AMAZIAH ADOPTS THE EDOMITE FORM OF WORSHIP, AND SPURNS A PROPHETIC WARNING (2 Chronicles 25:14-16).
(14) From the slaughter. — From smiting.
Brought the gods. — The Assyrian inscriptions often refer to this custom of carrying off the idols of conquered countries. Esarhaddon states that he restored the gods of Hazael, king of Arabia, at that prince’s entreaty, after engraving on them “the might of Asshur” and his own name. Assurbanipal recovered an image of Nana, which an Elamite sovereign had carried off one thousand six hundred and thirty-five years previously.
The children of Seir. — Bnê Seir, the tribal designation of the Edomites (1 Chronicles 1:38).
Set them up to be his gods. — Not necessarily abandoning the worship of Jehovah. (Comp. the conduct of Ahaz, 2 Chronicles 28:23; 2 Kings 16:10, et seq.; also 2 Kings 17:27-33.) Thenius says this contradicts 2 Kings 14:3; and it may be allowed that the chronicler portrays Amaziah in a darker light than the older account. This only proves independence of judgment and the possession of additional information. Thenius and Bertheau further suppose that the chronicler, from his theocratic standpoint, merely inferred the idolatry of Amaziah from his ill success against Israel. It is more likely that it was mentioned in one of the histories which the compiler had before him.
Bowed down himself. — Literally, And before them would he bow himself, and to them would he offer incense; relating his habitual practice.