diff --git a/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/25:1-13.md b/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/25:1-13.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e00244a --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/25:1-13.md @@ -0,0 +1,32 @@ ++++ +title = "2 Chronicles 25:1–13" +date = "2025-04-08" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Chronicles25.1-13) + +When Joash is assassinated, his son Amaziah takes the throne. +As soon as he takes the throne, he executes the assassins, who were the king's servants, which is just. +He was also just in not killing the servants' children, as the Lord had commanded in the Law. +Often in ancient times, entire families would be punished for the crimes of one member, especially if it was the head of the house. +(See [Daniel 6:24](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Daaniel6.24).) + +At some point during his reign, Amaziaih mustered an army from the men of Judah. +We aren't told why he needs an army yet, but he raises up a sizable one. +However, he must not have thought it would be large enough because he hires mercenaries from Israel as well. +The mercenaries made up 25% of his army, and were hired for 100 talents of silver, a pretty hefty sum. + +Before they can head out, an unnamed prophet comes and gives a warning to Amaziah. +God is not with Israel the way He is with Judah, so Amaziah should not bring the men of Israel on their campaign. +Amaziah agrees since he is given assurance that the Lord will help him, but he does wonder about the silver he has already spent on Israel's army. +The man of God reminds him that the Lord can provide much more than that. +The men of Israel are dismissed with their pay, but they are still enraged that they do not get to participate. +This sounds strange to our modern context, but it makes sense within theirs. +One hundred talents of silver is a lot of money until you divide it 100,000 ways. +At today's price, that's not even $37 per soldier. +The price of silver may well have been higher back then, but the real incentive was all the spoil the army wouldcarry off when they attacked the Valley of Salt. +The men of Seir (that is, Edomites) who inhabited the valley were struck down and their goods were carried away, but the men of Israel raided Judah in retaliation. + +* * * + +You fight for Your people, and nothing happens outside of Your sovereign permission.