14:7 Selah was the ancient stronghold of Petra, a city carved into a rock cliff. It was not only a stronghold for Edom but also a wealthy outpost for trade with India.
14:9, 10 This parable compares Judah to a small thistle. King Amaziah of Judah had become proud after defeating the Edomites. Here he was trying to pick a fight with Israel because he was sure his army was stronger. Joash tried to warn Amaziah not to attack by comparing his army to a thistle and Israel’s army to a cedar tree. Amaziah had overrated his strength; his ambition was greater than his ability. He didn’t listen to Joash and was soundly defeated.
14:13 A broken-down city wall disgraced the citizens and left them defenseless against future invasions.
14:25 During this period of history, many prophets—such as Hosea, Amos, Jonah, Micah, and Isaiah—began collecting their prophecies and writing them under God’s direction. They continued to preach about the worldwide significance of God’s work as they looked forward to the future spiritual Kingdom. God would use Israel’s moral and spiritual decline to prepare the way for the Messiah’s coming. Because the kingdom and military power of Israel would be stripped away, many people would be ready to turn to the Good News that Jesus would bring.
14:25 For more information about the prophet Jonah, see the book of Jonah.
14:27 Israel was an evil and immoral nation, and its sins would get even worse. God did not want to destroy Israel. Instead, he was warning that judgment was certain if Israel didn’t turn back to him. In his mercy, however, he gave Israel yet another chance to turn from its evil ways. But the next five kings of Israel didn’t respond to God’s mercy. They were so evil that God allowed the nation to be destroyed by Assyria.
14:28 Jeroboam II had no devotion to God, yet under his warlike policies and skillful administration, Israel enjoyed more national power and material prosperity than at any time since the days of Solomon. The prophets Amos and Hosea, however, tell us what was really happening within the kingdom (Hosea 13:4-8; Amos 6:11-14). Jeroboam’s administration ignored policies of justice and fairness. As a result, the rich became richer, and the poor, poorer. The people became self-centered, relying more on their power, security, and possessions than on God. The poor were so oppressed that it was hard for them to believe God noticed their plight. Material prosperity is not always an indication of God’s blessing. It can also be a result of self-centeredness. If you are experiencing prosperity, remember that God holds us accountable for how we attain success and how we use our wealth. Everything we have really belongs to him. We must use God’s gifts with his interests in mind.