Jehoahaz Reigns in Israel 1In the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash son of Ahaziah over Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria seventeen years. 2And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and followed the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them. 3So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them continually into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-hadad. 4Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel. 5So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped the power of the Arameans. Then the people of Israel lived in their own homes as they had before. 6Nevertheless, they did not turn away from the sins that the house of Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit, but they continued to walk in them.a The Asherah pole even remained standing in Samaria. 7Jehoahaz had no army left, except fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers, because the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing. 8As for the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, along with all his accomplishments and his might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 9And Jehoahaz rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. And his son Jehoashb reigned in his place. Jehoash Reigns in Israel 10In the thirty-seventh year of the reign of Joash over Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years. 11And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from all the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit, but he walked in them. 12As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash, along with all his accomplishments and his might, including his war against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 13And Jehoash rested with his fathers, and Jeroboam succeeded him on the throne. Jehoash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. Elisha’s Final Prophecy 14When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” 15Elisha told him, “Take a bow and some arrows.” So Jehoash took a bow and some arrows. 16Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow.” So the king put his hand on the bow, and Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. 17“Open the east window,” said Elisha. So he opened it and Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he shot. And Elisha declared: “This is the LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram, for you shall strike the Arameans in Aphek until you have put an end to them.” 18Then Elisha said, “Take the arrows!” So he took them, and Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground!” So he struck the ground three times and stopped. 19But the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times.” 20And Elisha died and was buried. Now the Moabite raiders used to come into the land every spring.c 21Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders, so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha, the man was revived and stood up on his feet. 22And Hazael king of Aram oppressed Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz. 23But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, and He turned toward them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And to this day, the LORD has been unwilling to destroy them or cast them from His presence. 24When Hazael king of Aram died, his son Ben-hadad reigned in his place. 25Then Jehoash son of Jehoahaz took back from Ben-hadad son of Hazael the cities that Hazael had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz. Jehoash defeated Ben-hadad three times, and so recovered the cities of Israel. Footnotes: 6 a LXX, Syriac, Targum Yonaton, and Vulgate; Hebrew he continued to walk in them 9 b Hebrew Joash, a variant of Jehoash; also in verses 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 25 20 c Literally into the land at the coming in of the year Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Kings 13 Summary Elisha's Final ProphecyVerses 1–9 – Jehoahaz Under Siege Verses 10–13 – Jehoash’s Reign and Record Verses 14–19 – Elisha, the Arrow, and Three Strikes Verses 20–21 – Life from the Prophet’s Bones Verses 22–25 – God’s Covenant Mercy and Israel’s Partial Victory The 13th chapter of 2 Kings in the Berean Standard Bible revolves around the reigns of Jehoahaz and his son Jehoash as kings of Israel. It highlights their struggles against the oppression of King Hazael of Syria, the