Today I read 2 Kings 14, in which Amaziah, king of Judah, was defeated by Israel and Jeroboam II, king of Israel restored land to Israel. Today I considered we have to be careful not to be overconfident in taking on battles God does not tell us to fight, and God uses the wicked toward fulfilling His purposes.
Overconfidence Leads to Downfall
The king won smaller defeats, mistakenly thought he could win against someone stronger, lost his kingdom and later lost his life (2 Kings 14: 1-Joash’s son Amaziah reigned in Judah and did right according to the Lord. Amaziah killed those who killed his father. He defeated Edom. Amaziah then repeatedly asked Jehoash, king of Israel to meet him. Jehoash finally agreed, defeated Amaziah, and took treasures from the house of the Lord, treasures from the king’s house, and hostages. People in Jerusalem conspired to kill Amaziah and then made Azariah king of Judah. Smaller victories do not mean that God wants us to take on a larger opponent.
Evil King Restores Israel
The evil king restores the land to Israel (2 Kings 14:23-28). Jeroboam II reigned as king of Israel for 41 years. He did evil but had might and warred. Jeroboam II restored the cost of Israel, took back Damascus, and took back Hamath. God used someone who was wicked to restore land to Israel.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Have you or someone you know taken on a battle or burden and later realized it was a mistake?