2 Kings 14:8

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Amaziah {H558} sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} to Jehoash {H3060}, the son {H1121} of Jehoahaz {H3059} son {H1121} of Jehu {H3058}, king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, Come {H3212}, let us look {H7200} one another in the face {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Amatzyah sent messengers to Y'ho'ash the son of Y'ho'achaz, son of Yehu, king of Isra'el, with this challenge: "Come on, let's have it out face-to-face."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 14:8 records a pivotal moment in the history of the divided monarchy, detailing King Amaziah of Judah's audacious challenge to King Jehoash of Israel. Fresh from a decisive victory over Edom, Amaziah, seemingly emboldened by his success and perhaps a burgeoning sense of pride, dispatches messengers to Jehoash with the provocative invitation, "Come, let us look one another in the face." This seemingly innocuous phrase, an ancient Near Eastern idiom for a declaration of war or a direct challenge to battle, sets the stage for a calamitous confrontation between the two Hebrew kingdoms, highlighting themes of hubris, inter-kingdom rivalry, and the perilous consequences of rash decisions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Amaziah's significant military triumph over Edom in the Valley of Salt, where he slew ten thousand Edomites and captured Sela, renaming it Joktheel, as recounted in [2 Kings 14:7](/2_kings/14-7 "2 Kings 14:7 - Amaziah's Victory Over Edom"). This victory appears to be the direct catalyst for Amaziah's challenge to Jehoash. The narrative then proceeds to detail Jehoash's dismissive parable in [2 Kings 14:9-10](/2_kings/14-9 "2 Kings 14:9-10 - Jehoash's Parable"), followed by Amaziah's refusal to heed the warning, leading to the catastrophic battle at Beth-shemesh where Judah is decisively defeated, Jerusalem's wall is breached, and the temple treasury is plundered, as described in [2 Kings 14:11-14](/2_kings/14-11 "2 Kings 14:11-14 - Judah's Defeat and Jerusalem's Sacking"). The challenge in 2 Kings 14:8, therefore, serves as the dramatic hinge between Amaziah's initial success and his subsequent downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the divided monarchy was characterized by frequent tension, occasional open warfare, and shifting alliances between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, despite their shared ancestry and religious heritage. Amaziah ruled Judah from 796-767 BC, while Jehoash reigned over Israel from 798-782 BC. Both kings had recently achieved military successes: Amaziah against Edom, and Jehoash against the Arameans, recovering cities previously lost, as detailed in [2 Kings 13:25](/2_kings/13-25 "2 Kings 13:25 - Jehoash's Victories Against Aram"). The phrase "Come, let us look one another in the face" was a recognized idiom in the ancient Near East, not an invitation for diplomacy, but a direct and formal declaration of intent to engage in military confrontation, a challenge to single combat or full-scale battle. This cultural understanding underscores the provocative nature of Amaziah's message. Furthermore, the parallel account in [2 Chronicles 25:17-20](/2_chronicles/25-17 "2 Chronicles 25:17-20 - Amaziah's Idolatry and Challenge") reveals that Amaziah's challenge followed his adoption of Edomite idols, suggesting a spiritual decline that likely fueled his arrogance and impaired his judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader historical books. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **pride and hubris**, demonstrating how success can dangerously inflate one's ego, leading to rash and ill-advised decisions. Amaziah's overconfidence, stemming from his victory over Edom, blinds him to the greater strength and experience of Jehoash. Secondly, it highlights the persistent **inter-kingdom rivalry and fratricidal conflict** between Judah and Israel. Despite their common heritage, the two kingdoms frequently engaged in destructive warfare, weakening both against external threats. This rivalry often stemmed from a lack of trust, political ambition, and spiritual divergence, as seen in the broader narrative of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Kingdom") and [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "2 Kings - Fall of Israel and Judah"). Finally, the passage underscores the theme of **consequences of ungodly counsel and impulsive action**. Amaziah's challenge appears to be made without divine consultation or wise counsel, leading directly to Judah's defeat and humiliation, a stark reminder that human wisdom alone is insufficient for true prosperity and peace, a principle echoed in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amaziah (Hebrew, _ʼAmatsyāh_):** Meaning "Yahweh is strong" or "strengthened by Yahweh." Ironically, despite his name signifying divine strength, Amaziah's actions in this verse demonstrate reliance on his own perceived strength and a departure from seeking Yahweh's counsel. His recent victory over Edom, though attributed to God's help in [2 Chronicles 25:8](/2_chronicles/25-8 "2 Chronicles 25:8 - God's Power in Battle"), seems to have inflated his human pride, making him forget the source of his strength.
* **Jehoash (Hebrew, _Yəhōʼāš_):** Also known as Joash, meaning "Yahweh has given" or "Yahweh has supported." Jehoash was a more formidable and experienced king than Amaziah, having recently recovered territories from Aram. His response to Amaziah's challenge (2 Kings 14:9-10) demonstrates a shrewdness and confidence that contrasts sharply with Amaziah's impulsiveness.
