MPV Commentary

8. Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the king of Israel, with a bold and haughty challenge. This likely stemmed from his desire for revenge against Judah for the treatment he had received from their discharged auxiliaries (2Ch 25:13) and for the massacre of his ancestors by Jehu (2Ki 9:1-37). Amaziah's actions were probably driven by pride and self-confidence, fueled by his recent victory over the Edomites.

9. In response, Jehoash sent a parable to Amaziah, using a common Eastern practice of conveying unwelcome truths or contemptuous sneers through figurative language. The thistle represented Amaziah, a minor prince, while the cedar symbolized the powerful king of Israel. The wild beast that trampled down the thistle signified the overwhelming army with which Israel could desolate Judah. Alternatively, the parable may be seen as a general description of the effects of pride and ambition, which inevitably lead to a sudden and ruinous downfall (2Ki 14:10).

11-14. However, Amaziah refused to listen to Jehoash's warning, being in a state of judicial blindness and infatuation (2Ch 25:20). He was determined on war, but the superior energy of Joash caught him off guard before he had completed his military preparations. Joash poured a large army into Judah and engaged Amaziah in battle, routing his forces and taking him prisoner. He then marched to Jerusalem, where he demolished part of the city walls, plundered the palace and temple treasures, and took hostages to prevent further molestation from Judah. After terminating the war, Joash returned to his capital without leaving a garrison in Jerusalem, as his presence and all his forces were required to deal with the troublesome incursions of the Syrians.