Pride Before The Fall Series

PRIDE BEFORE THE FALL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 14:1-29

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 16:18; 1 Peter 5:6; 2 Chronicles 25; Obadiah 1:3-4; Jeremiah 9:23-24

INTRODUCTION:

2 Kings 14 presents the reign of Amaziah, king of Judah, and the consequences of his pride and unwise choices. Initially, he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, though not with a perfect heart. He executed the servants who killed his father, in accordance with the law of Moses. However, after experiencing military success, he allowed pride to cloud his judgment. This led him to provoke Jehoash, king of Israel, into an unnecessary war that ended in shameful defeat.

The chapter reminds us that success can be a greater test than failure. Amaziah began with obedience, but he could not handle victory with humility. Instead of strengthening his relationship with God, he exalted himself in battle and faced the consequences. In contrast, the chapter closes by introducing Jeroboam II, a powerful but spiritually bankrupt king whose reign emphasises how God sometimes permits national prosperity even in seasons of spiritual decline.

This chapter is a warning about the dangers of pride, misplaced confidence, and shallow obedience. God desires humility, wisdom, and wholehearted devotion—not partial or superficial obedience that fades in the face of success.

1. GOD HONOURS RIGHTEOUSNESS, BUT DESIRES A PERFECT HEART

Amaziah did what was right, but not with full commitment.

a) He followed the example of his father, but not to David’s level

He obeyed outwardly but lacked deep heart transformation (v.3).

b) God is not only looking at actions but at the motivations of the heart

The measure of righteousness is not just conduct but the inner life.

c) Partial obedience will always limit the depth of divine favour

Amaziah’s reign shows that surface-level commitment is not enough.

d) God desires full allegiance, not just religious performance

He seeks those whose hearts are loyal to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Biblical Example: King Asa started well but later relied on human help instead of trusting God (2 Chronicles 16:7–10).

2. OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD BRINGS ORDER TO JUSTICE

Amaziah executed judgment lawfully by following divine instruction.

a) He did not kill the children of his father’s murderers

He obeyed the Mosaic law that forbade generational punishment (v.6).

b) God's laws preserve righteousness and prevent abuse of power

Amaziah restrained himself from vengeance.

c) Justice must be guided by truth and scripture, not by emotions

His decision brought legal and moral order to the land.

d) Obedience in leadership promotes peace and accountability

It set a precedent that even kings are subject to God’s law.

Biblical Example: Moses instructed the Israelites to uphold justice impartially (Deuteronomy 16:18–20).

3. PRIDE IN SUCCESS CAN LEAD TO SPIRITUAL COLLAPSE

Amaziah’s military victory made him arrogant and reckless.

a) After defeating Edom, he challenged Israel’s king to war

Instead of thanking God, he sought glory in unnecessary conflict (v.7–8).

b) Jehoash warned him not to be proud of his small success

The parable of the thistle and the cedar (v.9–10) exposed his arrogance.

c) Pride makes one blind to wise counsel

Amaziah refused correction and rushed into battle.

d) God allows prideful people to fall in order to teach humility

His army was defeated, and the temple treasures were looted (v.11–14).

Biblical Example: Uzziah became proud in his strength and was struck with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

4. GOD CAN USE EVEN UNGODLY LEADERS TO FULFIL HIS PURPOSE

Jeroboam II was powerful but did evil in God's sight.

a) Despite his sin, God allowed Jeroboam to restore Israel’s borders

This was because of God's compassion on Israel’s affliction (v.23–27).

b) God’s mercy may operate in a nation even during spiritual darkness

His help is not always an endorsement of leadership.

c) The Lord raised Jeroboam to preserve the nation, not to reward wickedness

It was a divine act of preservation, not approval.

d) God works through flawed vessels to accomplish His sovereign plans

Yet, He still calls the people to righteousness.

Biblical Example: God used Cyrus, a pagan king, to release Israel from exile (Isaiah 45:1-4).

5. DIVINE WARNINGS ARE MEANT TO SAVE, NOT EMBARRASS

Jehoash's rebuke was meant to help Amaziah avoid shame.

a) He told Amaziah to be content with his victory and not overreach

The warning was clear and wise (v.10).

b) God often speaks through people to prevent costly mistakes

Pride makes people despise correction.

c) Warnings unheeded lead to disgraceful outcomes

Amaziah’s kingdom was humiliated and Jerusalem breached.

d) He who ignores rebuke invites ruin

God’s correction is proof of His love (Proverbs 3:11-12).

Biblical Example: Balaam was warned by God through a donkey but pressed on in error (Numbers 22:21-32).

CONCLUSION:

The story of Amaziah reveals the subtle danger of success without humility. Though he started well and sought justice according to God’s law, his pride after victory over Edom led him into foolish decisions that brought shame to Judah. The lesson is clear: it is not how you start, but how you finish that matters. Pride turns victories into defeat, while humility sustains long-term impact.