2 Kings 14:17

KJV

And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Amaziah {H558} the son {H1121} of Joash {H3101} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} lived {H2421} after {H310} the death {H4194} of Jehoash {H3060} son {H1121} of Jehoahaz {H3059} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} fifteen {H2568}{H6240} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Amatzyah the son of Yo'ash king of Y'hudah lived another fifteen years after the death of Y'ho'ash son of Y'ho'achaz, king of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah lived for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel.

American Standard Version

And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 14:17 is a precise chronological marker within the narrative of the divided monarchy, stating that Amaziah, king of Judah, outlived Jehoash, king of Israel, by fifteen years. This seemingly simple historical detail carries significant weight, underscoring divine sovereignty over the lifespans of kings, the enduring consequences of human pride and folly, and the unfolding of God's purposes even amidst political turmoil and personal defeat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the account of Amaziah's reign as king of Judah, which spans [2 Kings 14:1-20](/2_kings/14 "2 Kings 14 - Amaziah's Reign"). His rule began with a period of general righteousness, though imperfect, as he did not remove the high places ([2 Kings 14:3-4](/2_kings/14-3 "2 Kings 14:3 - Amaziah's Reign")). A significant victory over Edom in the Valley of Salt ([2 Kings 14:7](/2_kings/14-7 "2 Kings 14:7 - Amaziah's Victory over Edom")) inflated his pride, leading him to foolishly challenge Jehoash, king of Israel, to battle ([2 Kings 14:8](/2_kings/14-8 "2 Kings 14:8 - Amaziah Challenges Jehoash")). This challenge resulted in a devastating defeat for Judah at Beth-shemesh, where Amaziah was captured, Jerusalem's wall was breached, and the temple and palace treasuries were plundered ([2 Kings 14:11-14](/2_kings/14-11 "2 Kings 14:11-14 - Judah's Defeat and Plunder")). Despite this profound humiliation, 2 Kings 14:17 highlights that Amaziah continued to reign for a considerable period after his victorious adversary, Jehoash, had passed away, setting the stage for his eventual assassination by conspiracy ([2 Kings 14:19](/2_kings/14-19 "2 Kings 14:19 - Amaziah's Assassination")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the divided monarchy was characterized by frequent conflicts, shifting alliances, and varying degrees of faithfulness to Yahweh among the kings of both Judah and Israel. Kingship was often seen as a reflection of divine favor or judgment, and the length of a king's reign could be interpreted as a sign of God's blessing or patience. The challenge Amaziah issued to Jehoash was a common practice among ancient Near Eastern monarchs, often driven by pride or a desire to assert dominance. The subsequent plundering of Jerusalem and its temple by Jehoash was not merely an act of war but a profound humiliation, signifying a loss of divine protection and national prestige. Amaziah's continued reign for fifteen years after such a defeat, and after the death of his victor, suggests a complex political landscape where internal stability might have been maintained despite external humiliation, though his relationship with his own people was clearly strained, culminating in his assassination.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings"). Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty of God over life and death**, demonstrating that the length of a king's reign is ultimately determined by divine decree, not merely by military success or defeat. Amaziah's extended life, despite his profound military and personal humiliation, showcases God's mysterious timing. Secondly, it highlights the **consequences of pride and disobedience**. Amaziah's initial success was followed by a catastrophic defeat directly linked to his arrogance, as detailed in [2 Kings 14:8-14](/2_kings/14-8 "2 Kings 14:8-14 - Amaziah's Folly and Defeat"). His continued reign after this defeat meant living with the long-term repercussions of his poor choices, which eventually led to his violent end ([2 Kings 14:19-20](/2_kings/14-19 "2 Kings 14:19-20 - The End of Amaziah's Reign")). Finally, the verse subtly points to the **cyclical nature of sin, judgment, and divine patience** within the narrative of the kings, where periods of relative peace or success are often followed by moral decline and subsequent divine discipline.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amaziah (Hebrew, _ʼAmatsyah_):** Meaning "strength of Yahweh" or "Yahweh has strengthened." The irony of Amaziah's name is profound. While his initial strength and victory over Edom were indeed from Yahweh, his subsequent pride led him to rely on his own perceived strength rather than God's, resulting in a devastating defeat. His life, though prolonged by God's sovereign timing, became a testament to the dangers of misplacing trust.
* **Jehoash (Hebrew, _Yehoʼash_):** Meaning "Yahweh has given" or "Yahweh is strong." This name, shared by both the king of Judah (Amaziah's father) and the king of Israel mentioned here, signifies divine power. The fact that the "strong" Jehoash of Israel died fifteen years before the defeated Amaziah highlights that human strength and military success do not dictate the ultimate timeline of life, which remains firmly in God's hands.
* **Lived after (Hebrew, _wayeḥî ʼaḥărê_):** This phrase literally means "and he lived after." It emphasizes the continuation of life beyond a significant event (the death of Jehoash). It's a simple, factual statement but carries the implication of endurance, survival, and the ongoing unfolding of a life's narrative, even one marked by significant setbacks and consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah":** This clause precisely identifies the subject of the verse as Amaziah, the ninth king of the southern kingdom of Judah, and clarifies his lineage, distinguishing him from other figures named Joash. It grounds the statement firmly within the royal succession of Judah.
* **"lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel":** This is the core chronological statement. It establishes a definitive temporal relationship between the two kings, noting that Amaziah's reign extended beyond the lifespan of his northern counterpart, Jehoash (also known as Joash in some contexts), who had inflicted a humiliating defeat upon him. This detail is crucial for synchronizing the reigns of the two kingdoms.
* **"fifteen years":** This specifies the exact duration of Amaziah's post-Jehoash reign. It provides a concrete number, adding to the historical precision of the biblical record. The fact that he reigned for such a significant period *after* his great defeat and his adversary's death underscores the lingering consequences of his actions and the divine prerogative over the length of one's life.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Kings 14:17 is **Chronological Marker**. Its main purpose is to provide precise historical dating and synchronization between the reigns of the kings of Judah and Israel. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the biblical narrative's claim to historical accuracy. Beyond this, there is an element of **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** at work. The verse implicitly contrasts the fate of the defeated Amaziah, who lives on, with that of the victorious Jehoash, who dies earlier. This highlights that military victory does not guarantee a longer life or ultimate triumph in God's eyes. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** present, particularly when considering Amaziah's name ("Strength of Yahweh"). Despite his name, his strength failed him due to pride, yet he was granted a prolonged life by the very Yahweh whose strength he had neglected, living to endure the consequences of his folly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while a simple chronological note, subtly reinforces profound theological truths about God's sovereignty. It demonstrates that the length of a person's life, even that of a king, is ultimately in God's hands, not determined by military success, political power, or personal failure. Amaziah's extended reign after his humiliating defeat and his adversary's death speaks to divine patience and the unfolding of God's purposes on His own timeline, allowing for the full consequences of actions to manifest. It reminds us that God's ways are higher than human ways, and His control extends over every aspect of history, including the lifespans of individuals.

* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God's Sovereignty over Life and Death")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Low")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry historical fact of Amaziah outliving Jehoash by fifteen years offers a poignant lesson for us today. It reminds us that life's timelines are ultimately orchestrated by God, not by our achievements, failures, or even the actions of our adversaries. Even after significant setbacks, profound humiliations, or the consequences of our own pride, God may grant us continued time. This extended period is not necessarily a sign of blessing, but often an opportunity for reflection, repentance, or simply living out the full implications of our choices. Amaziah's story, culminating in his assassination, serves as a cautionary tale: a long life does not inherently equate to a blessed or peaceful one, especially if marked by unaddressed pride and a turning away from God. It underscores the vital importance of cultivating humility, maintaining a posture of obedience, and striving to "finish well" in our faith journey, regardless of external circumstances or past failures. Our focus should be on faithfulness to God, not on outliving our perceived rivals or escaping the consequences of our actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our assumptions about success, failure, and the length of our lives?**
* **In what ways might pride, like Amaziah's, lead to long-term negative consequences in our own lives, even if we are granted more time?**
* **What does it mean to "finish well" in our faith journey, even if our past includes significant mistakes or humiliations?**
* **How can we cultivate humility and a deeper reliance on God's timing and sovereignty, rather than our own desires for control or vindication?**

### FAQ

**Why is this specific chronological detail included in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: This specific chronological detail serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides historical precision, allowing for the accurate synchronization of the reigns of the kings of Judah and Israel, which is vital for understanding the broader historical timeline of the divided monarchy. Secondly, it subtly highlights God's absolute sovereignty over the lives and deaths of kings. Despite Amaziah's humiliating defeat at the hands of Jehoash, God determined that Amaziah would outlive his victor by a significant period. This demonstrates that human success or failure in battle does not dictate divine timing. Finally, it underscores the enduring consequences of Amaziah's pride and folly. He lived for fifteen more years after his defeat, presumably having to contend with the aftermath of his poor choices, which ultimately led to his assassination ([2 Kings 14:19](/2_kings/14-19 "2 Kings 14:19 - Amaziah's Assassination")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 14:17 is a historical note about a king's lifespan, it implicitly points to the profound truth of divine sovereignty over life and death, a truth ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Amaziah, despite his name meaning "Strength of Yahweh," relied on his own pride and suffered defeat, yet lived on by God's decree, enduring the consequences of his folly. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true King, though truly the "Strength of Yahweh" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power of God")), did not succumb to pride but embraced ultimate humility, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). His "defeat" on the cross was, paradoxically, His greatest victory, for through it He conquered sin and death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory over Death")). Unlike Amaziah, whose extended life after defeat was marked by continued spiritual decline and a violent end, Jesus, after His sacrificial death, truly "lived after" in glorious resurrection, not for fifteen years, but for all eternity ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus, the Living One")). His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God's ultimate control over all things, and His triumph ensures that all who are in Him will also share in an eternal life that transcends any earthly defeat or timeline ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Eternal Life 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

2 Chronicles 25:25

And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.

2 Chronicles 25:28

And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah.

2 Kings 14:23

¶ In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, [and reigned] forty and one years.

2 Kings 13:10

¶ In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, [and reigned] sixteen years.

2 Kings 14:1

¶ In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.

2 Kings 14:2

He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.