2 Chronicles 25:10

“Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger.”

2 Chronicles 25:10 (KJV)

Historical Context:The verse is part of the account of King Amaziah of Judah, who reigned in the 8th century BC. Amaziah became king at the age of 25 and started his reign by obeying the Lord and following His commandments. However, as his reign progressed, he made some unwise decisions.

Amaziah’s War with Edom:In the preceding verses, we learn that Amaziah gathered an army from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to go to war against the Edomites. Amaziah paid a hundred talents of silver to hire a group of mercenaries from Israel to augment his forces.

Amaziah’s Decision:In verse 10, we see Amaziah making the decision to dismiss the mercenaries from Israel and send them back to their homes in Ephraim. This act of separation was the result of a divine warning from a prophet who conveyed God’s message to Amaziah. The reason for this dismissal is not explicitly stated in this verse.

Anger and Consequences:The verse mentions that the mercenaries from Ephraim were greatly angered by Amaziah’s decision to send them away. They returned home in great anger, presumably feeling dishonored or mistreated by being dismissed from the battle. This act of dismissing the mercenaries from Ephraim would later have severe consequences for Amaziah.