And conspirators plotted against Amaziah in JerusalemAmaziah was the king of Judah, and his reign was marked by both military successes and failures. The conspiracy against him likely stemmed from dissatisfaction with his leadership, particularly after his defeat by Israel (
2 Kings 14:8-14). Jerusalem, the capital city, was the political and religious center of Judah, making it a strategic location for such plots. Conspiracies were not uncommon in the ancient Near East, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g.,
2 Kings 12:20). This reflects the political instability and the constant threat of internal rebellion that many kings faced.
and he fled to Lachish
Lachish was a fortified city in the Shephelah region of Judah, known for its strategic military importance. Archaeological excavations have uncovered significant fortifications, indicating its role as a defensive stronghold. Amaziah's flight to Lachish suggests he sought refuge in a place that could offer protection. This city was often a target in military campaigns, as seen in the Assyrian conquest under Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:13-14). The choice of Lachish highlights Amaziah's desperation and the seriousness of the threat against him.
But men were sent after him to Lachish
The sending of men to pursue Amaziah indicates the determination of the conspirators to eliminate him. This action underscores the extent of the conspiracy and the resolve to ensure that Amaziah could not reclaim his throne. The pursuit to Lachish also suggests that the conspirators had significant resources and influence, enabling them to act decisively even outside Jerusalem. This reflects the political dynamics of the time, where power struggles often led to violent outcomes.
and they killed him there
The assassination of Amaziah at Lachish marks the end of his reign and highlights the brutal nature of political power struggles in ancient Judah. This event is consistent with the biblical theme of divine retribution and the consequences of disobedience, as Amaziah had turned away from following the Lord fully (2 Chronicles 25:14-16). The killing of a king by conspirators is a recurring motif in the biblical narrative, illustrating the precariousness of monarchical rule (e.g.,2 Kings 9:24). This also serves as a reminder of the need for righteous leadership and the dangers of turning away from God's commandments.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AmaziahThe king of Judah who reigned after his father Joash. He is known for initially doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord but later turning away from God, which led to his downfall.
2.
JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, where Amaziah reigned and where the conspiracy against him began.
3.
LachishA fortified city in Judah to which Amaziah fled in an attempt to escape the conspiracy against him. It was a significant city during this period, often mentioned in military contexts.
4.
ConspiracyA plot formed by Amaziah's own people, leading to his assassination. This reflects the political instability and the consequences of turning away from God.
5.
AssassinationThe act of killing Amaziah, which was the culmination of the conspiracy against him. This event marks the end of his reign and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and disobedience to God.
Teaching Points
The Dangers of PrideAmaziah's account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. Pride can lead to a fall, as it did with Amaziah, who initially followed God but later became self-reliant and disobedient.
The Consequences of DisobedienceAmaziah's turning away from God resulted in political instability and ultimately his assassination. Disobedience to God can have severe consequences, both personally and for those around us.
The Importance of Finishing WellAmaziah started his reign well but did not finish well. This teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God throughout our lives, not just at the beginning.
Seeking God's GuidanceInstead of relying on his own strength and wisdom, Amaziah should have sought God's guidance. This reminds us to seek God's will in all our decisions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 14:19?
2.How does 2 Kings 14:19 illustrate consequences of disobedience to God's commands?
3.What lessons can we learn from Amaziah's downfall in 2 Kings 14:19?
4.How does Amaziah's fate connect with Proverbs 16:18 about pride and downfall?
5.How can we apply the humility lesson from 2 Kings 14:19 today?
6.What does Amaziah's story teach about seeking God's guidance in leadership decisions?
7.Why was Amaziah conspired against in 2 Kings 14:19?
8.What does 2 Kings 14:19 reveal about leadership and accountability?
9.How does 2 Kings 14:19 reflect on divine justice?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 14?
11.2 Kings 15:1 begins Azariah’s reign in Jeroboam II’s 27th year, yet surrounding passages suggest conflicting dates—how can these discrepancies be resolved?
12.Does 2 Chronicles 26:1-4's portrayal of Uzziah's rise to power match external historical sources or records of other nations?
13.In Jeremiah 38:15-16, how reliable is the account of a secret meeting between Jeremiah and King Zedekiah when both sides had clear motives to document or distort events?
14.How could David's leadership remain credible after Absalom's revolt if so many suddenly switched allegiance back, as stated in 2 Samuel 19:14?What Does 2 Kings 14:19 Mean
Conspirators plotted against Amaziah in Jerusalem“Conspirators plotted against Amaziah in Jerusalem” (2 Kings 14:19a)
• Amaziah’s own subjects turned on him. Earlier he had brought Edomite idols home (2 Chron 25:14-16), refused prophetic warning, and then provoked Israel and lost badly (2 Kings 14:8-14).
• His spiritual drift eroded the people’s loyalty. 2 Chron 25:27 notes “from the time that Amaziah turned away from following the LORD, they conspired against him.”
• Other Judahite kings met similar ends when they forsook the LORD—Joash (2 Kings 12:20) and later Amon (2 Kings 21:23). The pattern underlinesProverbs 16:18: pride and rebellion invite downfall.
He fled to Lachish“…and he fled to Lachish.” (v. 19b)
• Lachish lay about 30 miles southwest of Jerusalem, a heavily fortified city used by previous kings for refuge (2 Chron 32:9;Jeremiah 34:7).
