When Amaziah returned from defeating the Edomites, he brought their idols back with him, set them up, worshiped them, and burned incense to them.

He did what was pleasing to the LORD as long as Jehoiada the priest was alive.

Following the example of his father, he did what was pleasing to the LORD.

But the LORD said to him, "Pay no attention to how tall and handsome he is. I have rejected him, because I do not judge as people judge. They look at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart."

He did not tear down the pagan places of worship, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.

They were not loyal to him; they were not faithful to their covenant with him.

The Lord said, "These people claim to worship me, but their words are meaningless, and their hearts are somewhere else. Their religion is nothing but human rules and traditions, which they have simply memorized.

The people whose hearts are deceitful must now suffer for their sins. God will break down their altars and destroy their sacred pillars.

You have no part or share in our work, because your heart is not right in God's sight.

(SEE 1:7)

Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites!