Movatterモバイル変換

2 Kings 14:5
And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.

2 Chronicles 24:25,26
And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings…

Genesis 9:5,6
And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man…

Exodus 21:14
But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.

Amaziah executed the servants
Amaziah's execution of the servants who killed his father is an act of justice and retribution, aligning with the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, which is seen in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 21:23-25). This action was likely intended to restore order and demonstrate his commitment to justice, deterring future conspiracies. It also reflects the cultural and legal expectations of a king to avenge wrongful deaths, especially within the royal family. This act of execution was a common practice in ancient monarchies to eliminate threats and solidify the king's authority.

who had murdered his father the king
The murder of King Joash by his servants is recorded in2 Chronicles 24:25. Joash's assassination was a result of his turning away from God and the subsequent discontent among his officials. This historical context highlights the instability and political intrigue that often surrounded the throne of Judah. The execution of the murderers by Amaziah can be seen as fulfilling the biblical principle of justice, as well as a necessary political move to stabilize his reign. This act also serves as a reminder of the consequences of unfaithfulness to God, as Joash's downfall was linked to his abandonment of the covenant.

2 Chronicles 25:3 opens with immediacy: “As soon as…”.

• No delay—Amaziah acts the moment stability is achieved (see1 Kings 2:12 where Solomon’s throne is “firmly established” before addressing unfinished justice).

• Faithfulness to duty—Swift obedience echoes the biblical call to deal promptly with wrongdoing (Deuteronomy 21:22-23;Psalm 119:60).

The text stresses that Amaziah waited until his authority was secure.

• Legitimacy first—Like Jehoshaphat, who grew “strong and prosperous” before reforms (2 Chronicles 17:5-6), Amaziah ensures his rule cannot be questioned.

• Guarding against chaos—2 Samuel 3:1 shows prolonged instability when decisive leadership is absent; Amaziah avoids that pattern.

The action is capital punishment carried out by the God-appointed ruler.

• Government as God’s servant—Romans 13:4 calls the ruler “an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.”

• Old Testament precedent—Genesis 9:6 andExodus 21:12 uphold the death penalty for murder, affirming Amaziah’s right—and responsibility—to administer justice.

Those judged were “servants,” likely court officials who betrayed royal trust.

• Betrayal within—Parallel account (2 Kings 14:5) confirms they were part of Joash’s own staff, highlighting the gravity of treason (cf.Psalm 41:9).

• Accountability regardless of status—From palace staff to commoner, God’s law applies equally (Leviticus 24:22).

Scripture labels their act plainly: murder.

• Moral clarity—Exodus 20:13 condemns murder without equivocation;Genesis 4:10 shows God hears the cry of spilled blood.

• No statute of limitations—Numbers 35:33 insists the land is defiled until blood guilt is addressed.

Amaziah’s father Joash was killed by these men (2 Chronicles 24:25-26).

• Honoring parents—Executing justice for his father obeys the heart of the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12).

• Protecting the throne—Hebrews 13:17 teaches respect for leaders; failure to avenge Joash would weaken reverence for God-ordained authority.

Amaziah’s swift, lawful execution of his father’s murderers models responsible leadership. Waiting until his kingdom was secure, he applied God’s standard of justice, affirming that no position exempts anyone from accountability. The verse teaches the necessity of prompt, righteous action against wrongdoing, the protection of God-instituted authority, and the upholding of divine law for the stability and blessing of the covenant community.