2 Kings 14:5

KJV

And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom {H4467} was confirmed {H2388} in his hand {H3027}, that he slew {H5221} his servants {H5650} which had slain {H5221} the king {H4428} his father {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As soon as he had the kingdom firmly under his control, he put to death the servants of his who had murdered the king his father.

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, Amaziah executed the servants who had murdered his father the king.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was established in his hand, that he slew his servants who had slain the king his father:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Upon the secure establishment of his reign, King Amaziah of Judah, son of the recently assassinated King Joash, took decisive action to solidify his authority and administer justice. He executed the very servants who had conspired to murder his father, demonstrating both strategic prudence in waiting for the opportune moment and an unwavering commitment to upholding the law and avenging regicide. This act marked a critical step in the consolidation of his power and the assertion of legitimate rule over the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of King Amaziah's ascension to the throne of Judah at the age of twenty-five, succeeding his father, [King Joash, who was assassinated by his own servants](/2_kings/12-20 "2 Kings 12:20-21 - Assassination of King Joash") (2 Kings 12:20-21). The narrative in 2 Kings 14 transitions from the tumultuous end of Joash's reign to the beginning of Amaziah's, highlighting his initial actions as king. The phrase "as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand" signals a crucial turning point, indicating that Amaziah did not act impulsively but waited until his authority was firmly established. This strategic delay sets the stage for his subsequent actions, including his adherence to Mosaic law in the very next verse by sparing the assassins' children, thereby contrasting his justice with potential rash vengeance and demonstrating a measured approach to governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, regicide was a grave offense, often leading to cycles of vengeance and instability. The immediate aftermath of a king's assassination was a highly volatile period, with power vacuums and potential counter-coups. For a new king like Amaziah, consolidating power was paramount for survival and legitimate rule. This involved securing the loyalty of the military, the court, and the populace, and eliminating threats to the throne. The execution of those who had slain his father was not merely personal vengeance but a necessary act to assert his authority, deter future rebellions, and restore order and justice within the kingdom. It was a public declaration that the new king was in control and would not tolerate treason.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **justice and retribution**, as Amaziah punishes those who committed regicide, an act that violated both human and divine law. Secondly, it highlights **prudence and strategic timing** in leadership; Amaziah's delay demonstrates wisdom in consolidating power before taking decisive, potentially destabilizing actions, a stark contrast to the rashness often seen in other kings. Thirdly, the concept of **consolidation of power** is central, as the "confirmation of the kingdom in his hand" signifies the successful establishment of his authority and control over the governmental and military structures, allowing him to act without fear of internal rebellion. This act of justice also foreshadows Amaziah's later adherence to the Mosaic covenant, particularly the principle of [individual responsibility](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Individual Responsibility"), as seen in the subsequent verse where he spares the children of the assassins.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confirmed (Hebrew, _chazaq_):** The Hebrew verb חָזַק (_chazaq_) means "to be strong, to strengthen, to seize, to prevail." In this context, "the kingdom was confirmed in his hand" implies more than a passive transfer of power; it signifies Amaziah's active and successful effort to consolidate his authority, secure his position, and establish a firm, unchallengeable grip on the governance of Judah. It suggests a period of deliberate action to ensure stability and loyalty before taking punitive measures.
* **Slew (Hebrew, _hikkah_):** The verb הִכָּה (_hikkah_), derived from the root נָכָה (_nakah_), means "to strike, to smite, to kill." This term denotes a direct, decisive, and forceful action. It emphasizes the finality and severity of Amaziah's judgment against the assassins, underscoring that this was a deliberate execution rather than a spontaneous act of violence.
* **Servants (Hebrew, _'ebed_):** While literally meaning "servant" or "slave," in the context of a royal court, _'ebed_ (עֶבֶד) often refers to high-ranking officials, ministers, or military commanders who served the king. These were not mere household staff but powerful individuals whose treachery posed a significant threat to the stability of the kingdom. Their execution by Amaziah signifies the elimination of a dangerous faction and the reassertion of royal control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand":** This clause highlights the crucial element of timing and strategic prudence. Amaziah did not immediately retaliate upon his father's death, which would have been a common, albeit often destabilizing, reaction in ancient monarchies. Instead, he waited until his authority was fully established, his rule was secure, and any potential allies of the assassins were neutralized or brought under control. This demonstrates a mature and calculated approach to leadership, ensuring that his actions would solidify rather than jeopardize his nascent reign.
* **"that he slew his servants":** This is the decisive action taken by Amaziah. The term "his servants" refers to the high-ranking officials who had conspired against and murdered his father, King Joash. This act was a public demonstration of his power and a clear message that treason would not be tolerated. It was a necessary step to cleanse the court of disloyal elements and to re-establish the rule of law under his new administration.
* **"which had slain the king his father":** This final clause provides the justification and motivation for Amaziah's actions. The execution was not arbitrary but a direct act of justice and retribution for the heinous crime of regicide. By punishing his father's murderers, Amaziah not only avenged his father but also asserted his legitimacy as the rightful heir and upheld the sanctity of the royal office, thereby reinforcing the stability of the kingdom of Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Strategic Delay** as a narrative device, emphasizing Amaziah's calculated patience over impulsive action. This delay builds tension and highlights the importance of timing in leadership. There is also an element of **Retributive Justice**, where the narrative presents Amaziah's action as a righteous and necessary response to the crime of regicide. The phrase "kingdom was confirmed in his hand" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "hand" stands for power, control, and authority, symbolizing Amaziah's firm grasp on the reins of government. The entire sequence serves as a **Foreshadowing** of Amaziah's character, suggesting a king who acts deliberately and with a concern for justice, which is further elaborated in the subsequent verses regarding his adherence to Mosaic law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage underscores the biblical emphasis on justice and the consequences of rebellion against established authority, particularly against a divinely appointed king. While human kingship in Israel and Judah was often flawed, the principle of upholding order and punishing egregious crimes like regicide was seen as essential for societal stability and a reflection of divine justice. Amaziah's action, though violent, is presented as a righteous act of governance, necessary to purge evil from the land and secure the throne. It reflects the broader Old Testament theme that God works through human leaders to establish and maintain order, even in a fallen world. The strategic timing also speaks to the wisdom of patience and discernment in administering justice, echoing principles found in wisdom literature.

