דברי הימים ב, פרק כ״ה, פסוק י״ז

Following a period of turmoil, a fateful decision forms in the mind of King Amaziah to launch a military campaign. This sudden urge for war is not merely a political calculation. God Himself plants the idea in Amaziah's heart to fight Joash, the king of Israel. This divine intervention is designed to bring about Amaziah's ultimate downfall, serving as a consequence for the earlier slaughter committed by the troops of Ephraim against the people of Judah [מלבי״ם].

Driven by this resolve, Amaziah issues a direct and bold challenge to his northern rival. He calls upon Joash to march forward and meet him face-to-face on the battlefield [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ, רד״ק]. The manner of his summons emphasizes the deliberate, physical action of marching toward this inevitable clash [מנחת שי].

This invitation to war carries two distinct layers. On a physical level, it is a call to display raw military power and martial skill, envisioning a heavy clash of cavalry and spears [רש״י]. Beneath the surface, however, the challenge is deeply personal and provocative. Amaziah wants to send a clear message to Joash that the recent surprise raids carried out by the Israelite troops do not reflect true courage. By demanding an open, frontal conflict, Amaziah seeks to settle the score and prove once and for all who truly possesses genuine bravery and strength [מצודת דוד].