divine intervention that rescues them, and the remarkable final acts of the prophet Elisha. Historical Backdrop: Israel and Aram in the 9th Century BC • Jehu’s dynasty begins about 841 BC after he wipes out Ahab’s house (2 Kings 9 – 10). • Assyrian records such as the Black Obelisk picture Jehu paying tribute to Shalmaneser III, showing Israel’s precarious international standing. • Hazael of Damascus expands east and south; the Tel Dan Stele boasts of victories over both Israel and Judah, matching the biblical picture of constant Aramean pressure. • Aphek (modern Tel Afek) controlled the main route from Damascus to the coastal plain, making Elisha’s “arrow of victory over Aram … in Aphek” geographically pointed and politically urgent. Political Realities: Jehu’s Line and a Shrunken Army Jehu receives a four-generation promise (2 Kings 10:30). By Jehoahaz’s time, however, Aram has whittled Israel’s forces down to “fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers” (13:7). The text highlights how fragile the dynasty looks despite God’s earlier word. Jehoash’s three victories give the family breathing room and pave the way for the prosperous reign of his son Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:23-27). Religious Environment: The Sins of Jeroboam Jeroboam I’s golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30) let Israel worship closer to home but break the second commandment. Neither Jehoahaz nor Jehoash removes these idols. The presence of “the Asherah pole … in Samaria” (13:6) shows that Canaanite fertility religion still mixes with calf worship. Hosea, ministering a few decades later, will condemn the same blend of calf and Baal veneration (Hosea 8:4-6; 13:2). The Role of Prayer and Intercession Jehoahaz “sought the favor of the LORD” (13:4). Despite his flawed life, God listens. The sequence echoes Judges, where Israel’s cries bring relief (Judges 3:9, 15). Psalm 106:44 says, “When He heard their cry, He took note of their distress.” God's answer here underlines James 5:16: “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective,” yet also shows that God may respond even to imperfect seekers when He chooses. Elisha’s Final Signs and Prophetic Authority • Touching hands (13:16) passes strength from prophet to king, recalling Moses’ hands over Joshua in battle (Exodus 17:11-13). • The open window faces east toward Aram, turning the arrow into a physical declaration of war backed by heaven. • Stopping after three strikes reveals Jehoash’s limited faith or energy; a bigger response could have meant total deliverance. Compare Jesus’ parable of persistent asking in Luke 18:1-8—keep striking until the objective is gained. Miracle at the Grave: A Preview of Resurrection Hope Elisha’s bones bring a dead man back to life (13:21), hinting at the coming power of God over death itself. Other Old Testament resurrections—Elijah’s revival of the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:22) and Elisha’s of the Shunammite’s boy (2 Kings 4:35)—foreshadow Jesus raising Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:41-42), the widow’s son at Nain (Luke 7:14-15), and Lazarus (John 11:43-44). Ultimately they point to Christ’s own resurrection (Matthew 28:5-6), the guarantee of life for all who trust Him. Archaeological Insights: Hazael, Ben-hadad, and War Strategy • Ivory fragments from Samaria mention Hazael, matching 13:3. • Assyrian records list Ben-hadad III (Adad-idri) succeeding Hazael; the Bible’s use of the dynastic name Ben-hadad aligns with these lists. • Siege ramps and destruction layers at sites like Hazor fit with Aramean campaigns of this era. • Arrowheads and bow fragments found at Aphek remind us that Elisha’s symbolism drew on familiar military gear. Covenant Mercy Versus Deserved Judgment Verse 23 anchors the chapter: “But the LORD was gracious … because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” God’s compassion rests on promises first heard in Genesis 12:1-3 and reaffirmed in Exodus 2:24 and Psalm 105:8-10. Even when Israel forfeits protection by sin, the LORD’s “gifts and His call are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). This mercy holds the nation together until the exile centuries later. Faith Lessons from Half-Hearted Obedience 1. Partial devotion brings partial victory. Three arrow-strikes equal three wins—no more. 2. Visible weakness (a tiny army) does not block God when prayer is sincere. 