Amaziah, king of Judah, started off well. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. After seizing the throne, he tried the assassins of his father, King Joash but did not execute their children in accordance with God’s law. He reigned over the nation in obedience to God’s word. But after winning a war against a large army of Edomites he was changed into a different man. He worshipped the Edomite idols and didn’t listen to God’s counsel (2Chr 25:14-16). He became proud and challenged Jehoash, king of Israel to fight a battle. Jehoash struck Amaziah and took him captive. Amaziah’s downfall began when he turned away from God and his word. His godless pride led him to disgrace and ruin. In order to be faithful to God to the end we are to hold onto God’s word to the end humbly.

Jeroboam II, king of Israel, reigned forty-one years, making him the longest reigning king of the northern kingdom. He expanded his territory and achieved the political and economic success. Yet he was spiritually wicked in God’s eyes. God showed his covenantal mercy and faithfulness to Israel. Jeroboam’s success was not due to his strength, but to God’s faithfulness to his covenant.
Application: Lord, my pride comes when I turn my heart from you and your word. Help me hold onto your word to the end humbly.
One Word: Be humble before God and his word