Amaziah: The Half-Hearted King

2 Chronicles 25 records the reign of Judah’s king Amaziah. As with each of Judah’s kings, the text gives an inspired summary of his character. But Amaziah’s is unlike the rest: “He did right in the sight of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart” (verse 2). As some translations word it, his heart was not “true” or “loyal.” Amaziah’s obedience didn’t come from devoted commitment to God.

A few verses later, we see an example. Amaziah led an army against Judah’s enemy, Edom, even heeding the voice of God’s prophet in his preparations (verses 5-10). So far, so good. But after God gave him victory, Amaziah brought home the captured Edomite idols, set them up as his own gods, and worshiped them (verse 14). It was idolatry, plain and simple.

God soon sent another prophet to rebuke Amaziah’s sin. But as the prophet spoke, the king reacted with sarcasm and threats: “Have we appointed you a royal counselor? Stop! Why should you be struck down?”

For Amaziah, half-hearted service showed itself in (a) rank disobedience and (b) ugliness in the face of correction.

Half-hearted discipleship is an unhappy condition. As a friend observed, “Some folks have just enough religion to make them miserable.” When our loyalties are divided, it can blind us to the joys of serving God and walking in His grace. We may see only burdens instead of blessings.

For Amaziah, half-hearted obedience ended up in whole-hearted rebellion; he “turned away from following the Lord” (verse 27). Sadly, that’s often where a divided heart leads.

God wants our wholehearted devotion. Does He have yours? “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).

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