, which belongs to Y'hudah.
Berean Standard Bible
But Amaziah would not listen, and Jehoash king of Israel advanced. He and King Amaziah of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh in Judah.
American Standard Version
But Amaziah would not hear. So Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth-shemesh, which belongeth to Judah.
World English Bible Messianic
But Amaziah would not listen. So Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But Amaziah would not heare: therefore Iehoash King of Israel went vp: and he and Amaziah King of Iudah sawe one another in the face at Beth-shemesh which is in Iudah.
Young's Literal Translation
And Amaziah hath not hearkened, and go up doth Jehoash king of Israel, and they look one another in the face, he and Amaziah king of Judah, in Beth-Shemesh, that is Judah's,
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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
Second Kings 14:11 marks the tragic culmination of King Amaziah of Judah's escalating pride and stubborn refusal to heed wise counsel, directly leading to a devastating military confrontation with King Jehoash of Israel. Emboldened by a recent victory over Edom, Amaziah foolishly challenged Jehoash to battle. Despite Jehoash's clear parabolic warning against such arrogance, Amaziah's hardened heart compelled him to press forward, setting the stage for a fratricidal clash at Bethshemesh, a city within Judah's own territory. This verse encapsulates the critical moment where personal hubris overrides prudence, precipitating national disaster.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 14:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of pride's downfall. Foreshadowing is prominently featured in Amaziah's initial refusal to "hear" Jehoash's warning; this stubbornness clearly predicts the disastrous outcome that inevitably follows. The very act of "looking one another in the face" functions as a potent form of synecdoche or metonymy, where the direct confrontation of the kings symbolically represents the full-scale military engagement that ensues, encapsulating the entire conflict in a single, dramatic image. There is a profound sense of irony in the fact that Amaziah, having just achieved a significant victory against an external foe (Edom), now brings war and defeat upon his own kingdom by foolishly challenging a brother nation. Furthermore, the precise geographical detail of Bethshemesh, a Levitical city and part of Judah's own territory, adds a layer of pathos and reinforces the irony, emphasizing the self-inflicted wound of this fratricidal conflict. The narrative's concise and direct language contributes to its dramatic impact, highlighting the swift and inevitable consequences of unchecked pride.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Amaziah's downfall, encapsulated in his willful refusal to "hear" in 2 Kings 14:11, serves as a profound theological lesson on the insidious nature of human pride and its devastating consequences. It vividly illustrates how success, when unmoored from humility and divine wisdom, can become a spiritual poison, leading to self-exaltation and a rejection of sound counsel, even from unexpected sources. Amaziah's actions stand in stark contrast to the biblical ideal of a leader who seeks God's guidance and listens to wise advisors. This narrative underscores the timeless biblical principle that true strength and stability are found not in human arrogance or military might alone, but in humility, discernment, and a willingness to submit to wisdom, whether human or divine. It highlights the destructive cycle of pride, rebellion, and judgment that frequently recurs throughout the historical books of the Old Testament, serving as a cautionary tale for all who would lead or live without humility.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of King Amaziah offers timeless and sobering lessons for believers today, serving as a powerful mirror for self-examination. His initial success against Edom, rather than fostering gratitude and humility before God, became the very fuel for his destructive pride. This warns us against allowing past achievements, spiritual victories, or even personal talents to inflate our ego and blind us to reality. We are often most vulnerable to pride precisely when things are going well, when we feel self-sufficient and capable. Amaziah's stubborn refusal to "hear" Jehoash's wise, albeit pointed, counsel highlights the critical importance of cultivating a humble and teachable spirit. Do we genuinely listen to constructive criticism, even when it comes from unexpected sources or challenges our preconceived notions? Are we open to the wisdom of trusted mentors, spiritual leaders, or even the quiet promptings of God's Spirit, or do we, like Amaziah, allow arrogance to deafen us to truth? The tragic outcome for Judah at Bethshemesh serves as a powerful reminder that ignoring sound advice, especially when driven by self-importance, can lead to significant and avoidable consequences, not just for ourselves but for those we influence and lead. True wisdom lies not in self-assertion, but in humility and a willingness to learn, even from perceived adversaries.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Amaziah challenge Jehoash?
Answer: Amaziah's challenge to Jehoash, as described in 2 Kings 14:8, was primarily a direct result of his inflated pride and overconfidence following his decisive victory over the Edomites in the Valley of Salt (2 Kings 14:7). Feeling emboldened and perhaps invincible, he sought to assert Judah's dominance over the northern kingdom of Israel. This challenge may have been motivated by a desire to avenge past grievances, to reclaim territory, or simply to expand his own glory and influence. Jehoash's response, a parable of a thistle challenging a cedar (2 Kings 14:9-10), clearly indicates that he perceived Amaziah's challenge as an act of foolish arrogance rather than a legitimate cause for war, warning him of the inevitable downfall.
What was the outcome of this confrontation at Bethshemesh?
Answer: As a direct and tragic consequence of Amaziah's stubborn refusal to heed Jehoash's warning, the two armies indeed met at Bethshemesh. The outcome was disastrous for Judah. King Amaziah's forces were utterly defeated, and he himself was captured by Jehoash (2 Kings 14:12). Following this decisive victory, Jehoash marched on Jerusalem, broke down a significant portion of its walls (specifically, four hundred cubits from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate), and plundered the temple treasury and the king's palace, taking hostages before returning to Samaria (2 Kings 14:13-14). This profound humiliation severely weakened Judah and served as a stark demonstration of the destructive power of unchecked pride and unheeded counsel.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Amaziah's pride and fall in 2 Kings 14:11 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the destructive nature of human arrogance and the redemptive power of divine humility. Amaziah, an earthly king, allowed his fleeting success to breed pride, leading him to reject wise counsel and ultimately bring ruin upon his kingdom and people. In stark opposition, Jesus Christ, the eternal King of kings, perfectly embodies humility and absolute obedience to the Father's will. He did not cling to His divine prerogatives or assert His power for earthly glory, but rather "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7). Unlike Amaziah, who "would not hear" and thus brought destruction, Christ consistently declared, "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me" (John 5:30). His ultimate victory over sin and death was not achieved through earthly conquest or the assertion of power, but through the supreme act of self-sacrifice on the cross, where He humbled Himself even to the point of death (Philippians 2:8). Christ's life and ministry serve as the ultimate example of true strength found in profound humility, offering a path to eternal life and blessing for all who, unlike Amaziah, are willing to "take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29).