July 6, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

2 Kings 14 - Several kings are mentioned in this chapter, starting with Amaziah, who basically obeyed the Lord during the early years of his reign.  But, he was too careless and overconfident in his abilities.  He defeated a large Edomite army but then chose to pick a fight with the northern kingdom of Israel, and he was soundly defeated.  He was eventually assassinated.  A new king came on the throne in Israel and his name was also Jeroboam, like the first king of the northern tribes.  Hence he is referred to as Jeroboam II.  It was during his reign that we read even Jonah, the prophet, made a prediction of his success, verse 25.

2 Chronicles 25 - When Amaziah faced the Edomites he tried to hire mercenaries from Israel and spent a hundred talents of silver on them.  A prophet told him to send them home for they would bring defeat if they fought alongside Judah.  When Amaziah fretted about the money spent, the man of God told him, "...The Lord is able to give you much more than this" verse 9.  He showed extreme foolishness when he sought to worship the gods of the Edomites even though these "gods" could not deliver the Edomites, verse 14-16.  He would eventually face assassination.