But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.
as it is written
Deuteronomy 24:16 The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
2 Kings 14:5,6 And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father…
Jeremiah 31:29,30 In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge…
but acted according to what is written in the Law
Amaziah's actions are guided by adherence to the Mosaic Law, demonstrating his respect for divine commandments over cultural practices. This obedience to the Law is a recurring theme in the history of Israel's kings, where blessings and curses are often tied to their faithfulness to God's commands.
in the Book of Moses
The reference to the "Book of Moses" underscores the authority of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, as the foundation of Israelite law and religious practice. This highlights the importance of Scripture as the ultimate guide for moral and legal decisions, a principle that remains central in Christian theology.
where the LORD commanded
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the law, reinforcing the belief that the commandments are not merely human constructs but are given by God Himself. This divine authority is crucial for understanding the weight and significance of the laws in the life of Israel and their leaders.
“Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.”
This command is found in Deuteronomy 24:16 and reflects the principle of individual responsibility for sin, a concept that is echoed throughout Scripture. It contrasts with the collective punishment often seen in other ancient cultures. This principle is also seen in Ezekiel 18:20, reinforcing the idea that each person is accountable to God for their own actions. This foreshadows the New Testament teaching on personal responsibility and the need for individual repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Amaziah, newly enthroned in Judah, executes the officials who murdered his father (2 Chronicles 24:25), yet he refuses to punish their children.
• This choice shows a heart sensitive to God’s justice rather than personal vengeance (Romans 12:19).
• It contrasts with common Near-Eastern practice of wiping out entire families to secure a throne (cf. 1 Kings 16:11).
• By sparing the sons, Amaziah models restraint that anticipates Christ’s call to love even enemies (Matthew 5:44).
Amaziah’s decision rests on Scripture, not political expediency.
• He takes the written word as final authority (Psalm 119:105).
• His obedience illustrates that a king under God remains under God’s Law (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
• For believers today, it underscores the sufficiency of Scripture for moral guidance (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The chronicler highlights that the command originates with the covenant-keeping LORD.
• God’s commandments reveal His righteous character (Psalm 19:7-9).
• When earthly rulers heed divine commands, the nation benefits (Proverbs 14:34).
• The phrase signals that Amaziah’s mercy is not mere sentiment; it is covenant loyalty.
Quoted from Deuteronomy 24:16 and echoed in 2 Kings 14:6.
• Personal accountability is foundational to God’s justice (Ezekiel 18:20).
• The principle restricts collective punishment, preserving the dignity of each individual before God (Genesis 9:6).
• It foreshadows the gospel truth that every soul stands personally responsible before the Lord (Romans 14:12).
God establishes a one-to-one correspondence between sin and consequence.
• This guards against generational fatalism: no one is doomed by another’s guilt (Jeremiah 31:29-30).
• It also removes excuses; personal sin cannot be blamed on ancestry (James 1:14-15).
• Ultimately, it drives home humanity’s need for a Substitute who can bear individual guilt—fulfilled in Christ’s atoning death (1 Peter 3:18).
2 Chronicles 25:4 records Amaziah’s deliberate obedience to God’s Law by sparing the sons of his father’s assassins. His act affirms divine justice based on personal accountability, aligns the monarchy under Scripture’s authority, and hints at the gospel pattern where each person faces God for his own sin while grace provides a righteous substitute in Jesus Christ.
(4) But he slew not their children.--The verse coincides almost exactly with 2Kings 14:6. Literally, And their sons he put not to death; but according to what is written in the Torah, in the book of Moses, which Jehovah commanded, &c. The reference is evidently to Deuteronomy 24:16, which is more exactly repeated in Kings than here.But every man shall die for his own sin.--Literally, But, each for (in) his own sin, shall they be put to death. Kings has the singular.
Verse 4. - Slew not their children. Emphasis (the emphasis of mention, at any rate) is laid upon this, perhaps partly to show that Amaziah did in some measure walk by "the Law of the Lord," and partly because of numerous cases that had grown up to the opposite (2 Kings 9:8, 26; Joshua 7:24, 25, where, however, very possibly all were more or less aiders and abettors of the wickedness). For Moses' clearly written rehearsal of "the commandment of the Lord," on this subject, see the marginal references, Deuteronomy 24:16; Jeremiah 31:29, 30; Ezekiel 18:4, 19, 20.