Verses 20–25
God has many ways to chastise a provoking people. Trouble comes sometimes from that point
whence we least feared it. The mention of this invasion on the death of Elisha, shows that the
removal of God's faithful prophets is a presage of coming judgments. His dead body was a means
of giving life to another dead body. This miracle was a confirmation of his prophecies. And it may
have reference to Christ, by whose death and burial, the grave is made a safe and happy passage
to life to all believers. Jehoash was successful against the Syrians, just as often as he had struck the
ground with the arrows, then a stop was put to his victories. Many have repented, when too late,
of distrusts and the straitness of their desires.
Chapter 14
Chapter Outline
Amaziah's good reign. (1–7)
Amaziah provokes Jehoash king of Israel, (8–14)
and is overcome.
He is slain by conspirators. (15–22)
Wicked reign of Jeroboam II. (23–29)Verses 1–7
Amaziah began well, but did not go on so. It is not enough to do that which our pious
predecessors did, merely to keep up the common usage, but we must do it as they did, from the
same principle of faith and devotion, and with the same sincerity and resolution.
Verses 8–14
For some time after the division of the kingdoms, Judah suffered much from the enmity of
Israel. After Asa's time, it suffered more by the friendship of Israel, and by the alliance made with
them. Now we meet with hostility between them again. How may a humble man smile to hear two
proud and scornful men set their wits on work, to vilify and undervalue one another! Unholy success
excites pride; pride excites contentions. The effects of pride in others, are insufferable to those who
are proud themselves. These are the sources of trouble and sin in private life; but when they arise
between princes, they become the misery of their whole kingdoms. Jehoash shows Amaziah the
folly of his challenge; Thine heart has lifted thee up. The root of all sin is in the heart, thence it
flows. It is not Providence, the event, the occasion, whatever it is, that makes men proud, secure,
discontented, or the like, but their own hearts do it. (2Ki 14:15-22)