* **"Come, let us look one another in the face" (Hebrew, _Nēlḵāh nithrāʼeh pānîm_):** This is a critical idiomatic expression. It is not an invitation for a diplomatic summit or a friendly meeting. Instead, it is a direct and defiant challenge to battle, a summons to a decisive confrontation. The phrase conveys a sense of readiness for a face-to-face showdown, implying a willingness to settle matters through armed conflict. It is a formal declaration of war, stripped of diplomatic niceties, indicating Amaziah's aggressive posture and intent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the initiator of the conflict and the recipient of the challenge. Amaziah, king of Judah, takes the proactive step of initiating hostilities, indicating his aggressive intent. The full lineage of Jehoash is given, emphasizing his identity as the reigning monarch of the northern kingdom, a direct descendant of the powerful and often ruthless Jehu, whose dynasty had been established through a violent coup. This detail implicitly highlights the political weight and historical context of the challenge.
* **"Come, let us look one another in the face."**: This is the core of Amaziah's message and the essence of the verse. As discussed in the key word analysis, this is an ancient Near Eastern idiom for a formal declaration of war. It signifies a direct challenge to battle, an invitation to a decisive military confrontation. Amaziah, emboldened by his recent victory over Edom, is not seeking negotiation or diplomacy but rather a direct armed conflict to assert his dominance or settle a perceived grievance. The phrase conveys a sense of directness, boldness, and a willingness to engage in a definitive showdown.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Kings 14:8 is **Idiom**. The phrase "Come, let us look one another in the face" is a well-established ancient Near Eastern idiom for a declaration of war or a direct challenge to battle, rather than a literal invitation for a meeting. This idiomatic expression immediately signals the aggressive and confrontational nature of Amaziah's intent, setting the tone for the ensuing conflict. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony** present for the reader. While Amaziah issues this challenge with apparent confidence and bravado, the biblical narrative, particularly in the subsequent verses, reveals the catastrophic outcome for Judah. The reader knows that Amaziah's pride will lead to his downfall, creating a sense of foreboding as he issues this seemingly confident challenge. The brevity and directness of the challenge also contribute to the **Conciseness** of the narrative, efficiently conveying a momentous decision with profound implications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The challenge issued by Amaziah in 2 Kings 14:8 serves as a profound theological statement on the dangers of human pride and the consequences of acting without divine wisdom. Amaziah's recent military success over Edom, rather than fostering humility and gratitude, appears to have inflated his self-importance, leading him to provoke a stronger adversary. This act of hubris stands in stark contrast to the biblical emphasis on humility and reliance on God, illustrating that even divinely granted victories can become stumbling blocks if not received with a proper spirit. The ensuing conflict between Judah and Israel is a tragic manifestation of the brokenness within God's covenant people, highlighting the destructive nature of internal strife and the failure to live in unity under God's sovereignty. This episode underscores the truth that God often allows the natural consequences of human folly to unfold, even for His chosen leaders, as a means of instruction and judgment.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction")
* [Proverbs 18:12](/proverbs/18-12 "Proverbs 18:12 - Before destruction the heart of man is haughty")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God resists the proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amaziah's impulsive challenge in 2 Kings 14:8 offers timeless lessons for believers today, particularly concerning the pitfalls of pride and the necessity of wise, Spirit-led decision-making. In a world that often celebrates self-reliance and aggressive ambition, Amaziah's story serves as a sobering reminder that true strength and lasting success are found not in human prowess or inflated ego, but in humble dependence on God. Our achievements, whether personal or professional, can become dangerous catalysts for arrogance if we fail to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of our abilities and blessings. Before making significant decisions, especially those with far-reaching consequences for ourselves or others, we are called to pause, seek God's counsel through prayer and His Word, and consult with godly mentors. Rushing into conflicts or challenges based on emotion, perceived strength, or past victories without divine wisdom often leads to regrettable outcomes, mirroring Judah's defeat. Let us cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that "pride goes before destruction," and instead, walk in wisdom, seeking God's face before we "look one another in the face" in any significant confrontation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does success, whether personal or professional, tempt me towards pride or overconfidence?**
* **What are the "Edomite victories" in my life that might be fueling a dangerous sense of self-sufficiency?**
* **Before making significant decisions, do I truly seek God's counsel and the wisdom of others, or do I rely primarily on my own judgment and past experiences?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to issuing a "challenge" (confrontation, rash decision) without proper discernment or prayer?**

