2 Chronicles 25:2 - Compliance Or Commitment?

2Ch.25:2; Compliance Or Commitment?

2 Chr 25:2 (KJV)  And he did that which was right in the sight
of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.


2 Chr 25:2 (NKJV)  And he did what was right in the sight of the
LORD, but not with a loyal heart.


2 Chr 25:2 (NLT)  Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's
sight, but not wholeheartedly.


The general character of Amaziah: He did that which was right in
the eyes of the Lord, worshipped the true God, kept the temple
service a going, and countenanced religion in his kingdom; but he did
not do it with a perfect heart (v. 2), that is, he was not a man of
serious piety or devotion himself, nor had he any zeal for the exercises
of religion. He was no enemy to it, but a cool and indifferent
friend. Such is the character of too many in this Laodicean age: they do
that which is good, but not with the heart, not with a perfect heart.
(Matthew Henry's Commentary)


Amaziah was no enemy to religion, but cool and indifferent
friend. Many do what is good, but not with a perfect heart.... They are
like Amaziah; they say, But what shall we do for the hundred talents?
What shall we do if by keeping the sabbath holy we lose so many good
customers? What shall we do without this gain? What shall we do if we lose
the friendship of the world? Many endeavour to quiet their
consciences by the pretence that forbidden practices are necessary. The
answer is, as here, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this.
He makes up, even in this world, for all that is given up for his
sake. [Matthew Henry Commentary]


The Joash cycle continues with the story of his son and
grandson. Each imitates the pattern Joash set: Early piety and success is
followed by apostasy and disaster. Amaziah does what is right in God's
eyes, but not out of personal commitment.... God does not want believers
who go through the motions of living a Christian life. It is clear
from these two chapters that mere obedience, although necessary, is
not sufficient evidence of true commitment. It is especially
revealing that neither Amaziah nor Uzziah is portrayed as having a great
interest in the temple. They were willing for a time to obey God, but
they had no passion for worship! True love for God expresses itself
in both worship and obedience. [Victor Bible Reader's Companion]


Amaziah did what was right on the outside, but inside he often
resented what he had to do. His obedience was at best halfhearted. When
the prophet promised God's deliverance, Amaziah first complained
about the money that had been lost (2 Chron. 25:9). And he valued
military success more than God's will. We must search our own hearts and
root out any resistance to obeying God. Grudging compliance is not
true obedience. [Life Application SB]


A brief, early flare of faith is no substitute for lifelong
commitment. Our only protection from potential disaster is consistent, daily
commitment to the LORD. [The 365-Day Devotional Commentary]


Our God requires the utmost from His people. He doesn't expect
it from our flesh, which cannot accomplish anything of eternal good
at all. He has given us His Spirit to empower us, as we choose to
do His will. But we must all beware of becoming like Amaziah, who
did right in the eyes of the Lord, but without his heart in it.
Right actions like Amaziah's may have been learned from youth, from
parents or teachers. Whatever the source, he acted correctly before the
Lord for a number of years. But then in II Chronicles 25:14 we read
that after he had conquered the Edomites, he brought their idols home
and worshiped them! Are we following God just because someone told
us to? Or because that is how we were raised? God requires personal
action on our part to become a part of His family. Our actions must be
founded on our own beliefs. Check and see if your life is grounded on
your faith. Otherwise, in time of test, you may change as Amaziah
did. [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom]