2 Kings 14:1-6

2 Kings 14:1-6

[1] In the second  year  of Joash  son  of Jehoahaz  king  of Israel  reigned  Amaziah  the son  of Joash  king  of Judah.  [2] He was twenty  and five  years  old  when he began to reign,  twenty  and nine  years  in Jerusalem.  And his mother's  name  was Jehoaddan  of Jerusalem.  [3] And he did  that which was right  in the sight  of the LORD,  yet  not like David  his father:  he did  according to all things as Joash  his father  did.  [4] Howbeit the high places  were not taken away:  as yet  the people  did sacrifice  and burnt incense  on the high places.  [5] And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom  was confirmed  in his hand,  that he slew  his servants  which had slain  the king  his father.  [6] But the children  of the murderers  he slew  not: according unto that which is written  in the book  of the law  of Moses,  wherein the LORD  commanded,  saying,  The fathers  shall not be put to death  for the children,  be put to death  for the fathers;  but every man  shall be put to death  for his own sin. 

What does 2 Kings 14:1-6 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Amaziah"s only act of goodness that the writer of Kings included was his obedience to the Mosaic Law in the matter of not executing children for their fathers" crimes ( Deuteronomy 24:16). Kings of other ancient Near Eastern countries commonly practiced such executions. Amaziah instead trusted God to control the potential rebels.