2 Kings 14:5

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Context

This verse describes an early, pivotal action by King Amaziah of Judah. Amaziah ascended to the throne after the assassination of his father, King Joash (Jehoash), who was murdered by his own servants (2 Kings 12:20-21). The phrase "as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand" indicates that Amaziah did not immediately retaliate. Instead, he waited until his authority was firmly established and his reign secure, preventing any potential counter-coups or instability from the assassins' allies. This demonstrates a strategic and prudent approach to leadership in a politically volatile period.

Key Themes

  • Justice and Retribution: Amaziah's act was a clear demonstration of justice, punishing those who had committed regicide against his father. This was a necessary step to assert his authority and uphold the rule of law within the kingdom.
  • Prudence and Strategic Timing: The delay in executing the assassins highlights Amaziah's wisdom and caution. He understood the importance of consolidating power before taking decisive and potentially destabilizing actions, ensuring the stability of his reign. This contrasts with rash, immediate reactions.
  • Consolidation of Power: 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.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand" translates the Hebrew chazaq hammamlakah b'yado (ื—ึธื–ึทืง ื”ึทืžึผึทืžึฐืœึธื›ึธื” ื‘ึผึฐื™ึธื“ื•ึน), which literally means "the kingdom was strong in his hand" or "he strengthened the kingdom in his hand." This emphasizes not just a formal transfer of power, but a practical and secure grip on governance, implying stability and consolidated control. It was a period where his rule was no longer contested or fragile.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into leadership and the administration of justice. It underscores the value of patience and strategic timing in dealing with difficult situations. While it speaks to the ancient practice of monarchical justice, the principle of acting decisively only after careful consideration and when one's position is secure remains relevant. It also highlights the importance of accountability for criminal acts, a cornerstone of any just society. Amaziah's actions here also set the stage for his adherence to the Mosaic law regarding individual responsibility, as seen in the very next verse where he spares the children of the assassins, a principle articulated in Deuteronomy 24:16.

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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

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