Amaziah

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew ’Amatsyāhû (“Yahweh is strong”), reflecting a theophoric name tied to Israel’s covenant God.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom
• Main References: 2 Kings 14:1–20; 2 Chronicles 25:1–28
• Key Connections: Son of Joash (Jehoash) of Judah; part of the Davidic royal line; father of Azariah/Uzziah.

Who was Amaziah?

Amaziah was a king of Judah who reigned in Jerusalem in the period of the Divided Kingdom.
He began his rule by addressing the assassination of his father, Joash.
His reign includes military action against Edom and a major conflict with the northern kingdom of Israel.
Biblical narratives evaluate his rule in relation to covenant loyalty and royal practice in Judah.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Executed his father’s assassins while not putting their children to death, aligning with the written law (2 Kings 14:5–6; 2 Chron. 25:3–4).
• Event 2: Won a campaign against Edom, including the capture of Sela, but then adopted Edomite gods (2 Kings 14:7; 2 Chron. 25:11–16).
• Event 3: Challenged Jehoash king of Israel, suffered defeat, and Jerusalem’s wall was breached and temple/royal treasures were taken (2 Kings 14:8–14; 2 Chron. 25:17–24).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Amaziah’s reign illustrates how royal success and covenant unfaithfulness are presented together in Judah’s historical record.

Key Verse

"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.'" — 2 Kings 14:6, ESV