We find in Proverbs the following verse: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Prov. 14:12). We could say that about Amon. He continued in the path of idolatry in which his father had walked for a long time, although Manasseh eventually humbled himself greatly before God and recognized that the Lord is God. Manasseh clearly proved his repentance by his actions, and his son Amon had probably seen all this, or at least the results. Amon certainly disagreed with his father about throwing everything related to idolatry out of the city. Amon walked fully in the way his father had previously walked in: he served the idols, and bowed down to them, and offered sacrifices to them. It was in his eyes the way to go, “a way that seems right.” But was it?

Just because something feels right does not mean it is. That is our lesson. It is what God has said that really determines what is good and what is not. This is true on the issue of sin, of God’s justice, and of the judgment to come. It is also true with regard to the walk of God’s children and their corporate life. We must therefore turn to the Word of God to be instructed in what is right and good before God. For “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). But Amon did just the opposite. He did not go to God or His Word. Amon “forsook the Lord God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the Lord” (2 Ki. 21:22), and death was the end. Literally! He was murdered by his servants.

There are many ways in this world, with good and bad examples to follow after. But there is no way to know the right way, except if we go to the One who is the only way, and listen to His Word! May it be our desire this very day!