King Amon

King Amon of Judah, the son of Manasseh, reigned for a brief period of two years (642–640 BC) before being assassinated by his servants. His reign is recorded in 2 Kings 21:19-26 and 2 Chronicles 33:21-25.

Amon inherited the throne from his father, King Manasseh, who had led Judah into deep idolatry, provoking God’s wrath. However, later in life, Manasseh repented and sought to undo some of the damage he had caused (2 Chronicles 33:12-16). Amon, however, did not follow his father’s late repentance but instead persisted in the wickedness of Manasseh’s earlier years. 2 Kings 21:20 states, “And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as Manasseh his father had done.” He worshiped idols and forsook the Lord, leading Judah further into corruption.

Manasseh’s long years of rebellion had left a lasting impression, and though he repented, his son continued in the path of apostasy. This aligns with the biblical principle that sin has far-reaching consequences, affecting even future generations (Exodus 34:7). Yet, it is also evident that Amon was responsible for his own sin, rejecting the opportunity to turn to God as his father eventually did.

Amon’s reign was marked by moral and spiritual decay, and after only two years, his own servants conspired against him and assassinated him in his palace (2 Kings 21:23). However, the people of Judah reacted against this coup, putting the conspirators to death and placing his son Josiah on the throne.

God, in His sovereignty, allowed Amon to rule for only a short time before bringing his reign to an abrupt and violent end. His assassination was not merely political turmoil but an act of divine judgment. Amon’s downfall was not random but a consequence of his rebellion against God.

Unlike his father, who had time to repent, Amon left no record of humility or seeking the Lord. His brief and sinful reign starkly contrasts with his son Josiah’s future reign, where Judah would experience a great revival (2 Kings 22–23). Though Amon was wicked, God preserved a godly king in Josiah, showing His sovereign choice to bring redemption despite human sinfulness.