2 Kings 14:1-14

the Penalty of Pride

2 Kings 14:1

There were good traits in Amaziah's character, such as humanity to the children of his father's murderers, and his willingness to forfeit the aid of the army of Israel, because of the prophet's remonstrance. See 2 Chronicles 25:1. But he fell a victim to Edom's idols, though he conquered Edom that worshiped them; and from that moment God's Spirit and guidance seemed to desert him. He was puffed up with pride and vainglory, challenged the king of Israel to battle, and brought disaster on his people and himself.

But what a profound lesson is presented by his life! Do we never become elated with success, so that our heart is lifted up? Do we not fling ourselves in an hour of self-confidence from the Temple terrace, and find that no hand of might and love is stretched out to intercept our fall and make us alight uninjured on the ground? Let those who are successful and prosperous remember the Giver of every good and perfect gift and walk humbly with God. When we are evidently summoned to a supreme conflict with our foes, no weapon formed against us prospers: but if we are foolhardy, we are left to the results of our folly.