Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 25:3
As soon as the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, Amaziah executed the servants who had murdered his father the king.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Chronicler records this historical note concerning King Amaziah immediately following his accession to the throne. The narrative describes his first official acts as monarch in Jerusalem.
The words — The Hebrew term חָזְקָה (cha.ze.Kah) literally means "it was secure," describing the stabilized state of the kingdom. The verb וַֽ/יַּהֲרֹג (va/i.ya.ha.Rog) translates directly as "and he killed," denoting the immediate execution of the assassins.
The thread — This event parallels the account in 2 Kings 14:5 and follows the conspiracy against Joash recorded in 2 Chronicles 24:25. The subsequent limitation on vengeance in 2 Chronicles 25:4 echoes the principle in Genesis 9:5 regarding blood accountability.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to observe that Amaziah's initial justice was selective and bound by Mosaic law rather than personal whim. It establishes a historical precedent for royal accountability while highlighting the tension between righteous action and wholehearted devotion noted in 2 Chronicles 25:2.
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The Hebrew words
King James Version
Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father.
Cross-references
- 2 Kings 14:5 As soon as the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, Amaziah executed the servants who had murdered his father the king.
- 2 Chronicles 24:25 And when the Arameans had withdrawn, they left Joash severely wounded. His own servants conspired against him for shedding the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him on his bed. So he died and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.
- Genesis 9:5 And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man:
- Exodus 21:14 But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.
- Numbers 35:31 You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death.