Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.

2 CHRONICLES 25:5KJV
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2 Chronicles 25:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 25:5 mean?

2 Chronicles 25:5 describes King Amaziah of Judah organizing his army by gathering the men of Judah and Benjamin, appointing leaders over groups of thousands and hundreds, and counting all men twenty years old and above who were fit for battle. The verse notes that Amaziah found 300,000 select men who were capable of handling weapons and ready for war.

In this verse, the writer is recounting a specific action by Amaziah, the king of Judah, as he prepares for military action. The verse highlights the careful organization of the army, the use of family groups for structure, and the focus on able-bodied men. This sets the stage for the events that follow in the chapter, showing Amaziah’s approach to leadership and military readiness.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 25:5

  • The word "gathered" (קָבַץ, qavats) means to assemble or bring together, emphasizing Amaziah’s deliberate effort to unite his people for a common purpose.
  • "Captains" (שַׂר, sar) refers to leaders or commanders, showing a clear military structure with ranks over thousands (אֶלֶף, eleph) and hundreds (מֵאָה, me’ah).
  • "Numbered" (פָּקַד, paqad) means to count or take account of, which in this context shows Amaziah’s attention to detail in knowing exactly who was available for battle.
  • "Choice" (בָּחַר, bachar) means selected or picked, indicating that these 300,000 men were not just anyone, but those specifically chosen for their ability to fight.

Why 2 Chronicles 25:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Amaziah’s military preparations were thorough and organized, not haphazard, showing a methodical approach to leadership.
  • The mention of both Judah and Benjamin underlines the unity of the southern kingdom at this time, which is important for understanding the political landscape.
  • By noting the age and ability of the men, the verse emphasizes the seriousness of the coming conflict and the king’s focus on readiness, setting up the narrative for the battles that follow.

Where else these words appear

“spear” Hebrew H7420 · used in 15 verses

  • Numbers 25:7 And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand;
  • 1 Chronicles 12:24 The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war.
  • Nehemiah 4:16 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.

“shield” Hebrew H6793 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:15 And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.
  • Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

“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.

“handle” Hebrew H270 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
  • 2 Samuel 2:21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.
  • Psalms 48:6 Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.