Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?” The man of God replied, “The Lord can give you much more than that.” 2 Chronicles 25:9
The Chronicler explains how Amaziah, the king of Judah, mustered his troops (verse 5), but fearing his army wasn’t large enough, he hired troops from Israel. God sent his prophet who said to Amaziah, “Your Majesty, these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the Lord is not with Israel—not with any of the people of Ephraim” (verse 7). To his credit, Amaziah did dismiss the troops and sent them home (verse 10) but not before he questioned the prophet about his financial outlay.
Unfortunately, Amaziah didn’t always listen to the prophets that God sent him, which ultimately led to his downfall. The Chronicler summarizes Amaziah’s reign as king in these few words, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly” (verse 2).
Amaziah shouldn’t have asked for soldiers from Israel to help him because he was supposed to rely on the Lord and ask him for help. Later, after he defeated Edom, he became arrogant (verse 19). Perhaps he was also angry that the troops he sent home caused so much destruction (verse 13). He began worshipping Edomite idols, but his refusal to seek the Lord cost him dearly.
Hebrews teaches us, “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
God rewards those who seek him and, as the prophet pointed out, if we trust the Lord, he can give us much more than it costs us.
