FSabbath, November 9 – 2 Chronicles 25, 26

1. What did Amaziah do according to the Lord’s instructions concerning the sons of his father’s enemies? (2 Chronicles 25:3, 4).

2. How did Amaziah provoke Joash, king of Israel, to war? (2 Chronicles 25:17).

3. Who was appointed king in Judah in place of Amaziah? (2 Chronicles 26:1).

4. What invention did the engineers create during Uzziah’s time? (2 Chronicles 26:15).

Commentary and Reflection:

We continue reading about the history of the kings of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Today’s chapters review the story of the kings of Judah, Amaziah, and his son Uzziah. Professor Javier Diaz previously commented on Amaziah’s story as recorded in the book of 2 Kings. Some story details not found in 2 Kings are recorded in 2 Chronicles.

When preparing for war against Edom, Amaziah initially listened to God’s Word through the prophet. When the prophet tells him not to take the 100,000 soldiers of Israel into battle, he initially questions but then obeys.

When Amaziah asks about the loss of his investment, the prophet responds with a statement full of meaning that transcends history: “The Lord is able to give you much more than this.” In other words, it is gain to obey the Lord. If you have made your own plans or made a hasty and unwise investment, it is better for the money to be lost. Disobeying God risks losing much more. This lesson applies to any loss one may incur—whether it be work, business, or anything else—when following God’s will.

In the excitement of victory, Amaziah lost his good judgment. For some reason, he forgot to whom he owed the credit. Incredibly, he brought back the gods of Edom and worshiped them! “For this reason, the anger of the Lord was aroused against Amaziah, and He sent a prophet who said to him, ‘Why have you sought the gods of the people, which could not rescue their own people from your hand?’” (2 Chronicles 25:15).

This time, Amaziah did not listen to the prophet; he did not let him finish speaking. In arrogance, he interrupted him: “Have we made you the king’s counselor? Cease! Why should you be killed?”

What a foolish response! As we say, “success went to his head.” Success is dangerous; we run the risk of forgetting to whom we owe it and, somehow, beginning to believe it is due to our intelligence, strength, work, talent, or connections when, in reality, we owe it all to the Lord.

Uzziah, Amaziah’s son, succeeded him on the throne of Judah. Uzziah had a long and prosperous reign and was one of the longest-reigning kings. Judah became a military power, and his engineers invented war machines.

It is noteworthy what the account says about Uzziah’s strength and prosperity: “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the Lord his God…” Another one who was blinded by his success. It is a danger that threatens every human being in times of prosperity. It says, “his heart was lifted up to his destruction.” Success went to his head as well.

This story reminds me of the testimony of the apostle Paul: “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

What did Uzziah do? He attempted to enter the temple to perform priestly duty. He felt superior, invincible, and more worthy of the priestly role than the priests. He tried to do so despite the counsel and resistance of valiant men of God who opposed him. That was not his role; it was not his calling. It was a sin.

“It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed; you shall have no honor from the Lord God.” (2 Chronicles 26:18).

This was a sin like Jeroboam’s, the first king of the divided kingdom of Israel. God is the one who calls and assigns each person’s place. No one has the right to call themselves. We do wrong when we follow those who, under their authority, place themselves at the head of God’s people, whether as leaders or priests.

These dangers exist as much today as they did then. They are weapons the enemy still uses. May God deliver us from such deception. May God also protect us from the dangers of prosperity and success.