MPV Commentary

Amaziah's Good Reign over Judah.

3-6. Amaziah did what was right in God's sight, yet he didn't follow his father David's example perfectly. At first, he acted like a king who obeyed God's law, but it seems that wasn't always the case (compare 2 Chronicles 25:2). Like his grandfather Joash, Amaziah started strong, but later took a different path (see 2 Chronicles 20:14), and allowed questionable behavior to continue in the kingdom.

5. After securing control of the kingdom, Amaziah avenged his father's murder by punishing those responsible. However, it's clear that these assassins had significant influence, as Amaziah was forced to keep them on staff and couldn't bring them to justice until he consolidated his power.

6. Although Amaziah didn't kill the children of the murderers, showing mercy in line with Moses' law (Deuteronomy 24:16), this decision reflects positively on him. In contrast to common practices in ancient times, where entire families were often punished for a relative's crime, Amaziah chose a more compassionate approach.