King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 25:14 Mean?

2 Chronicles 25:14 in the King James Version says “Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the chi...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.”

2 Chronicles 25:14 · KJV

Context

12

And other ten thousand left alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.

13

But the soldiers of the army which Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of Judah, from Samaria even unto Bethhoron, and smote three thousand of them, and took much spoil. the soldiers: Heb. the sons of the band

14

Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.

15

Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?

16

And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel. determined: Heb. counselled

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Half-hearted obedience and pride's consequences. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַֽחֲרֵ֨י2 of 19

“Now it came to pass after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וַיָּבֵ֗א3 of 19

“that he brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲמַצְיָ֙הוּ֙4 of 19

“that Amaziah”

H558

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

מֵֽהַכּ֣וֹת5 of 19

“from the slaughter”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת6 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲדוֹמִ֔ים7 of 19

“of the Edomites”

H130

an edomite, or descendants from (or inhabitants of) edom

וַיָּבֵ֗א8 of 19

“that he brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת9 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים10 of 19

“the gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּנֵ֣י11 of 19

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שֵׂעִ֔יר12 of 19

“of Seir”

H8165

seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

וַיַּֽעֲמִידֵ֥ם13 of 19

“and set them up”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

ל֖וֹ14 of 19
H0
לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים15 of 19

“the gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְלִפְנֵיהֶ֥ם16 of 19

“himself before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה17 of 19

“and bowed down”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

וְלָהֶ֥ם18 of 19
H0
יְקַטֵּֽר׃19 of 19

“them and burned incense”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 25:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 25:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 28:23Isaiah 44:19Deuteronomy 7:5Deuteronomy 7:252 Samuel 5:21Exodus 20:3-5

Places in This Verse

Mount Seir 1Mountain Range · Modern: Jebel esh Shera · 30.18°N, 35.32°E34 verses across 9 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 25 →

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