King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 25:20 Mean?

2 Chronicles 25:20 in the King James Version says “But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom.”

2 Chronicles 25:20 · KJV

Context

18

And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle. thistle: or, furze bush, or, thorn a wild: Heb. a beast of the field

19

Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?

20

But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom.

21

So Joash the king of Israel went up; and they saw one another in the face, both he and Amaziah king of Judah, at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah.

22

And Judah was put to the worse before Israel, and they fled every man to his tent. put: Heb. smitten

Read 2 Chronicles 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom.

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 · 14 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֣ע2 of 14

“would not hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֲמַצְיָ֔הוּ3 of 14

“But Amaziah”

H558

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

כִּ֤י4 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֱלֹהֵ֥י5 of 14

“after 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

הִ֔יא6 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְמַ֖עַן7 of 14
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תִּתָּ֣ם8 of 14

“that he might deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיָ֑ד9 of 14

“them into the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

כִּ֣י10 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

דָֽרְשׁ֔וּ11 of 14

“of their enemies because they sought”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֵ֖ת12 of 14
H853

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

אֱלֹהֵ֥י13 of 14

“after 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

אֱדֽוֹם׃14 of 14

“of Edom”

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

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 25:20 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 25:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 12:152 Chronicles 22:7Acts 28:25-272 Chronicles 25:16Psalms 81:11-122 Thessalonians 2:9-11

Places in This Verse

EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 25 →

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