25:2 Amaziah did what was right on the outside, but inside he often resented what he had to do. His obedience was at best halfhearted. When the prophet promised God’s deliverance, Amaziah first complained about the money that had been lost (25:9). And he valued military success more than God’s will. We must search our own hearts and root out any resistance to obeying God. Grudging compliance is not true obedience.
25:9, 10 Amaziah made a financial agreement with Israelite soldiers, offering to pay them to fight for him (25:6). But before they could go to battle, Amaziah sent them home with their pay because of the prophet’s warning. Although it cost him plenty, he wisely realized that the money was not worth the ruin the alliance could cause. How would you have reacted? Money must never stand in the way of making right decisions. The Lord’s favor is priceless, worth more than any amount of money.
25:14 After the victory, Amaziah returned and burned incense to idols. We are very susceptible to sin after great victories. It is then that we feel confident, relaxed, and ready to celebrate. If, in that excitement, we let our defenses down, Satan can attack with all sorts of temptations. When you win, watch out. After the mountain peaks come the valleys.
25:15 Amaziah made a foolish mistake by worshiping the gods of the nation he had just conquered. Impressed by the accomplishments of the Edomites, Amaziah worshiped their idols! How foolish to serve the gods of a defeated enemy. We make the same mistake as Amaziah when we run after money, power, or recognition. By recognizing the emptiness of these worldly pursuits, we can free ourselves from the desire to follow them.
25:18 In this parable, Judah is the thistle and Israel’s army is the cedar. Amaziah was proud after defeating Edom. He wanted to defeat Israel, but Joash (Jehoash) warned him not to attack. Amaziah had more ambition than ability, and he paid for it when he was soundly defeated. Don’t let ambition and pride into your life, for they will cause you to forget God.