2 Kings 14 recounts the reigns of Amaziah, King of Judah, and Jeroboam II, King of Israel. Amaziah begins his reign and is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart (14:3). He avenges his father’s murder by executing the assassins but spares their children in accordance with the Law of Moses (14:5-6). Amaziah then defeats Edom and takes Selah by war (14:7).

Afterward, he challenges Jehoash, King of Israel, to battle, but Jehoash warns him against it (14:8-10). Ignoring the warning, Amaziah engages in battle, leading to his defeat and capture. Jehoash destroys part of Jerusalem’s wall and plunders the city (14:11-14).

Following Jehoash’s death, his son Jeroboam II becomes king of Israel and reigns for 41 years. Despite his evil actions, God uses Jeroboam II to restore the borders of Israel as prophesied by Jonah (14:23-25). After a successful reign, Jeroboam II dies, and his son Zechariah succeeds him (14:28-29).

Life Applications from 2 Kings 14

1. Obeying God’s Commandments (14:3, 14:6): Amaziah’s decision to follow the Law of Moses and not kill the children of the murderers demonstrates the importance of adhering to God’s laws. In our lives, following divine guidance can lead to righteous living and just decisions.
2. Pride and Its Consequences (14:8-12): Amaziah’s pride led him to challenge Jehoash, which resulted in his defeat and humiliation. This serves as a reminder to stay humble and seek wise counsel before making decisions that could have significant repercussions.
3. Restoration and Hope (14:23-25): Despite Jeroboam II’s evil ways, God used him to restore Israel’s borders, showing that God can bring restoration and hope even through imperfect people. This encourages us to trust in God’s plans, knowing that He can work through anyone to achieve His purposes.
4. Legacy and Influence (14:28-29): Both kings left legacies that impacted their nations. Our actions and decisions today shape our legacy and influence on future generations. Striving for integrity and righteousness can leave a positive mark on those who follow us.