2 Chronicles 25:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 25:6 mean?

2 Chronicles 25:6 describes how King Amaziah of Judah hired one hundred thousand strong and courageous soldiers from Israel, paying them one hundred talents of silver for their service. This verse shows Amaziah seeking extra military strength by hiring mercenaries from the neighboring northern kingdom.

The setting is the reign of Amaziah, king of Judah, as he prepares for war against Edom. Instead of relying solely on his own troops, Amaziah pays a large sum to secure additional fighting men from Israel. This decision is significant because it reflects the political and military tensions between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel at this time.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 25:6

• "hired" (שָׂכַר, sakar): This word means to pay someone for their service, highlighting that these Israelite soldiers were not volunteers but mercenaries brought in for a fee.
• "mighty" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor) and "valour" (חַיִל, chayil): Together, these words emphasize that the hired men were not just ordinary soldiers but experienced warriors known for their strength and bravery.
• "talents" (כִּכָּר, kikkar) and "silver" (כֶּסֶף, keseph): A "talent" was a large unit of weight, so one hundred talents of silver represented a substantial payment, underlining the seriousness of Amaziah’s investment in these troops.

Why 2 Chronicles 25:6 matters

• This verse clarifies that Amaziah’s army was not limited to local Judahite soldiers; he actively sought outside help, which later becomes important in the story when a prophet warns him about relying on Israel.
• The mention of the high payment in silver shows the lengths to which Amaziah was willing to go for military success, hinting at the political and economic stakes involved.
• The verse sets up a key moment in the narrative where Amaziah’s trust in foreign soldiers is questioned, connecting to broader themes of dependence and faith in the Chronicles account.