3. God may work through one faithful person (Elisha) to bless an unfaithful nation, urging believers today to stay steady even when culture drifts. 4. Miracles like the revived corpse underscore that God’s power goes beyond the grave, giving courage in present trials (1 Corinthians 15:58). Together, 2 Kings 13 weaves judgment, prayer, prophetic guidance, and covenant grace into one vivid account, reminding every reader that God both disciplines and delivers, always keeping His promises. Connections to Additional Scriptures God’s Compassion Psalm 103:8-14 emphasizes God’s compassion and mercy, similar to His response to Israel’s cries in 2 Kings 13. The Importance of Faith Hebrews 11:6 highlights the necessity of faith to please God, paralleling Jehoash’s limited faith and its consequences. Repentance and Restoration 1 John 1:9 assures us of God’s faithfulness to forgive and cleanse us when we confess our sins. God’s Covenant Faithfulness Deuteronomy 7:9 speaks of God’s faithfulness to His covenant, as seen in His dealings with Israel. Teaching Points The Reign of JehoahazJehoahaz, son of Jehu, reigns over Israel and continues in the sins of Jeroboam, leading Israel into idolatry (2 Kings 13:1-2). Despite his evil ways, God listens to his plea for help. God’s Response to Israel’s Oppression The LORD sees the oppression of Israel by the Arameans and provides a deliverer, showing His compassion and willingness to rescue His people (2 Kings 13:4-5). The Partial Repentance of Israel Although God delivers Israel, they do not fully turn away from their sins, continuing in the idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam (2 Kings 13:6). The Death of Jehoahaz and Jehoash’s Reign Jehoahaz dies, and his son Jehoash takes the throne, continuing the cycle of sin and partial repentance (2 Kings 13:9-11). Elisha’s Final Prophecy and Death Elisha, the prophet, is on his deathbed and gives Jehoash a prophetic sign of victory over Aram, but Jehoash’s lack of faith limits the extent of Israel’s victory (2 Kings 13:14-19). Elisha’s Legacy Even after his death, Elisha’s influence continues as a dead man is revived upon touching Elisha’s bones, symbolizing the enduring power of God’s word and promises (2 Kings 13:20-21). God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing mercy and not destroying them completely (2 Kings 13:22-23). Practical Applications Seek God’s Help in Times of TroubleLike Jehoahaz, we should turn to God in our distress, trusting in His willingness to deliver us. Repent Fully Partial repentance leads to continued bondage. We must fully turn away from sin to experience complete freedom. Trust in God’s Promises Even when circumstances seem dire, God’s promises remain true. We should hold onto His word with faith. Recognize God’s Mercy God’s mercy is not a license to sin but an opportunity to return to Him wholeheartedly. Leave a Godly Legacy Like Elisha, our lives should leave a lasting impact that points others to God’s power and faithfulness. People 1. JehoahazHe was the son of Jehu and became king over Israel in Samaria. His reign lasted seventeen years, and he did evil in the sight of the LORD, following the sins of Jeroboam (2 Kings 13:1-2). 2. Jehoash (Joash) The son of Jehoahaz, he reigned as king over Israel in Samaria for sixteen years. Like his father, he continued in the sins of Jeroboam (2 Kings 13:10-11). 3. Elisha The prophet of God who was sick with the illness from which he would die. He instructed Jehoash to shoot an arrow as a symbol of victory over Aram (2 Kings 13:14-19). 4. Hazael The king of Aram who oppressed Israel during the reign of Jehoahaz (2 Kings 13:3, 22). 5. Ben-hadad The son of Hazael, who succeeded him as king of Aram. Jehoash defeated him three times and recovered the cities of Israel (2 Kings 13:24-25). Places 1. SamariaSamaria is the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It serves as the central location for the reign of the kings of Israel mentioned in this chapter. The Hebrew root for Samaria is "שֹׁמְרוֹן" (Shomron), which refers to the watchtower or the place of watch. 2. Aram (Syria) Aram, often referred to as Syria in modern terms, is a neighboring kingdom to Israel. The Arameans frequently conflict with Israel during this period. The Hebrew root for Aram is "אֲרָם" (Aram), which is associated with the highlands or elevated regions. 3. Gath Gath is one of the five Philistine cities and is mentioned in the context of the military campaigns. The Hebrew root for Gath is "גַּת" (Gath), meaning winepress, indicating its agricultural significance. 