Lessons on Amaziah (2)—Guard Yourselves From Idols - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

After Amaziah came from slaughtering the Edomites, he brought the gods of the sons of Seir, set them up as his gods, bowed down before them and burned incense to them. Then the anger of the Lord burned against Amaziah, and He sent him a prophet who said to him, "Why have you sought the gods of the people who have not delivered their own people from your hand?"
2 Chronicles 25:14-15

Lessons on Amaziah (2)—Guard Yourselves From Idols
After his victory over his enemies, Amaziah brings back something very strange: the gods of the sons of Seir. And worse, he sets them up as his gods, and worships them, and offers them incense! It seems he did not learn from that victory that the Lord had power to help or to cast down, and to give riches. What did he think? What was he trying to obtain in serving these powerless idols? Did he want more riches, more power, fame? What was in his heart to make him go such a path, to turn away from God and serve lying vanities? These idols had been of no help to deliver the Edomites!

When the Lord sent Amaziah a prophet to question the blatant foolishness of his action, the king interrupts him and flatly says, "Have we appointed you a royal counselor? Stop! Why should you be struck down?" He would not listen, hardening his conscience. He resisted God's message. Nevertheless, the prophet tells him that God had planned to destroy him because of what he did.

We still have this warning today: "Little children, guard yourselves from idols" (1 Jn. 5:21). Is there anything in my life or in my house that can turn me away from the right path? Maybe I think or hope to gain something out of it; maybe I think it is my right to do so. But man's heart has proven to quickly fall into the trap of idolatry: confiding in the work of his hands, elevating it, worshiping it! And God will not be with someone who seeks help somewhere else.

Let us make sure we confide in God alone, fear Him alone, and seek Him alone. For forgiveness, hope, help, and blessing are found in Him alone! "I am with you to save you and deliver you" (Jer. 42:11).

Alexandre Leclerc