2 Kings 14:19

Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.

Now they made {H7194} a conspiracy {H7195} against him in Jerusalem {H3389}: and he fled {H5127} to Lachish {H3923}; but they sent {H7971} after {H310} him to Lachish {H3923}, and slew {H4191} him there.

Because of a conspiracy formed against him in Yerushalayim, Amatzyah fled to Lakhish; but they followed him to Lakhish and killed him there.

And conspirators plotted against Amaziah in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But men were sent after him to Lachish, and they killed him there.

And they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.

Commentary

Context

2 Kings 14:19 details the violent end of King Amaziah's reign in Judah. Amaziah, son of Joash, initially "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father" (2 Kings 14:3). However, after a significant victory against Edom, he turned from the Lord and began to worship the gods of the Edomites (2 Chronicles 25:14). This spiritual decline was followed by an ill-advised challenge to King Jehoash of Israel, resulting in a humiliating defeat for Judah, the breaching of Jerusalem's walls, and the plundering of the Temple and royal treasury (2 Kings 14:12-14).

The conspiracy mentioned in this verse likely arose from widespread discontent among the people and officials due to Amaziah's idolatry, his military failures, and the subsequent weakening of the kingdom. Despite living 15 years after Jehoash's death (2 Kings 14:17), the internal dissent festered, culminating in this assassination plot. Lachish was a significant fortified city in the lowlands of Judah, to which Amaziah fled in a desperate attempt to escape his enemies, but to no avail.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Disobedience: Amaziah's tragic end serves as a stark reminder that turning away from God, even after initial faithfulness, can lead to severe personal and national consequences. His idolatry and pride contributed to his downfall.
  • Instability of Earthly Power: Even kings, holding the highest human authority, are vulnerable to internal plots and the shifting loyalties of their subjects. This highlights the fragility of human power and the ever-present threat of betrayal.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: While executed through human agents, the events of Amaziah's reign and death can be seen as part of God's overarching plan and judgment for a king who largely abandoned His ways.
  • Historical Record: The Bible's candid account of the lives of kings, including their flaws and failures, provides an unvarnished view of history and human nature, emphasizing accountability and the impact of leadership choices.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "conspiracy" here is qesher (ืงึถืฉึถืืจ), which often denotes a treacherous, secretive plot or rebellion against authority. It implies a deliberate, organized effort to overthrow the existing order, highlighting the gravity of the internal threat Amaziah faced.

Practical Application

The narrative of King Amaziah's fall offers timeless lessons for leaders and individuals alike.

  • Integrity in Leadership: The verse underscores the importance of consistent integrity and faithfulness, especially for those in positions of authority. A leader's moral and spiritual choices have far-reaching impacts on those they govern.
  • Accountability: No one is above accountability, whether to human justice or divine judgment. Amaziah's flight and ultimate demise illustrate that actions have consequences, even for the powerful.
  • Beware of Pride: Amaziah's pride, particularly after his victory against Edom, led him to challenge God and then Israel, setting a chain of events in motion that culminated in his death. This serves as a warning against arrogance.
  • Internal Harmony: The conspiracy against Amaziah highlights the dangers of internal strife and disunity within any organization or nation. Healthy leadership fosters trust and cohesion.

Following Amaziah's death, his son Azariah (also known as Uzziah) became king (2 Kings 14:21), beginning a new chapter in Judah's history.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 10:31 (3 votes)

    And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:

  • 2 Chronicles 25:27 (2 votes)

    Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:28 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Kings 15:30 (2 votes)

    And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.

  • 2 Kings 15:14 (2 votes)

    For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.

  • Micah 1:13 (2 votes)

    O thou inhabitant of Lachish, bind the chariot to the swift beast: she [is] the beginning of the sin to the daughter of Zion: for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee.

  • 2 Kings 15:25 (2 votes)

    But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, and reigned in his room.