What did Amaziah do in 2 Kings 14, and was it wrong?
2 Kings 14:6 speaks of Amaziah killing the people who killed his father and there is a reference to Deuteronomy 24:16. Please explain what he did wrong.
2 Kings 14:6
ESV - 6 But he did not put to death the children of the murderers, according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, where the Lord commanded, "Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. But each one shall die for his own sin.
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Asked January 15 2016
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Cynthia Johnson
Supporter
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Kenneth Heck
Supporter
My opinion is that what Amaziah did in not slaying the children of the murderers (of his father, 14.5) was not wrong. He was obeying the law of Moses (Deut. 24:16). Actually, the LORD judged Amaziah as doing right in his sight (2 Kings 14:3) although not as well as David did. Perhaps the question might be why Amaziah was considered wrong.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Superb question, Cynthia! My view / What did Amaziah do wrong — and what can I learn from it: At first, Amaziah did what was right. He obeyed God’s law by punishing only the men who killed his father and sparing their children (2 Kings 14:6). That showed obedience. But his story didn’t stay on track. Later, he brought home Edom’s idols and worshiped them, then pridefully picked a fight with Israel. His obedience was partial, not wholehearted. “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not with a whole heart.” (2 Chronicles 25:2). How does this apply today to us? God isn’t after outward obedience alone — He wants your full heart. Partial obedience leads to pride and compromise. Like Amaziah, we can start strong but still fall if we don’t stay surrendered.
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