1. Amaziah's victory (1-12)

Amaziah started well. He punished according to the word of God those who murdered his father. When Judah was threatened by the Edomites, he mustered a large army and hired mercenaries from northern Israel. When the man of God told him to send the mercenaries home, he gave up his own idea and obeyed. He trusted God to give him victory, and when he marched against Edom, he won a great victory.

2. Amaziah's defeat (13-28)

The Ephraimites whom he had dismissed plundered Judah on the way home, so he challenged Jehoahaz of Israel to fight him. But Amaziah had become proud because of his victory over Edom. He brought idols back from Edom and worshiped them. God is insulted and angered by idolatry. He handed Amaziah over to Israel. He was defeated and Jerusalem ravaged. He was killed by his own countrymen.

Application: Lord, victory and defeat are in your hands. Help me to trust and obey you.
One Word: Worship the Lord only