King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 25:20 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

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?

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.

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.

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

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **But Amaziah would not hear.**—*And Amaziah hearkened not.* **For it came of God** **. . .** **gods of Edom.**—This remark is added by the chronicler, accounting for the infatuation of Joash by reference to the divine predetermination of events. (Comp. 2Chronicles 25:16; and 2Chronicles 24:24; 2Chronicles 10:15; the Syr. and Arab. omit.) **That he might deliver them into the hand.**—Heb., *into hand;* LXX., “into hands;” Vulg., “into the hands of the enemy.” Perhaps the original reading was, *into his hand, i.e.,* the hand of Joash. **Because they sought.**—*For they had sought.*

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 25:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.