But Amaziah would not listen, for it was of God, in order that he might give them into the hand of their enemies, because they had sought the gods of Edom.
2 Chronicles 25:20
Idolatry is a weird spiritual affliction. The way it ensnared Amaziah is a fascinating story. It begins with Amaziah leading Judah to assemble an army and to march that army south to Edomite territory. There, the king successfully re-established control over Edom, defeating 10,000 men in battle, then capturing and executing 10,000 prisoners. It was a remarkable and brutal military success where Amaziah even changed his strategy after God confronted him through the word of a prophet. It seemed perfect.
Except for the fact that Amaziah inexplicably brought back to Judah the idols of Edom, a defeated foe, and set them up as objects of worship, making offerings to them. How odd to be enamored with the worship of the gods of a defeated nation. God tells the king it makes no sense. The irrationality of idolatry is apparent. And this time, when God sent a prophet to the king, Amaziah silenced him and refused to listen. So the prophet left, warning the king that God would destroy him for this idolatry.
God then let Amaziah’s pride in his accomplishments become his undoing. A boast to Samaria, and a taunt to Israel’s king sent Judah into conflict. Israel routed Jerusalem, Amaziah was taken away captive, and the word of God came true as Amaziah’s spiritual treachery was judged. His idolatry was his downfall. God cannot be replaced with what we choose to worship!
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