The Short Reign of Amon: Lessons in Legacy and Leadership
"¶ Amon was two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem." - 2 Chronicles 33:21
The reign of King Amon is a profound yet tragic testament to the impact of choices and legacy, especially as seen through the lens of 2 Chronicles 33:21: "Amon was two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem." This brief, two-year reign serves as a poignant reminder of how our decisions can shape not only our lives but the lives of those who follow us.
Amon became king at the age of 22, but contrary to his heritage, he chose the path of his father’s mistakes rather than his grandfather’s righteousness. Amon was the son of Manasseh, a king who had repented after a long and sinful reign, but rather than learning from his father’s late-in-life transformation, Amon reverted to idolatry and continued in the pattern of wickedness. The Scripture tells us that he did evil in the sight of the Lord, just as his father Manasseh had done before his repentance.
This moment in history serves as a cautionary tale about the influence of upbringing. Amon had the opportunity to break the cycle of his lineage. He could have embarked on a new path that led towards restoration and divine favor, but he neglected the lessons of humility and worship that could have founded his reign on solid ground. Instead, he turned towards the same idols that had led to his father’s downfall, demonstrating how easy it is for leaders to adopt the ways of the past instead of forging a new path based on wisdom and Christ-like example.
His reign was marked by rebellion against God, and it was to be brief. After only two years, Amon’s reign ended violently—he was assassinated by his own servants. This tragic turn of events poses important questions for all of us regarding the legacies we wish to leave behind. What mark will we leave on the world? How will our lives influence the generations that come after us?
In reflecting on Amon’s reign, we must consider the broader implications of leadership within God’s Kingdom. Are we, like Amon, choosing momentary pleasures and indulgences at the cost of eternal values? Are we leading others away from God through our example? Amon's life counsels us to seek after God's heart, to surround ourselves with the right influences, and to heed the warnings laid out in scripture.
Furthermore, Amon's reign is a stark reminder of the principle that power and position do not equate to worthiness nor wisdom. Many leaders may rise to power but fall into the snares of pride or indifference towards God’s commandments. True leadership—especially in a spiritual sense—requires humility, service, and a commitment to God’s will over personal desires.
The brevity of Amon’s reign was not simply a stroke of bad luck; it was a consequence of intentional turning away from God. Today, we are also faced with choices that can either lead to life or death. As we seek to lead in our potential spheres of influence—whether that be in our homes, workplaces, or communities—let us take heed of Amon’s choices and their devastating consequences.
Ultimately, let us remember to keep our hearts aligned with God’s plans. Let us strive to be servants in His Kingdom, modeling our lives after Jesus, who demonstrated perfect love, integrity, and faithfulness even in the face of adversity. By doing so, we can ensure that our legacy is one of blessing rather than ruin, leading others to a deeper understanding of God's grace and mercy. Let us not allow our lives to mirror those moments of darkness, but rather illuminate the path towards God’s truth.
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2 Chronicles 33:21 Artwork
2 Chronicles 33:21 - "¶ Amon was two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem."
"¶ Amon was two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem." - 2 Chronicles 33:21
1 Chronicles 2:33 - "And the sons of Jonathan; Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel."
2 Chronicles 33:10 - "And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken."
2 Chronicles 29:33 - "And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep."
2 Chronicles 33:5 - "And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 33:24 - "And his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house."
2 Chronicles 20:21
2 Chronicles 21:9
2 Chronicles 33:2 - "But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel."
2 Chronicles 33:17 - "Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the LORD their God only."
2 Chronicles 20:33 - "Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers."
2 Chronicles 33:23 - "And humbled not himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more."
2 Chronicles 33:1 - "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:"
2 Chronicles 33:12 - "And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,"
2 Chronicles 33:4 - "Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever."
2 Chronicles 33:20 - "¶ So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead."
2 Chronicles 33:16 - "And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel."
2 Chronicles 4:21 - "And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, made he of gold, and that perfect gold;"
"And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken." - 2 Chronicles 33:10
2 Chronicles 21:18 - "¶ And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease."
"And the sons of Jonathan; Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel." - 1 Chronicles 2:33
Genesis 21-33
2 Chronicles 33:9 - "So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel."
2 Chronicles 33:25 - "¶ But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead."
2 Chronicles 33:13 - "And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God."
2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Chronicles 24:21 - "And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 23:21 - "And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword."
2 Chronicles 21:8 - "¶ In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king."