Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger.
2 CHRONICLES 25:10KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 25:10 mean?
2 Chronicles 25:10 describes how King Amaziah sent away the army from Ephraim that had come to help him, telling them to return home. The Ephraimite soldiers became very angry with Judah because they were dismissed and went back home in great anger.
King Amaziah of Judah had hired soldiers from Ephraim (a northern Israelite tribe) to join his army, but after receiving advice from a prophet, he decided to separate (dismiss) them. The verse highlights the strong reaction of the Ephraimite troops, who felt insulted or wronged by being sent away after coming to fight. This sets up tension between Judah and Ephraim in the story.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 25:10
- "Separated" (בָּדַל, badal): This word means to divide or set apart. Here, it emphasizes that Amaziah made a clear and deliberate decision to send the Ephraimite soldiers away, not just a casual dismissal.
- "Anger" (אַף, aph): This word literally means "nose" or "face," but is often used for anger, especially when it is intense or visible. The verse repeats the idea of anger, stressing how deeply offended the Ephraimites were.
- "Kindled" (חָרָה, charah): This verb means to burn or become hot, often used for anger flaring up. The phrase shows that the Ephraimites’ anger was not mild but burning and intense.
Why 2 Chronicles 25:10 matters
- The verse clarifies that Amaziah’s obedience to prophetic advice had immediate political consequences, stirring up resentment from his northern neighbors.
- The strong language for anger and separation highlights the seriousness of the break between Judah and Ephraim, which will affect later events in the chapter.
- Understanding the emotional response of the Ephraimite soldiers helps explain future hostility and conflict between the two kingdoms.