Bible Notes Online - 2-Kings 14 - ESV
Commentary

v1-7: Amaziah had a zeal for God. He put some things right, as Joash had done, but continued to tolerate wrong things. He obeyed Scripture in putting to death those who killed his father, but not putting to death their sons. He also enjoyed victory over Edom.

v8: Amaziah took the initiative in attacking Jehoash king of Israel. This would prove to be a disastrous decision.

v9-10: Jehoash warned Amaziah; perhaps he was rejoicing in the victory over Aram, and thought that a second victory was easy.

v11-12: Amaziah foolishly ignored the warning, and Judah was heavily defeated.

v13-14: The defeat was humiliating; Amaziah was captured, the wall of Jerusalem was broken down, treasures from the temple were removed. Fighting between brethren always causes damage, and brings dishonour to the Lord's name.

v15-18: Amaziah was left in Samaria for years, even outliving Jehoash.

v19-22: Amaziah, like Joash his father (12.20-21), was killed by his enemies.

v23-29: The fourth king in the dynasty of Jehu (see 10.30). With the reign of Zechariah, the final king of the dynasty, there was a period of 90 years of comparative stability. It seems that they avoided the depths of sins of previous kings, since there is no mention of Baal-worship. There was a period of expansion, as land previously lost was recovered. It was also a period of prophetic witness, through Hosea, Amos, Jonah; these men denounced their unfaithfulness, and their neglect of the worship of the true God.