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.

2 CHRONICLES 25:17KJV
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2 Chronicles 25:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 25:17 mean?

2 Chronicles 25:17 describes Amaziah, king of Judah, issuing a challenge to Joash, king of Israel. After seeking counsel, Amaziah sends a message proposing that the two kings meet face to face. The words introduce a confrontation between the two kingdoms.

The phrase “let us see one another in the face” sounds like a personal meeting, but the verses that follow show that Amaziah is asking for a contest in battle. The message comes after Amaziah’s victory over the Edomites and the prophet’s warning in the preceding verses.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 25:17

  • “took advice” — יָעַץ (yaʿats): The word can mean to consult or seek counsel. It presents Amaziah’s message as a decision made after consultation.
  • “let us see one another” — רָאָה (raʾah): The word means to see. Here its form carries the sense of seeing each other, giving the challenge the picture of the kings meeting directly.

Why 2 Chronicles 25:17 matters

  • The challenge is directed across a division between two related peoples. Amaziah rules Judah, while Joash rules Israel, the northern kingdom.
  • Joash understands the message as a threat, not merely a request for a visit. In verse 19, he asks Amaziah why he should stir up trouble.
  • The verse starts a chain of exchanges rather than describing the battle itself. Joash replies in verses 18–19, and the fighting comes afterward.

Where else these words appear

“Jehoahaz” Hebrew H3059 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Kings 10:35 And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 13:10 In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.
  • 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

“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 25:15 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?

“Joash” Hebrew H3101 · used in 41 verses

  • Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
  • 2 Kings 13:9 And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,

“Jehu” Hebrew H3058 · used in 54 verses

  • 1 Kings 16:1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying,
  • 2 Kings 9:22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?
  • 2 Kings 10:30 And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.