Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Chronicles 25
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Chronicles 25
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Chronicles 25
"Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem: and his mother`s name was Jehoaddan, of Jerusalem." — 2 Chronicles 25:1 (ASV)
This chapter is evidently taken to a large extent from the same document as the book of Kings (see the marginal reference and the notes). At the same time, it contains large and important additions, such as 2 Chronicles 25:5–10 and 2 Chronicles 25:13–16.
"Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and ordered them according to their fathers` houses, under captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, even all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and upward, and found them three hundred thousand chosen men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield." — 2 Chronicles 25:5 (ASV)
Three hundred thousand - Asa’s army had been nearly twice as numerous, amounting to 580,000 (2 Chronicles 14:8). The diminution was due, in part, to wars (2 Chronicles 21:8, 16; 24:23–24) and, in part, to the general decadence of the kingdom.
"But if thou wilt go, do [valiantly], be strong for the battle: God will cast thee down before the enemy; for God hath power to help, and to cast down." — 2 Chronicles 25:8 (ASV)
If the present text is regarded as sound, this passage must be taken ironically. But most recent commentators supply a second negative and render it: “But go you alone, act, be strong for the battle—God shall then not make you to fall.”
"Then Amaziah separated them, [to wit], the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in fierce anger." — 2 Chronicles 25:10 (ASV)
Such a dismissal was sure to arouse great indignation. The Israelites would assume they were dismissed because their good faith was suspected. For the consequences of their indignation, see 2 Chronicles 25:13.
"And Amaziah took courage, and led forth his people, and went to the Valley of Salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand." — 2 Chronicles 25:11 (ASV)
The children of Seir - that is, the Edomites.
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