MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for 2 Chronicles 25
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for 2 Chronicles 25
Having Hired an Army of Israelites against the Edomites,
5. Amaziah ... made captains and officers from among his own people,
organizing them into regiments based on their family ties. This created
strong bonds among the soldiers, who were more likely to stand together
in battle.
He found three hundred thousand able-bodied men, which was only a fourth
of Jehoshaphat's army (2Ch 17:14-19). The kingdom of Judah had suffered
significant losses due to foreign wars and internal corruption over the
past eighty-two years.
6. Amaziah also hired one hundred thousand skilled warriors from Israel,
paying them one hundred talents of silver, approximately £50,000 sterling.
This was a modest payment for their services, but it was standard in
ancient times when campaigns were short and the risks relatively low.
7, 8. A prophet came to Amaziah, warning him not to continue with his
plan to fight against Edom. The prophet said that "the Lord is not with
Israel," which meant that God was not on their side in this conflict.
This statement referred specifically to the idolatrous practices of the
Ephraimites, who had long abandoned true worship.
9. Amaziah listened to the prophet's advice and dismissed the hired
soldiers from Israel. However, his decision enraged them, and they vowed
to take revenge on Judah for their lost wages.
10. The army of Israelites left Judah in anger, plundering towns along
the way as they returned home. This was a direct result of Amaziah's
decision to dismiss them without paying their wages.
11. In the Valley of Salt, Amaziah and his army defeated ten thousand Edomites,
killing many more by throwing them from the top of a rock (2Ch 25:12).
This victory was likely due in part to the terror inspired by the
brutal treatment of the Edomites.
14-16. After his victory, Amaziah brought the gods of the Edomites back
to Jerusalem and set them up as objects of worship. He burned incense on
their altars, which was a key part of their idolatrous rituals.
This action was foolish and ignorant, and it incurred God's displeasure.
16. A prophet rebuked Amaziah for his apostasy and warned him that he
would suffer the consequences of his actions.