2 Chronicles 25:14-16--Amaziah's Idolatry

2 Chronicles 25:14-16
English Standard Version
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Amaziah's Idolatry
14 After Amaziah came from striking down the Edomites, he brought the gods of the men of Seir and set them up as his gods and worshiped them, making offerings to them. 15 Therefore the LORD was angry with Amaziah and sent to him a prophet, who said to him, “Why have you sought the gods of a people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?” 16 But as he was speaking, the king said to him, “Have we made you a royal counselor? Stop! Why should you be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel.”

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Amaziah is returning from a great victory that the LORD has given him over the armies of Edom (identified here as Seir), and Amaziah took the idols of the men of Seir and set them up as his gods and worshiped them.  How foolish is that?  Didn't he notice that was the side that just lost to the LORD?  Why would his heart be drawn to worship the gods that couldn't even save the Edomites?  The LORD basically says as much to Amaziah when He sends a prophet to Amaziah to say how angry the LORD is, "Why have you sought the gods of a people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?"

However, Amaziah would not listen to the word of the LORD or his prophet, saying to the prophet, "Have we made you a royal counselor? Stop! Why should you be struck down?" So, he has planned in his heart to kill the prophet that brings him a message that he doesn't want to hear.  The prophet stopped, but finished by saying, "I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel."

Next time we'll see who the LORD intends to use to judge Amaziah and how he does it.  I'll say this much--Amaziah's pride becomes his own downfall.  Remember the Bible's warning that pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.  We're going to see that happen in our next passage we study.