King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 25:15 Mean?

“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?”

Context

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

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.

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?

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

Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Could not deliver.**—*Delivered not.* (Comp. the boast of Sennacherib concerning the gods who had failed before him: 2Kings 18:33-35.) The king’s object may have been to win their favour, and so retain his hold on what was regarded as their peculiar territory. One of these gods might be *Hadad* (comp. 1Chronicles 1:46; 1Chronicles 1:50; 2Kings 5:18; 2Kings 6:24); another might have been *Kôsh.* (Comp. the Edomite royal names *Qa-us-ma-la-ka,* *i.e.*, Kosmalak, “Kosh is king,” and *Qa-us-gab-ri, i.e.,* Kosgabri, “Kosh is my warrior;” names which are like the Hebrew *Elimelech* and *Gabriel* respectively.) The Hebrew proper name, *Kish,* may be the same as *Kôsh.* Lastly, the name of a king of Edom mentioned by Sennacherib, *Mâlik-rammu, i.e.,* “Moloch is exalted,” indicates that Moloch also was worshipped in Edom.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 25:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.