### FAQ
**Was Amaziah's challenge to Jehoash justified?**

Answer: From a human perspective, Amaziah's challenge was likely fueled by a combination of factors: his recent military victory over Edom, a desire to assert Judah's dominance over Israel, and possibly a sense of grievance or perceived slight. However, the biblical narrative, particularly in [2 Chronicles 25:17-20](/2_chronicles/25-17 "2 Chronicles 25:17-20 - Amaziah's Idolatry and Challenge"), strongly suggests that the challenge was not justified or divinely sanctioned. It was born out of pride, possibly exacerbated by his turning to Edomite idols, and was made without seeking God's will. Jehoash's dismissive parable in [2 Kings 14:9-10](/2_kings/14-9 "2 Kings 14:9-10 - Jehoash's Parable") highlights the folly of Amaziah's challenge, portraying Judah as a weak thistle provoking a mighty cedar. The disastrous outcome for Judah (2 Kings 14:11-14) further confirms that it was an ill-advised and ultimately unjustifiable act from a spiritual standpoint.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amaziah's challenge to "look one another in the face" is a poignant illustration of humanity's fallen tendency towards pride, conflict, and self-destruction, a stark contrast to the humility and self-sacrifice embodied by Jesus Christ. While Amaziah, puffed up by earthly victory, sought to confront and dominate, Christ, though truly victorious over sin and death, came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man came to serve")). Where Amaziah's pride led to the defeat and humiliation of his kingdom, Christ's humility and obedience, even to the point of death on a cross, led to ultimate victory and the establishment of an eternal kingdom ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Jesus truly "looked sin in the face" on the cross, not with a challenge of human might, but with divine love and sacrificial atonement, conquering the ultimate adversary for us ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His call is not to provoke earthly battles out of pride, but to humble ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, finding true strength in weakness and ultimate victory through surrender ([Matthew 16:24-25](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24-25 - Take Up Your Cross")). In Christ, the destructive cycle of human pride and inter-kingdom rivalry is broken, replaced by the unifying power of His Spirit and the call to peace and reconciliation ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")).

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 25:17

¶ Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.

2 Chronicles 25:24

And [he took] all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obededom, and the treasures of the king's house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria.

2 Samuel 2:14

And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.

2 Samuel 2:17

And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

2 Kings 14:11

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.

Proverbs 18:6

¶ A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

Proverbs 20:18

¶ [Every] purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.