What does 2 Kings 14:17 mean?
"¶ And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years." - 2 Kings 14:17
2 Kings 14:17 (KJV) states, "And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years."
This verse is part of the historical narrative found in the Old Testament, specifically in the second book of Kings. The book of Kings chronicles the history of Israel and Judah, detailing the reigns of various kings and the events that took place during their rule. The verse in question specifically refers to the reign of Amaziah, the king of Judah, and the length of time he reigned after the death of Jehoash, the king of Israel.
To fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written. During this time in ancient Israel, the nation was divided into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Each kingdom had its own line of kings and often experienced conflict and rivalry with one another. The book of Kings documents the successes and failures of these kings, as well as their adherence to or departure from the covenant with God.
One of the central themes of the book of Kings is the idea of faithfulness and obedience to God. The reign of each king is evaluated based on their willingness to follow God's commandments and uphold the covenant with Him. This verse, in particular, serves as a record of the length of Amaziah's reign, providing important historical information about the timeline of events during his rule.
The verse also serves as a reminder of the transient and fleeting nature of human power and authority. Kings rise and fall, and their reigns are ultimately limited by time and mortality. This idea is echoed throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing the ultimate sovereignty of God over the affairs of humanity.
Symbolically, the number fifteen in this verse may also hold significance. In biblical numerology, the number fifteen is often associated with rest and deliverance. For example, the Israelites rested on the fifteenth day of the first month after their deliverance from Egypt, marking the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This connection to rest and deliverance may be a subtle reminder of God's faithfulness and provision, even in the midst of political turmoil and human leadership.
Amaziah's reign is also significant in light of his relationship with God. Throughout the biblical account, Amaziah is depicted as a king who initially follows the ways of the Lord but eventually turns away from Him. His reign is marked by both military victories and defeats, as well as political alliances that stray from God's guidance. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of forsaking God and relying on human strength and wisdom.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 14:17 is a verse that provides historical context for the reign of King Amaziah of Judah. It also serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Through its inclusion in the biblical narrative, this verse offers important lessons about faithfulness, obedience, and the consequences of turning away from God. It is a small piece of a larger story that continues to speak to readers today, encouraging them to seek after God's will and trust in His faithfulness.
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2 Kings 14:17 - "¶ And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years."
"¶ And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years." - 2 Kings 14:17
2 Kings 17:14 - "Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God."
2 Kings 17:2 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him."
2 Kings 19:17 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,"
"Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God." - 2 Kings 17:14
2 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
1 Kings 14:17 - "¶ And Jeroboam's wife arose, and departed, and came to Tirzah: and when she came to the threshold of the door, the child died;"
Revelation 17:14 - "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."
1 Kings 17:2 - "And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,"
Genesis 14:17 - "¶ And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale."
2 Kings 17:40 - "Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner."
2 Kings 14:29 - "And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 17:8 - "And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made."
2 Kings 21:17 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 14:16 - "And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 14:14 - "And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria."
2 Kings 17:17 - "And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger."
"And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him." - 2 Kings 17:2
2 Kings 14:22 - "He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers."
Genesis 14:17–24 tells the story of a meeting between Abram and two kings. Returning as the victor after having defeated the eastern kings and recapturing all their plunder, Abram is met by the king of Sodom and by Melchizedek, the mysterious king of Salem.
"Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands," - 2 Kings 19:17
2 Kings 17:19 - "Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made."
2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."
2 Kings 14:15 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
1 Kings 17:14 - "For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth."
2 Kings 17:5 - "¶ Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years."
2 Kings 24:17 - "¶ And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah."
2 Kings 17:22 - "For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;"