People & Characters

Amaziah

The ninth king of Judah (son of Joash), who initially obeyed God but later turned to idolatry and was assassinated in a conspiracy.

Amaziah executed the servants who killed his father but spared their children, obeying Mosaic law. He hired Israelite mercenaries to fight Edom but sent them home at a prophet’s warning, losing his investment. After conquering Edom, he brought their gods to Jerusalem and worshipped them. He challenged King Jehoash of Israel to battle, was defeated, captured, and Jerusalem’s wall was breached. He was later killed at Lachish by conspirators who did not bury him with the kings of Judah.
Scripture References 2