This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 2 Kings 14:1-16, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a man named Amaziah. He became the king of Judah when he was 25 years old, and he ruled for 29 years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jehoaddin, and he did many good things that pleased the Lord. However, he did not completely follow the example of his ancestor King David.
Although Amaziah did many good things, there was one thing he did not do that God wanted him to do. He did not remove the high places where the people offered sacrifices to other gods. Even though he did not follow God in everything, he still did what his father, King Joash, had done.
When Amaziah became powerful, he punished the servants who had killed his father, but he did not harm their children. He knew that God’s law said that children should not be punished for their parents’ sins.
One day, Amaziah went to fight against the Edomites and he won a great victory. He defeated 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt and took the city of Sela. He even changed its name to Joktheel. This name is still used today.
Feeling very proud of himself, Amaziah sent a message to Jehoash, the king of Israel, challenging him to battle. However, Jehoash warned Amaziah not to start a fight because he might lose and cause trouble for himself and the people of Judah. But Amaziah did not listen, so the two kings met in a battle at Beth-shemesh. Sadly, Judah was defeated and everyone ran away to their homes.
Jehoash then went to Jerusalem and broke down the city’s walls. He took all the gold, silver, and other treasures from the house of the Lord and the king’s house. He also took hostages and returned to Samaria with all of his loot.
Later, Jehoash died and was buried with the kings of Israel in Samaria. His son Jeroboam became the next king of Israel.
Biblical Lessons
- We should follow God’s commands and do what pleases Him.
- We should not be proud or seek fights with others, even if we win battles.
- Punishing innocent people is not fair, and we should take responsibility for our own actions.
- We should listen to wise advice, even if we do not like what we hear.
- Even powerful people can be defeated if they are not careful.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
Mere Christianity
Lewis lays out the core beliefs of the Christian faith with clarity, logic, and imagination, rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Pursuit of God
A heartfelt call to pursue God Himself above all else, with a strong emphasis on holiness and devotion.
View on Amazon
The Knowledge of the Holy
Short, powerful meditations on the attributes of God that lift the reader into a bigger, more biblical view of who He is.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Let the Nations Be Glad!
Missions-focused theology showing that worship is the goal of evangelism to the nations.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Concise Theology
Short, Scripture-filled summaries of key doctrines, written with clarity and warmth.
View on Amazon
Trusting God
Encourages believers to trust God's sovereignty, wisdom, and love in every circumstance.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
A Body of Divinity
A warm, devotional exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's doctrines.
View on Amazon
Christian Beliefs
A shorter, accessible overview of 20 basic Christian doctrines for everyday believers.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Preaching
A standard textbook on preaching that shows how to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Hospitality Commands
Shows from Scripture how vital hospitality is to Christian obedience and fellowship.
View on Amazon
Delighting in the Trinity
A joyful, readable introduction to the triune God and why His tri-unity is good news.
View on Amazon
The Glory of Christ
Calls believers to behold the glory of Christ as the great means of transformation.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment
Teaches believers how to distinguish truth from error using Scripture.
View on Amazon
Christian Mission in the Modern World
Clarifies key biblical concepts like evangelism, mission, and social action.
View on Amazon