But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom.

2 CHRONICLES 25:20KJV
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2 Chronicles 25:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 25:20 mean?

2 Chronicles 25:20 says that King Amaziah refused to listen to advice because God allowed this stubbornness, intending to hand him and his people over to their enemies as a consequence for worshiping the gods of Edom. The verse connects Amaziah’s downfall directly to his choice to seek other gods, showing it was not just a military or political mistake but a spiritual one.

The setting is the reign of Amaziah, king of Judah, who had just defeated Edom but then began to worship Edom’s gods. Advisors warned him, but Amaziah ignored them. The verse explains that his refusal to listen was part of God’s plan to let him face defeat, tying Amaziah’s fate to his unfaithfulness.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 25:20

  • "hear" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means more than just hearing sounds; it often means to listen with the intent to obey. Amaziah’s refusal shows a deliberate rejection, not just a misunderstanding.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): The same word is used both for the true God and for the "gods" of Edom later in the verse, highlighting the contrast between the God of Israel and the idols Amaziah turned to.
  • "deliver" (נָתַן, natan): This verb means to give or hand over. The verse says God "gave" Amaziah into enemy hands, stressing that this was not random misfortune but a purposeful act.
  • "sought" (דָּרַשׁ, darash): This word means to seek or inquire after, often with determination. Amaziah’s pursuit of the Edomite gods was active and intentional, not accidental.

Why 2 Chronicles 25:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Amaziah’s defeat was not just bad luck or poor leadership, but a direct result of his spiritual choices and God’s response to them.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of turning away from God, showing that seeking other gods led to real consequences for both the king and his people.
  • It connects the events in Amaziah’s life to a broader biblical theme: leaders’ actions, especially regarding faithfulness to God, have far-reaching effects on their nation’s destiny.

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 25:15 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?

“Edom” Hebrew H123 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 25:30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
  • 1 Kings 11:14 And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.
  • Psalms 137:7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.