* [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Individual Responsibility")
* [Numbers 35:33](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33 - Land Defiled by Bloodshed")
* [Proverbs 20:8](/proverbs/20-8 "Proverbs 20:8 - A King's Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amaziah's calculated action in 2 Kings 14:5 offers profound insights into leadership, justice, and the importance of strategic timing. In our own lives, whether in personal decisions, professional responsibilities, or spiritual leadership, there are moments when decisive action is required. However, this verse reminds us that true wisdom often lies in patience – waiting until our "kingdom is confirmed in our hand," meaning our position is secure, our resources are marshaled, and our understanding is clear. Rushing into action, even with good intentions, can lead to instability and unintended consequences. This principle applies to confronting sin, addressing conflict, or initiating significant change. It's about discerning the right moment to act, ensuring that our actions are not driven by impulse or emotion, but by careful consideration, wisdom, and a commitment to righteous outcomes. Furthermore, the verse highlights the necessity of accountability for wrongdoing, a cornerstone of any just society, whether ancient or modern.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to act impulsively, and how can I cultivate the patience and wisdom demonstrated by Amaziah?**
* **How does the concept of "confirming the kingdom in one's hand" translate to building spiritual maturity and securing one's spiritual authority in Christ?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the balance between swift justice and prudent timing in addressing wrongs?**

### FAQ

**Why did Amaziah wait to execute the assassins?**

Answer: Amaziah waited until "the kingdom was confirmed in his hand" to execute the assassins. This phrase signifies that he strategically delayed action until his authority was fully established and secure. In the volatile political climate of ancient Judah, immediately retaliating against powerful officials who had committed regicide could have triggered a counter-coup or civil unrest. By waiting, Amaziah ensured that his rule was stable, his control over the government and military was firm, and any potential allies of the assassins were neutralized. This demonstrates his prudence and strategic thinking, ensuring his actions would solidify his reign rather than destabilize it.

**Who were "his servants" who had slain the king?**

Answer: The "servants" (Hebrew: _'ebed_) in this context were not mere household staff but high-ranking officials or court functionaries who served King Joash. They were likely influential figures within the royal administration or military. The previous account in [2 Kings 12:20-21](/2_kings/12-20 "2 Kings 12:20-21 - Assassination of King Joash") identifies them as Jozachar (or Zabad) and Jehozabad. Their positions would have given them access to the king and the means to carry out the assassination. Amaziah's execution of them was a critical act to purge his court of disloyal elements and assert his absolute authority.

**Was Amaziah's act of "vengeance" or "justice"?**

Answer: While the act involved the killing of those who murdered his father, it is presented in the biblical narrative as an act of justice rather than mere personal vengeance. Regicide was a capital crime that threatened the very fabric of the kingdom's stability and legitimacy. By executing the assassins, Amaziah was upholding the law, asserting his rightful authority, and restoring order to the kingdom. His adherence to Mosaic law in the very next verse, where he spares the children of the assassins ([2 Kings 14:6](/2_kings/14-6 "2 Kings 14:6 - Adherence to Mosaic Law")), further underscores that his actions were guided by legal principles rather than unbridled personal retribution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 14:5 describes an earthly king consolidating his power through an act of justice, it provides a shadow of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Just as Amaziah waited until his "kingdom was confirmed in his hand" before acting decisively, Christ, though possessing all authority from the beginning, waited for the "fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")) to inaugurate His kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection. His ultimate act of justice was not against earthly assassins, but against sin, death, and the powers of darkness that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ "slew" the power of sin, disarming the spiritual forces that had enslaved humanity. His resurrection and ascension definitively confirmed His kingdom "in His hand," establishing His reign at the right hand of the Father ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Exaltation and Authority")). Believers are now delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into [the kingdom of His beloved Son](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered into the Kingdom of His Dear Son"), living under His secure and righteous rule, awaiting the final consummation of His justice and the full manifestation of His glorious kingdom at His return ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Righteous Judgment")).

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 25:3

Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father.

2 Chronicles 25:4

But he slew not their children, but [did] as [it is] written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.

Numbers 35:33

So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye [are]: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

2 Kings 12:20

And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.

2 Kings 12:21

For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

Genesis 9:6

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Exodus 21:12

¶ He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.