• Amaziah trusted walls and distance rather than returning in repentance to the LORD, echoingPsalm 20:7—some trust in chariots and horses.
•Micah 1:13 calls Lachish “the beginning of sin” for Judah, hinting at its association with misplaced confidence.
But men were sent after him to Lachish“But men were sent after him to Lachish…” (v. 19c)
• The conspiracy possessed resolve; mere relocation could not escape divine judgment (Psalm 139:7-12).
• God often allows human agents to carry out His discipline (1 Kings 11:14;2 Kings 15:30). Amaziah’s pursuers fulfilled the prophetic word of consequence for disobedience.
And they killed him there“…and they killed him there.” (v. 19d)
• Amaziah’s twenty-nine-year reign ends outside the capital, a tragic mirror of his spiritual estrangement (2 Chron 25:28).
• Though buried in Jerusalem “with his fathers” (2 Kings 14:20), his death away from the temple mount underscoresRomans 6:23—the wages of sin is death.
• The account stands as a sober reminder that no fortress, plan, or ally can shield one from the righteous judgment of God (Hebrews 10:31).
summary2 Kings 14:19 records the inevitable outcome of Amaziah’s drift from wholehearted obedience. Rebellion bred unrest, unrest bred conspiracy, and conspiracy ended in assassination. Geography could not hide him, politics could not save him, and only covenant faithfulness—abandoned long before—could have preserved him. The verse warns every reader that allegiance to the LORD is not optional; it is life itself.
(19)
Now . . . but.--
And . . . and.They made a conspiracy.--The fact that noindividual conspirators are mentioned appears to indicate that Amazial?'s death was the result of a general disaffection; and this inference is strengthened by the other details of the record. Thenius supppses that he had incensed the army in particular by some special act. Probably his foolish and ill-fated enterprise against Israel had something to do with it.
Lachish.--NowUm Lakis. Of old it was a strong fortress. (Comp.2Chronicles 11:9;2Kings 18:14;2Kings 19:8.) Amaziah's flight thither seems to indicate either a popular rising in Jerusalem, or a military revolt.
They sent after him to Lachish.--This, too, may point to a military outbreak.
Verse 19. -
Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem. The author of Chronicles connects this conspiracy with the idolatry of which Amaziah was guilty (
2 Chronicles 25:27); but, though his subjects may have been offended by his religions changes, and have become alienated from him in consequence, the actual conspiracy can scarcely have been prompted by an act which was fifteen, or at any rate thirteen, years old. It is more likely to have sprung out of dissatisfaction with Amaziah's military inaction from and after his defeat by Joash. While Jeroboam H. was carrying all before him in the north, recovering his border, pushing it as far as Hamath, and even exercising a suzerainty over Damascus (vers. 25, 28), Amaziah remained passive, cowed by his one defeat, and took no advantage of the state of weakness to which he had reduced Edom, but sat with folded hands, doing nothing. The conspirators who removed Amaziah, and placed his son Azariah, or Uzziah, upon the throne, may be credited with the wish and intention to bring the period of inaction to an end, and to effect in the south what Jeroboam was effecting in the north. It is true that Azariah was but sixteen years of age (ver. 21; comp.
2 Chronicles 26:1), but he may have given indications of his ambition and capacity. Sixteen, moreover, is the time of manhood in the East, and the conspirators had probably waited until Azariah was sixteen in order that his competency to reign should not be disputed. As soon as he was on the throne he initiated the warlike policy which they desired (see ver. 22).
And he fled to Lachish. Lachish, one of the south-western Judaean towns (
Joshua 15:39), was at all times a fortress of importance. It resisted Joshua (Joshua 10:3, 31), and was taken by storm. It was fortified by Jeroboam against the Egyptians (
2 Chronicles 11:9). It was besieged and taken by Sennacherib (
2 Kings 18:14; Layard, 'Nineveh and Babylon,' pp. 149-152). The position is marked by the modern Um-
Lakis, on "a low round swell or knoll," between Gaza and Beit-Jibrin, about thirteen miles from Gaza and nearly thirty-five from Jerusalem.
But they sent after him to Lackish, and slew him there. So the author of Chronicles (
2 Chronicles 25:27) and Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,' 9:9. § 3); but details are wanting.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And conspiratorsקֶ֛שֶׁר(qe·šer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7195:An, allianceplottedוַיִּקְשְׁר֨וּ(way·yiq·šə·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7194:To tie, gird, confine, compact, in love, leagueagainst {Amaziah]עָלָ֥יו(‘ā·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstin Jerusalem,בִּירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם(bî·rū·šā·lim)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389:Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israeland he fledוַיָּ֣נָס(way·yā·nās)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5127:To flit, vanish awayto Lachish.לָכִ֑ישָׁה(lā·ḵî·šāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3923:Lachish -- a Canaanite city Southwest of JerusalemBut men were sentוַיִּשְׁלְח֤וּ(way·yiš·lə·ḥū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outafter himאַֽחֲרָיו֙(’a·ḥă·rāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 310:The hind or following partto Lachish,לָכִ֔ישָׁה(lā·ḵî·šāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3923:Lachish -- a Canaanite city Southwest of Jerusalemand they killed himוַיְמִתֻ֖הוּ(way·mi·ṯu·hū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191:To die, to killthere.שָֽׁם׃(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thither
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OT History: 2 Kings 14:19 They made a conspiracy against him (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)