2 Kings 14
The account of the reigns of Amaziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel establishes the contrasting trajectories of the two kingdoms and the eventual assertion of Israel's military dominance. The chapter opens with Amaziah's reign, described as doing what was right in the sight of YHWH, yet not like his ancestor David; Amaziah spares the children of his assassins, following the law of Moses. Amaziah's military campaign against Edom is successful, yet his subsequent challenge to Jehoash of Israel results in military defeat and the capture of Jerusalem. The chapter notes that Amaziah is eventually assassinated. The chapter then turns to Jeroboam II of Israel, whose reign is characterized by military success and the expansion of Israel's territory. The theological significance lies in the demonstration that military and territorial success do not correspond to covenantal fidelity.