This verse, 2 Kings 14:11, describes a pivotal moment in the conflict between Amaziah, king of Judah, and Jehoash (also spelled Joash), king of Israel. Let's break it down:
"But Amaziah would not listen.": This refers to a previous message or warning that Jehoash sent to Amaziah. Usually, in this context, it would be a demand or a threat, likely telling Amaziah to stand down or face consequences. Amaziah's refusal indicates arrogance, stubbornness, and a desire for war despite the risks.
"So Jehoash king of Israel went up": This means Jehoash mobilized his army and marched towards Judah in response to Amaziah's defiance. The phrase "went up" often implies traveling to a location that is geographically higher in elevation.
"and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah.": This is the key part of the verse:
"looked one another in the face": This is more than just a casual encounter. It signifies a formal battle formation. The armies of Israel and Judah were positioned facing each other, ready to engage in direct combat. It suggests that diplomatic avenues have been exhausted.
"at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah": This establishes the location of the battle. Beth Shemesh was a city in Judah, indicating that the battle took place on Judean territory. This suggests Israel was the aggressor, having invaded Judah. It also likely made Amaziah believe that his army would fight harder to defend their home territory.
In summary, the verse signifies that:
Diplomacy had failed.
War was imminent.
Jehoash of Israel was the aggressor.
The battle would take place on Judean soil at Beth Shemesh.
Both armies are now in battle formation, ready to fight.
Context is Important:
To fully understand the meaning of this verse, it's crucial to read the surrounding chapters. These chapters reveal the political tensions between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, Amaziah's motives (often attributed to pride and a desire to avenge past defeats), and the specific message that Amaziah ignored. It will further explain the reasons for the battle.
Ultimately, this verse is a concise statement of impending war and the direct confrontation between the two kings. It foreshadows the battle and its consequences, which are detailed in the following verses.
This verse, 2 Kings 14:11, describes a pivotal moment in the conflict between Amaziah, king of Judah, and Jehoash (also spelled Joash), king of Israel. Let's break it down:
"But Amaziah would not listen.": This refers to a previous message or warning that Jehoash sent to Amaziah. Usually, in this context, it would be a demand or a threat, likely telling Amaziah to stand down or face consequences. Amaziah's refusal indicates arrogance, stubbornness, and a desire for war despite the risks.
"So Jehoash king of Israel went up": This means Jehoash mobilized his army and marched towards Judah in response to Amaziah's defiance. The phrase "went up" often implies traveling to a location that is geographically higher in elevation.
"and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah.": This is the key part of the verse:
"looked one another in the face": This is more than just a casual encounter. It signifies a formal battle formation. The armies of Israel and Judah were positioned facing each other, ready to engage in direct combat. It suggests that diplomatic avenues have been exhausted.
"at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah": This establishes the location of the battle. Beth Shemesh was a city in Judah, indicating that the battle took place on Judean territory. This suggests Israel was the aggressor, having invaded Judah. It also likely made Amaziah believe that his army would fight harder to defend their home territory.
In summary, the verse signifies that:
Diplomacy had failed.
War was imminent.
Jehoash of Israel was the aggressor.
The battle would take place on Judean soil at Beth Shemesh.
Both armies are now in battle formation, ready to fight.
Context is Important:
To fully understand the meaning of this verse, it's crucial to read the surrounding chapters. These chapters reveal the political tensions between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, Amaziah's motives (often attributed to pride and a desire to avenge past defeats), and the specific message that Amaziah ignored. It will further explain the reasons for the battle.
Ultimately, this verse is a concise statement of impending war and the direct confrontation between the two kings. It foreshadows the battle and its consequences, which are detailed in the following verses.