2 Chronicles 25 20

2 Chronicles 25:20 kjv

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 nkjv

But Amaziah would not heed, for it came from God, that He might give them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought the gods of Edom.

2 Chronicles 25:20 niv

Amaziah, however, would not listen, for God so worked that he might deliver them into the hands of Jehoash, because they sought the gods of Edom.

2 Chronicles 25:20 esv

But Amaziah would not listen, for it was of God, in order that he might give them into the hand of their enemies, because they had sought the gods of Edom.

2 Chronicles 25:20 nlt

But Amaziah refused to listen, for God was determined to destroy him for turning to the gods of Edom.

2 Chronicles 25 verses

2 Chronicles 25 20 Meaning

The verse states that King Amaziah refused to heed counsel, and this refusal was divinely ordained. God orchestrated circumstances to deliver Amaziah and his people into the hands of their enemies. This judgment was a direct consequence of their specific sin: the adoption and worship of the Edomite deities after defeating Edom. It underscores divine sovereignty in judgment when human hearts are hardened by rebellion and idolatry.

2 Chronicles 25 20 Context

2 Chronicles 25 details the reign of King Amaziah of Judah. Initially, he "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart" (2 Chr 25:2). He bravely led Judah in battle against Edom and achieved a decisive victory (2 Chr 25:11-13). However, following this success, Amaziah brought back the idols of the defeated Edomites and began worshipping them, burning incense to them (2 Chr 25:14). This egregious act of idolatry provoked God's anger, and a prophet was sent to rebuke Amaziah, highlighting the folly of worshipping gods who could not save their own people (2 Chr 25:15). Despite the prophet's stern warning, Amaziah refused to listen, responding with arrogance and threatening the prophet (2 Chr 25:16). His heart was hardened by his idolatry and pride. This immediate refusal sets the stage for the verse's declaration, which then introduces Amaziah's challenge to King Jehoash of Israel, ultimately leading to Judah's defeat and Jerusalem's plundering. The verse signifies the turning point where God's judgment became fixed due to Amaziah's unwavering rebellion and contempt for divine counsel.

2 Chronicles 25 20 Word analysis

• But: (Heb. וְ, wĕ) – Functions as a strong contrast, indicating a shift from what might have been expected or previously occurred to an opposing reality. Here, it contrasts with the divine counsel that should have been heard.
• Amaziah: (Heb. אֲמַצְיָהוּ, ’ămaṣyāhû) – The King of Judah. His name means "Yahweh is mighty" or "strength of Yah." Ironically, despite this name and God's mighty victory given to him over Edom, he turned away from Yahweh.
• would not hear: (Heb. לֹא שָׁמַע, lo shama) – Lit. "did not hear" or "did not listen." This phrase is more than merely an inability to perceive sound; it denotes a stubborn, deliberate refusal to obey or pay attention to a warning or counsel, especially from a divine source or its messenger (the prophet in 2 Chr 25:15-16). It signifies active disobedience and rebellion.
• for it came of God: (Heb. כִּי מֵאֵת הָאֱלֹהִים הִיא, ki me'et ha'elohim hi) – Lit. "for from God it was/she was." This indicates divine origin or initiation. It emphasizes God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the events that followed. This is not arbitrary punishment, but God responding to Amaziah's deep-seated and persistent rebellion and idolatry. God allowed his will to be set in such a way that he was given over to the consequences. It points to God’s judicial hardening of Amaziah’s heart.
• that he might deliver them: (Heb. לְמַעַן תִּתָּן אֹתָם, le'maʿan tittan 'otam) – "in order that he (God) might give/deliver them." This clause states the divine purpose behind Amaziah's hardened refusal to hear: it was part of God's plan to bring about judgment. It's the intended outcome of God's judicial action, which permits Amaziah's willful choices to lead to his downfall.
• into the hand of their enemies: A common biblical idiom signifying defeat, subjugation, or punishment inflicted by an opposing force. In this context, it refers to Jehoash, King of Israel. God, in His sovereignty, uses human agents (even enemies) to enact His judgments.
• because they sought after: (Heb. כִּי דָּרְשׁוּ, ki darshu) – Lit. "because they diligently sought" or "inquired for." The verb darash implies an earnest pursuit, a diligent inquiry, or active worship. It's not passive exposure but a deliberate choice to seek out and engage with these false gods.
• the gods of Edom: These were the pagan deities worshipped by the Edomites. Amaziah, despite having just utterly defeated Edom and its gods, ironically brought them back and started worshipping them. This demonstrated a profound lack of wisdom and gratitude, equating the true God who gave him victory with idols who couldn't even save their own worshippers. This was an abhorrent act of syncretism and betrayal.

• "would not hear; for it came of God": This phrase highlights the critical interaction between human will and divine sovereignty. Amaziah's choice to stubbornly refuse counsel was his own, yet it occurred within the framework of God's overarching purpose for judgment. God permitted or ordained Amaziah's hardened heart, allowing the king's self-will to become the very instrument of his downfall, precisely because his spiritual state already merited it. It demonstrates God’s allowing consequences to unfold when grace is rejected.
• "that he might deliver them... because they sought after the gods of Edom": This clearly articulates the judicial rationale for God's action. The purpose (deliverance into enemies' hands) is directly tied to the specific cause (idolatrous pursuit of Edomite gods). This is not arbitrary judgment but a just consequence for breaking covenant and substituting the living God with powerless idols, especially after experiencing His favor. The sequence implies that the idolatry preceded and justified the divine decision to allow Amaziah to remain stubbornly disobedient, leading to defeat.

2 Chronicles 25 20 Bonus section

The passage illustrates the concept of divine permissive will or judicial hardening. While Amaziah freely chose to refuse God's counsel and engage in idolatry, God determined that such rebellion would not be overcome by a fresh outpouring of grace but would lead to the natural and predetermined consequence of judgment. This highlights God's justice in holding individuals accountable for their actions, even when those actions fulfill His ultimate, unchallengeable purpose. The irony of worshipping Edomite gods after triumphing over them is a stark portrayal of spiritual blindness and ingratitude. The gods were incapable of saving Edom, yet Amaziah adopted them, demonstrating the utter foolishness and futility of idolatry (compare Psa 115:4-7; Isa 44:9-20). The narrative in Chronicles, in general, places emphasis on the king's obedience (or disobedience) to God's law and the subsequent national consequences, reinforcing the Deuteronomic theme of blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience.

2 Chronicles 25 20 Commentary

2 Chronicles 25:20 offers profound insight into God's sovereign justice and the grave consequences of unrepentant sin, particularly idolatry. Amaziah's refusal to hear the prophet's divine counsel (v.16) was not merely a stubborn human act; it was interwoven with God's ultimate plan. The phrase "it came of God" reveals that God was not surprised by Amaziah's rebellion but actively, though righteously, permitted or even ordained Amaziah's hardening of heart to bring about His predetermined judgment. This judicial act by God was not without cause; it was a just response to Amaziah's blatant idolatry. After God had granted him victory over the Edomites, Amaziah foolishly adopted their defeated gods, actively seeking after them in worship. This betrayal of Yahweh, especially by a king meant to uphold God's law, led God to remove His restraining hand, allowing Amaziah's pride and spiritual blindness to run their course, culminating in his downfall through conflict with Jehoash. The verse serves as a stark reminder that divine judgment often begins with giving people over to the natural, destructive consequences of their persistent sin and refusal to heed God's voice.