### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĂmatsyâh**, represented by `{{H558}}`, means **strength of Jah**. It appears 40 times across 39 unique verses and is the name given to four Israelites in the scriptures, most notably a king of Judah and a priest of Bethel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H558}}` is primarily associated with two key individuals. The most prominent is **Amaziah**, the king of **Judah** `{{H3063}}`, who began to **reign** `{{H4427}}` at twenty-five years old [[2 Chronicles 25:1]]. His reign is marked by initial military success, where he **strengthened** `{{H2388}}` himself and led his people to victory [[2 Chronicles 25:11]], but also by a fateful turn to idolatry [[2 Chronicles 25:14]]. His pride led him to challenge **Jehoash** `{{H3060}}`, king of Israel, resulting in his defeat and capture [[2 Kings 14:13]]. The other significant figure is **Amaziah**, the **priest** `{{H3548}}` of Bethel, who opposed the prophet **Amos** `{{H5986}}`, accusing him of having **conspired** `{{H7194}}` against King **Jeroboam** `{{H3379}}` [[Amos 7:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the narrative themes surrounding the figures named Amaziah:
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (to seize, be strong, courageous, strengthen, repair, fortify): This word reflects the "strength" in Amaziah's name. It is used to describe how King Amaziah **strengthened** himself before leading his people into battle [[2 Chronicles 25:11]].
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne): As Amaziah was a king of Judah, this word is central to his identity. The narrative records when he began to **reign** in Judah [[2 Kings 14:1]] and when his son Azariah was made king in his place [[2 Kings 14:21]].
* `{{H7195}}` **qesher** (an (unlawful) alliance; confederacy, conspiracy, treason): This term is pivotal in the narratives of both major figures named Amaziah. The priest of Bethel accuses the prophet Amos of **conspiracy** (using the verb form `{{H7194}}` in [[Amos 7:10]]), and King Amaziah's life ends when a **conspiracy** `{{H7195}}` is made against him in Jerusalem [[2 Chronicles 25:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H558}}` is demonstrated through the life of King Amaziah.
* **A Divided Legacy:** The name "strength of Jah" stands in contrast to King Amaziah's ultimate failure. While his son Azariah is noted for doing what was **right** `{{H3477}}` according to what his father **Amaziah** `{{H558}}` had done [[2 Kings 15:3]], Amaziah's own story is a cautionary tale.
* **Idolatry and Divine Anger:** After a military victory, Amaziah brought the **gods** `{{H430}}` of the Edomites and worshipped them, which **kindled** `{{H2734}}` the **anger** `{{H639}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` against him [[2 Chronicles 25:14-15]]. This act of unfaithfulness marked the turning point in his reign.
* **Consequences of Apostasy:** Amaziah's refusal to **hear** `{{H8085}}` a prophet's warning was attributed to **God** `{{H430}}` intending to **deliver** `{{H5414}}` him into his enemies' hands [[2 Chronicles 25:20]]. His life ends tragically when a **conspiracy** `{{H7195}}` is formed against him after he "did **turn away** `{{H5493}}` from following the LORD," and he is ultimately **slain** `{{H4191}}` [[2 Chronicles 25:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H558}}` is a name whose meaning, "strength of Jah," serves as a stark backdrop to the biblical accounts associated with it. The narrative of King Amaziah, in particular, illustrates the tragic trajectory of a leader who begins his **reign** `{{H4427}}` with promise but falls due to pride and idolatry. His story, along with that of the priest who opposed a true prophet of God, demonstrates that a name connected to God's strength is no guarantee of personal faithfulness. It underscores the biblical principle that true strength is found not in a title, but in unwavering obedience to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
TRV