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In the second year of the reign of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz as king of Israel, Amaziah son of Joash became king of Judah
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at the age of twenty-five, and he ruled in Jerusalem for twenty-nine years. His mother was Jehoaddin from Jerusalem.
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He did what was pleasing to the Lord, but he was not like his ancestor King David; instead, he did what his father Joash had done.
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He did not tear down the pagan places of worship, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.
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As soon as Amaziah was firmly in power, he executed the officials who had killed his father, the king.
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However, he did not kill their children but followed what the Lord had commanded in the Law of Moses: "Parents are not to be put to death for crimes committed by their children, and children are not to be put to death for crimes committed by their parents; people are to be put to death only for a crime they themselves have committed."
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Amaziah killed ten thousand Edomite soldiers in Salt Valley; he captured the city of Sela in battle and called it Joktheel, the name it still has.
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Then Amaziah sent messengers to King Jehoash of Israel, challenging him to fight.
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But King Jehoash sent back the following reply: "Once a thorn bush on the Lebanon Mountains sent a message to a cedar: "Give your daughter in marriage to my son.' A wild animal passed by and trampled the bush down.
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Now Amaziah, you have defeated the Edomites, and you are filled with pride. Be satisfied with your fame and stay at home. Why stir up trouble that will only bring disaster on you and your people?"
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But Amaziah refused to listen, so King Jehoash marched out with his men and fought against him at Beth Shemesh in Judah.