Amaziah begins his reign by putting to death the men that assassinated his father, King Joash. He then amassed an army and set out to destroy the Edomites. Strangely enough, after defeating them, he begins worshiping their gods. If they were not strong enough to protect the Edomites . . . ?? This is soon demonstrated as Amaziah engages in a battle with Joash, king of (northern) Israel and is soundly defeated and taken captive. Later he would be put to death by the citizens for his failure to follow the Lord. His son, Uzziah, was made king in his stead.
Uzziah took the throne at the age of 16. His 52-year reign was a good one. He sought the Lord, and God allowed him to prosper. Prosperity, however, had an ill effect on Uzziah. His pride caused him to overstep his duties as king. In attempting to act as a priest by burning incense on the altar, Uzziah contracted leprosy and had to live in a separated house away from the palace. This well-beloved king soon died and was replaced by his son, Jotham.
Jotham followed his father's example of serving and revering God. Scripture tells us he became "mighty because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God." After his death, following a 16-year reign, his son Ahaz reigned.
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