4. Aphek Aphek is a location where battles between Israel and Aram occur. The Hebrew root for Aphek is "אֲפֵק" (Apheq), which can mean fortress or stronghold, reflecting its strategic military importance. Events 1. Reign of JehoahazJehoahaz, the son of Jehu, becomes king over Israel in Samaria and reigns for seventeen years. He does evil in the sight of the LORD, following the sins of Jeroboam. (2 Kings 13:1-2) 2. Oppression by Aram The LORD's anger burns against Israel, and He delivers them into the hands of Hazael, king of Aram, and Ben-hadad, his son, continually. (2 Kings 13:3) 3. Jehoahaz Seeks the LORD Jehoahaz seeks the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listens to him because He sees the oppression of Israel by the king of Aram. (2 Kings 13:4) 4. Deliverance of Israel The LORD provides a deliverer for Israel, and they escape from the hand of the Arameans. The Israelites live in their homes as before. (2 Kings 13:5) 5. Continued Sin Despite the deliverance, the people do not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, and the Asherah pole remains in Samaria. (2 Kings 13:6) 6. Military Weakness Jehoahaz's army is reduced to fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers because the king of Aram has destroyed them. (2 Kings 13:7) 7. Death of Jehoahaz Jehoahaz dies, and he is buried in Samaria. His son Jehoash (also known as Joash) succeeds him as king. (2 Kings 13:8-9) 8. Reign of Jehoash Jehoash becomes king and reigns for sixteen years. He does evil in the sight of the LORD, continuing the sins of Jeroboam. (2 Kings 13:10-11) 9. Elisha's Final Prophecy Elisha falls ill, and Jehoash visits him. Elisha instructs Jehoash to shoot an arrow out the window, symbolizing victory over Aram. (2 Kings 13:14-17) 10. Symbolic Arrows Elisha tells Jehoash to strike the ground with arrows. Jehoash strikes three times, and Elisha is angry because he should have struck five or six times for complete victory. (2 Kings 13:18-19) 11. Death of Elisha Elisha dies and is buried. Moabite raiders invade the land in the spring. (2 Kings 13:20) 12. Miracle at Elisha's Grave A man is hastily buried in Elisha's tomb, and when his body touches Elisha's bones, he comes back to life and stands up. (2 Kings 13:21) 13. Hazael's Oppression Hazael oppresses Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz, but the LORD is gracious and compassionate, and He does not destroy them. (2 Kings 13:22-23) 14. Death of Hazael Hazael dies, and his son Ben-hadad succeeds him as king. (2 Kings 13:24) 15. Jehoash's Victories Jehoash recaptures cities from Ben-hadad that had been taken by Hazael. He defeats Ben-hadad three times, recovering the cities of Israel. (2 Kings 13:25) Topics 1. Reign of Jehoahaz over IsraelJehoahaz, the son of Jehu, becomes king over Israel and reigns for seventeen years. His reign is marked by evil in the sight of the LORD, as he follows the sins of Jeroboam. The Hebrew root for "evil" (רַע, ra) indicates actions that are morally wrong or harmful. 2. Oppression by Aram Due to Israel's sin, the LORD allows Hazael, king of Aram, to oppress Israel. This oppression is a consequence of Israel's disobedience, highlighting the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. 3. Jehoahaz Seeks the LORD In his distress, Jehoahaz seeks the LORD, and God listens to him because He sees the oppression of Israel. The Hebrew verb for "sought" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash) implies a diligent search or earnest request. 4. The LORD's Deliverance The LORD provides a deliverer for Israel, allowing them to escape from the hand of the Arameans. This deliverance demonstrates God's mercy and faithfulness despite Israel's unfaithfulness. 5. Continued Sin of Israel Despite the deliverance, Israel continues in the sins of Jeroboam, maintaining the worship of the golden calves. This persistence in sin underscores the theme of Israel's recurring disobedience. 6. Death of Jehoahaz Jehoahaz dies, and his son Jehoash (also known as Joash) succeeds him as king. The transition of power is noted, but the spiritual state of the nation remains unchanged. 7. Reign of Jehoash over Israel Jehoash reigns for sixteen years and continues in the sins of Jeroboam. His reign is characterized by military conflict with Amaziah, king of Judah. 8. Elisha's Final Prophecy and Death Elisha, the prophet, falls ill and delivers a final prophecy to Jehoash, symbolized by the shooting of arrows. Elisha's death marks the end of an era of prophetic ministry in Israel. 