Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?

2 CHRONICLES 25:15KJV
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2 Chronicles 25:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 25:15 mean?

2 Chronicles 25:15 describes how the LORD’s anger burned against King Amaziah because he began worshipping the gods of the people he had just defeated, even though those gods had failed to save their own people. God sent a prophet to confront Amaziah, questioning why he would seek help from powerless idols.

In this scene, God is responding to Amaziah’s actions after his victory over the Edomites. Instead of remaining faithful to the LORD (H3068), Amaziah starts to honor the defeated nation’s gods (H430), which makes no sense given their obvious weakness. The prophet’s question highlights the foolishness of trusting in gods who could not even protect their own followers.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 25:15

  • "anger" (אַף, ʾaf, H639): This word often means "nose" or "face," but here it refers to God’s anger, pictured as burning or flaring up. It emphasizes the intensity of God’s response to Amaziah’s actions.
  • "kindled" (חָרָה, charah, H2734): This verb means "to burn" or "to become hot," describing how God’s anger was not just mild displeasure but a strong, active response.
  • "sought" (דָּרַשׁ, darash, H1875): This word means to seek, inquire, or pursue. It shows that Amaziah made a deliberate effort to turn to these foreign gods, not just a passing mistake.
  • "gods" (אֱלֹהִים, elohim, H430): This is the common word for gods or divine beings. The irony is that these "gods" could not deliver (H5337) their own people, underlining their powerlessness.

Why 2 Chronicles 25:15 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Amaziah’s actions were accidental or minor; the language shows he actively chose to seek other gods, provoking a strong response from God.
  • The prophet’s question points out the irrationality of trusting in gods that have already proven themselves powerless, sharpening the contrast between the LORD and idols.
  • In the wider passage, this moment marks a turning point in Amaziah’s reign, showing how his choices lead to further trouble and distancing from God.

Where else these words appear

“Amaziah” Hebrew H558 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 12:21 For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 15:1 In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.

“kindled” Hebrew H2734 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  • Deuteronomy 6:15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
  • 2 Kings 23:26 Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal.