Chapter Summary

Reign of Amaziah over Judah. War between Israel and Judah. Reign of Jeroboam in Jerusalem.

Discussion Questions for 2 Kings, Chapter 14

1. What is the difference between Amaziah following the ways of his father Joash, rather than David? Did they both do what was right in the eyes of the Lord? What is the difference between David's obedience and Joash's? How does that instruct our devotion to the Lord?
2. Why are leaders held accountable for all the people under their authority? How does this apply in the workplace? How does this apply in our homes?
3. How did Amaziah’s restraint set him apart from other kings? What does this say about his view of God? What does the command of verse 6 (Deuteronomy 24:16) say about God and His sense of justice?
4. What is the danger of early success? Have you ever become over-confident because of early successes? What happened? What did that experience teach you? How can you help others avoid similar mistakes?
5. Why didn’t Jehoash want to engage Amaziah in battle? When he did engage, why did he not only defeat Amaziah, but go on to destroy the capital and pillage the treasury and the Temple?
6. Why would those who chased Amaziah out of town and had him assassinated show him the honor of burying him in the royal tomb?
7. How did Jeroboam make Israel sin? Did he force the people to sacrifice to idols? What is an idol? What are some ways we lead others astray like Jeroboam led Israel astray? How can we guard against this error?
8. How did Jonah know that Jeroboam would restore Israel to prosperity and security?
9. While God was gracious to Israel to preserve the nation, granting Jeroboam military success, security, and financial prosperity, how was this improvement of circumstances not a sign of God’s pleasure with the people? Why can't we view our circumstances as a reflection of whether or not God is pleased with us? How does God semonstrate His pleasure toward us?
10. How could God use an evil king to preserve His people? Is there anything wrong with taking something meant for evil, and using it for good? Why do you think that?

Key Words/Phrase

Defeat, v. 12.

Characters

God, Amaziah, Jehoash, Jeroboam, Jonah, Azariah.

Strong Verse(s)

26, 27.