You never know how God may speak. We must pray—and we must listen. God speaks through His word, prayer, circumstances, other people, and He may even speak through your enemies. Do you realize that?
Judah’s King Amaziah was a pretty good king, generally following the Lord more closely than the kings of Israel such as King Jehoash. While King Jehoash was leading Israel into idol worship, King Amaziah of Judah won a war against Edom. Then he sent word to King Jehoash challenging Israel to a battle. Though he was an evil king, Jehoash replied with a message of peace for King Amaziah:
“The thistle [weed] sent a message to the cedar saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son as a wife.’ Then a wild animal trampled the thistle. You have indeed defeated Edom, and you have become overconfident. Enjoy your glory and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble for yourself?” 2 Kings 14:9-10.
What should King Amaziah do? King Jehoash responded to the threat of war with the words of a peacemaker. He tried to defuse the situation. But maybe King Jehoash is talking down to Amaziah, patting him on the head. Perhaps his advice is condescending. Maybe this is like the scene in Shakespeare’s HENRY THE FIFTH when the King of France sends the young King of England a gift of tennis balls, implying the new king is a child and not to be taken seriously. Should Amaziah be offended and rush into war? Or should he give these words some thought? This is war—it requires sober reflection.
But King Amaziah is cocky and does not reflect. He does not pray about it or talk to his prophets and priests. He goes to war against Israel and loses and in fact, he is captured.
Verses describing his son, King Uzziah, are applicable to Amaziah:
“DURING THE TIME THAT HE SOUGHT THE LORD, GOD GAVE HIM SUCCESS … BUT WHEN HE BECAME STRONG HE GREW ARROGANT AND IT LED TO HIS DESTRUCTION” 2 Chronicles 26:5 and 16.
We must be humble and make wise decisions.
“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” James 4:6-7.
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