2 Chronicles 25:11-12
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It's easy to see this as just a military victory, but notice it says Amaziah "took courage." This implies he needed to build up his resolve, suggesting a prior lack of confidence or a moment of fear he had to overcome before leading his people and achieving this victory.
But Amaziah took courage and led out his people and went to the Valley of Salt and struck down 10,000 men of Seir. The men of Judah captured another 10,000 alive and took them to the top of a rock and threw them down from the top of the rock, and they were all dashed to pieces.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Amaziah had just hired a large army of Israelites, but the prophet of God told him to send them home, warning that God would not be with them. After this, Amaziah’s Edomite army, now weakened and lacking divine favor, went out to battle against the Edomites. This victory, though seemingly impressive, was a prelude to Amaziah's later defiance of God's warning, which led to further defeat.
Has there ever been a time when you felt a surge of courage, enabling you to take decisive action? King Amaziah certainly had one of those moments.
The verse highlights a crucial turning point for King Amaziah. After a significant military setback and a costly mistake (hiring mercenaries he later had to dismiss), he faced a new threat. The text says he 'took courage.' This wasn't just a casual feeling; it was a deliberate decision to rally his troops and confront the enemy. It shows that leadership often requires stepping forward with conviction, even when circumstances are daunting. His courage led to a decisive victory, striking down 10,000 enemies. This demonstrates how taking courageous steps, rooted in faith and duty, can lead to God-given success.
The 'Valley of Salt' sounds like a desolate, harsh place. What does it signify that this is where a significant victory took place?
The location, the 'Valley of Salt,' adds a layer of meaning to Amaziah's triumph. Historically, this area was known for its barrenness and potentially for where defeated enemies were left to perish, their bodies salted. It serves as a stark backdrop for a resounding victory. For Amaziah, this win was a redemption after a prior failure, a moment where he asserted his kingdom's strength and God's favor. It wasn't just about defeating 10,000 men; it was about reclaiming confidence and demonstrating divine support for Judah.
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This victory over Edom was a high point for Amaziah early in his reign, showcasing his renewed courage and military success after a spiritually questionable start.
c. 796 BC
Reign of Amaziah Begins
Amaziah becomes king of Judah, a period marked by both religious reform and military conflict. He reigned for 29 years.
c. 795 BC
Hiring of Israelite Army
Amaziah hired 100,000 mercenaries from the northern Kingdom of Israel to bolster his forces, a decision later criticized by a prophet.
c. 795 BC
Dismissal of Israelite Mercenaries
After a prophet warned against relying on Israel, Amaziah dismissed the hired soldiers, who then acted with great hostility.
c. 795 BC— this verse
Battle in Valley of Salt
Amaziah led his Judahite army against the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, achieving a significant victory and killing 10,000.
c. 795 BC
Sack of Sela
Following the victory, Amaziah captured the Edomite capital city of Sela, renaming it Joktheel.
c. 793 BC
Conflict with Israel
Amaziah's arrogance led to a challenge from King Jehoash of Israel. Judah was defeated, and Jerusalem's walls were breached.
This passage describes the people singing 'Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands,' highlighting the significant victory of 'ten thousands' that Amaziah achieved.
Judges 15:15Samson, empowered by God, struck down a thousand Philistines with a donkey's jawbone, echoing Amaziah's significant military success against a large enemy force.
2 Kings 14:7This parallel account details Amaziah's victory, specifically mentioning he 'killed 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt and took Selah by force.'
Psalm 108:7-9This psalm is a prayer of praise that includes God granting victory and dividing territory, reflecting the kind of triumph Amaziah experienced, although the psalm is broader in its scope of God's deliverance.
It's easy to see this as just a military victory, but notice it says Amaziah "took courage." This implies he needed to build up his resolve, suggesting a prior lack of confidence or a moment of fear he had to overcome before leading his people and achieving this victory.
King Amaziah had just hired a large army of Israelites, but the prophet of God told him to send them home, warning that God would not be with them. After this, Amaziah’s Edomite army, now weakened and lacking divine favor, went out to battle against the Edomites. This victory, though seemingly impressive, was a prelude to Amaziah's later defiance of God's warning, which led to further defeat.
King Amaziah had just hired a large army of Israelites, but the prophet of God told him to send them home, warning that God would not be with them. After this, Amaziah’s Edomite army, now weakened and lacking divine favor, went out to battle against the Edomites. This victory, though seemingly impressive, was a prelude to Amaziah's later defiance of God's warning, which led to further defeat.
"But Amaziah took courage and led out his people and went to the Valley of Salt and struck down 10,000 men of Seir. The men of Judah captured another 10,000 alive and took them to the top of a rock and threw them down from the top of the ro…" — It's easy to see this as just a military victory, but notice it says Amaziah "took courage." This implies he needed to build up his resolve, suggesting a prior lack of confidence or a moment of fea…
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Last reviewed October 2026