9. Miracle at Elisha's Grave A dead man is revived when his body touches Elisha's bones, demonstrating the enduring power of God even after the prophet's death. This miracle serves as a testament to God's continued presence and power. 10. Hazael's Oppression and Israel's Recovery Hazael oppresses Israel throughout Jehoahaz's reign, but the LORD is gracious and compassionate, allowing Israel to recover territories under Jehoash. The Hebrew root for "compassion" (רַחַם, racham) conveys deep mercy and love. Themes 1. Divine Judgment and MercyThe chapter opens with the reign of Jehoahaz, who "did evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 13:2). Despite this, God listens to Jehoahaz's plea for help due to the oppression by the Arameans, showing both judgment and mercy. The Hebrew root for "evil" (רָעַע, ra'a) emphasizes moral wickedness, while God's response highlights His compassionate nature. 2. Covenantal Faithfulness Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. "But the LORD was gracious to them and had compassion on them and turned toward them because of His covenant" (2 Kings 13:23). The Hebrew word for "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit) underscores the enduring promise God made with the patriarchs. 3. Prophetic Authority and Legacy Elisha's role as a prophet is significant, even in his final days. Before his death, he instructs King Joash on how to defeat the Arameans, demonstrating the enduring authority of God's prophets (2 Kings 13:14-19). The Hebrew term for "prophet" (נָבִיא, nabi) indicates one who speaks on behalf of God. 4. Symbolism of Victory and Defeat The symbolic act of striking the ground with arrows, as instructed by Elisha, represents the extent of Israel's victories over Aram (2 Kings 13:18-19). The number of strikes correlates with the number of victories, illustrating the importance of obedience and faith in God's promises. 5. Resurrection and Hope After Elisha's death, a man is resurrected upon touching Elisha's bones, signifying hope and the power of God even beyond the grave (2 Kings 13:21). This miraculous event foreshadows the Christian belief in resurrection and eternal life, emphasizing God's sovereignty over life and death. Answering Tough Questions 1. 2 Kings 13:21 – How could a dead man be revived simply by touching Elisha’s bones, and is there any scientific or historical corroboration for such an event?Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the reign of Jehoahaz reflect on leadership and accountability? 2. Why did Jehoash follow the sinful path of his father Jehoahaz, and what does this tell us about generational sin? 3. How does God's response to Jehoahaz's plea demonstrate His mercy and love? 4. What significance does Elisha's final prophecy hold? How did it affect Jehoash's actions? 5. What is the significance of the miracle at Elisha's tomb? 6. How did Elisha's prophecy fulfill itself in the reign of Jehoash? 7. How does the chapter highlight the consequence of disobedience and the rewards of repentance? 8. How can the struggles of Israel against Syrian oppression be related to contemporary challenges? 9. How does the story of Jehoahaz and Jehoash encourage believers to keep faith in difficult times? 10. What can we learn about prayer and divine intervention from the experiences of Jehoahaz and Jehoash? 11. In what ways can we apply the lessons of Elisha's actions in our own lives? 12. What does the concept of a 'savior' mean to you in the context of this chapter? 13. How does the chapter illustrate the theme of God's patience and forgiveness? 14. How would you handle a situation where you've inherited negative habits or attitudes from your family or culture, as Jehoash did? 15. How might you respond if you were in a situation like Jehoahaz, facing the consequences of your actions? 16. How do you interpret the symbolism in Elisha's prophecy to Jehoash? 17. How does Elisha's death and the miraculous event at his tomb impact your understanding of life, death, and God's power? 18. How can Jehoash's victories against Ben-Hadad inspire us in our personal battles today? 19. How do you interpret the phrase "chariots and horsemen of Israel", and what does it mean to you personally? 20. How can you practice sincere repentance in your life, following the example of Jehoahaz? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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