2 Kings 14:17

And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.

And Amaziah {H558} the son {H1121} of Joash {H3101} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} lived {H2421} after {H310} the death {H4194} of Jehoash {H3060} son {H1121} of Jehoahaz {H3059} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} fifteen {H2568}{H6240} years {H8141}.

Amatzyah the son of Yo'ash king of Y'hudah lived another fifteen years after the death of Y'ho'ash son of Y'ho'achaz, king of Isra'el.

Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah lived for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel.

And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.

Commentary

2 Kings 14:17 provides a concise chronological detail in the turbulent history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This verse states that Amaziah, the king of Judah, outlived Jehoash (also known as Joash in some contexts, but here specifically the king of Israel) by fifteen years. This seemingly simple statement holds significant historical and theological weight when understood within its broader biblical context.

Context

Amaziah, son of Joash, was the ninth king of Judah, reigning for 29 years (2 Kings 14:2). His reign began with a period of righteousness, though not entirely committed to the Lord, as he did not remove the high places where people still offered sacrifices (2 Kings 14:4). He achieved a significant victory over Edom in the Valley of Salt (2 Kings 14:7). However, after this victory, Amaziah's heart was lifted up, and he foolishly challenged Jehoash, the king of Israel, to battle (2 Kings 14:8). This challenge, born of pride, led to a devastating defeat for Judah at Beth-shemesh, where Amaziah was captured, Jerusalem's wall was breached, and the temple and palace treasuries were plundered by Jehoash (2 Kings 14:13-14). Despite this humiliation, Amaziah continued to reign for a considerable period after his adversary, Jehoash, had passed away.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Chronology: The verse highlights God's sovereignty over time and the lifespan of kings. Even after a significant military and personal defeat, Amaziah's life was prolonged beyond that of his victorious foe, Jehoash. This is a factual historical detail that underscores the unfolding of God's plan through historical events.
  • Consequences and Endurance: While Amaziah suffered a humiliating defeat and Jerusalem was plundered, this verse shows that his reign did not immediately end. He endured the consequences of his pride and continued to rule for fifteen more years, living with the aftermath of his poor choices. This period likely involved a fractured relationship with his own people, who eventually conspired against him (2 Kings 14:19).
  • Contrast in Fate: Jehoash of Israel, though victorious over Judah, died fifteen years earlier than Amaziah. This emphasizes that military success or defeat does not solely dictate the length of one's life or reign, but rather God maintains ultimate control over life's appointed times.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew text of this verse is straightforward and serves primarily as a chronological marker. The names "Amaziah" (ืึฒืžึทืฆึฐื™ึธื”) means "strength of Yahweh" or "Yahweh has strengthened," and "Jehoash" (ื™ึฐื”ื•ึนืึธืฉื) means "Yahweh has given" or "Yahweh is strong." The irony of Amaziah's name, given his eventual pride and defeat, is notable, as his strength ultimately came from the Lord, but he failed to rely on it properly.

Practical Application

This verse, while historical, offers a subtle reminder that life's timelines are ultimately in God's hands. Even after significant setbacks or consequences of our actions, God allows us to continue living, providing opportunities for reflection, repentance, or simply living out the consequences of our choices. Amaziah's extended reign after his defeat serves as a cautionary tale: a long life does not necessarily equate to a blessed or peaceful one, especially if marked by pride and a turning away from God, as was the case with Amaziah's later years (2 Chronicles 25:27). It underscores the importance of finishing well and maintaining humility and obedience throughout one's life, regardless of external circumstances.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 25:25 (4 votes)

    And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:28 (4 votes)

    And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah.

  • 2 Kings 14:23 (2 votes)

    ยถ In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, [and reigned] forty and one years.

  • 2 Kings 13:10 (2 votes)

    ยถ In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, [and reigned] sixteen years.

  • 2 Kings 14:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.

  • 2 Kings 14:2 (2 votes)

    He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.