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2 Chronicles 25:21

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So Joash the king of Israel went up; and they saw one another in the face, [both] he and Amaziah king of Judah, at Bethshemesh, which [belongeth] to Judah.

So Joash {H3101} the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} went up {H5927}; and they saw one another {H7200} in the face {H6440}, both he and Amaziah {H558} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, at Bethshemesh {H1053}, which belongeth to Judah {H3063}.

So Yo'ash king of Isra'el went up; and he and Amatzyah king of Y'hudah had it out face-to-face at Beit-Shemesh, which belongs to Y'hudah.

So Jehoash king of Israel advanced, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh in Judah.

So Joash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth-shemesh, which belongeth to Judah.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 25:21 (KJV) describes the pivotal moment leading to a significant conflict between the two Hebrew kingdoms: Judah and Israel. It sets the scene for the battle between King Amaziah of Judah and King Joash of Israel, indicating their direct confrontation at Bethshemesh.

Context of the Verse

This verse is the culmination of King Amaziah's escalating pride and spiritual decline. After a successful military campaign against Edom (2 Chronicles 25:11-12), Amaziah made a critical error by adopting the idols of Edom (2 Chronicles 25:14). Despite a prophet's warning, his heart was hardened. Filled with arrogance, Amaziah then challenged Joash, King of Israel, to battle (2 Chronicles 25:17). Joash responded with a condescending parable about a thistle and a cedar, warning Amaziah against his foolish pride (2 Chronicles 25:18). Amaziah, however, refused to listen, for "it was of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom" (2 Chronicles 25:20). Thus, the stage was set for their meeting at Bethshemesh, a city belonging to Judah, signifying the invasion of Judah's territory by Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consequences of Pride: Amaziah's overconfidence, fueled by his victory and idolatry, led him to provoke a stronger adversary. This verse highlights the immediate consequence of such arrogance.
  • Divine Judgment: The narrative explicitly states that God allowed this confrontation as a judgment for Amaziah's spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry.
  • Internal Conflict: The verse tragically illustrates the continued animosity and conflict within the divided kingdom, a stark contrast to God's original design for a unified nation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "saw one another in the face" is a powerful idiom in Hebrew, signifying a direct, face-to-face confrontation, typically in a military context. It emphasizes the inevitability of the impending battle, leaving no room for negotiation or turning back. It's not merely a casual meeting but a poised readiness for combat, where the leaders themselves are present on the field.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of pride and unheeded counsel. Like Amaziah, we can sometimes be blinded by past successes or personal arrogance, leading us to make foolish decisions. The passage underscores the importance of humility, listening to wise advice, and maintaining spiritual integrity. When we turn away from God, we may find ourselves in situations where divine judgment allows us to face the consequences of our own making, much like Amaziah at Bethshemesh. As Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 6:9 (2 votes)

    And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, [then] he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that [it is] not his hand [that] smote us: it [was] a chance [that] happened to us.

  • 1 Samuel 6:19 (2 votes)

    ¶ And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten [many] of the people with a great slaughter.

  • 1 Samuel 6:20 (2 votes)

    And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?

  • Joshua 21:16 (2 votes)

    And Ain with her suburbs, and Juttah with her suburbs, [and] Bethshemesh with her suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.