How does Jehoash's reign relate to Deuteronomy's teachings on kingship? Setting the Scene • “In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years.” (2 Kings 13:10) • His résumé is immediately summarized: “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; he continued in them.” (2 Kings 13:11) • With that single verse, Scripture measures Jehoash against the divine plumb line set centuries earlier in Deuteronomy. God’s Kingship Blueprint (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) Deuteronomy lays out eight core expectations: 1. Recognize Yahweh as true King. 2. Be God-appointed, not self-appointed. 3. Shun military self-reliance—“not acquire many horses.” (v 16) 4. Avoid alliances that reopen Egypt’s door. 5. Refuse the snare of multiple wives. (v 17) 6. Resist hoarding silver and gold. 7. Hand-copy the Torah under priestly supervision. (v 18) 8. Read it daily, staying humble and obedient so “he will not turn aside… either to the right or to the left.” (v 20) Point-by-Point Comparison • Spiritual loyalty – Deuteronomy: total allegiance to Yahweh. – Jehoash: persisted in calf worship at Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 13:11). Idolatry violated the first commandment and the kingly charge. • Torah saturation – Deuteronomy: write and read the Law daily. – Jehoash: no record of copying or reading the Law; his actions show ignorance or disregard. • Humility vs. pride – Deuteronomy: heart “not lifted up above his fellow Israelites.” – Jehoash’s tolerance of Jeroboam’s system elevated political convenience over covenant obedience. • Wealth, wives, and war horses – Scripture gives no list of Jehoash’s stables, harem, or treasury; yet his idolatry signals a heart already drifting, which usually opens the door to these excesses (cf. Deuteronomy 8:14). • Covenant continuity – Deuteronomy promises prolonged dynasty for obedience. – Jehoash’s line ends with his son Jeroboam II, then rapid decline and exile—Deuteronomy’s curses unfolding (cf. Deuteronomy 28:47-52). The Prophetic Interlude with Elisha • Despite national sin, Jehoash seeks Elisha during the prophet’s final illness, weeping, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” (2 Kings 13:14). • Elisha grants symbolic arrows of victory. Jehoash strikes only three times, exposing half-hearted faith (2 Kings 13:18-19). • Even limited obedience secures three victories over Aram (2 Kings 13:24-25). A faint echo of Deuteronomy’s promise that turning to the LORD, even partially, invites mercy. Mercy Threaded Through Judgment • “The LORD was gracious to them and had compassion… because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (2 Kings 13:23) • Deuteronomy foretold both judgment and restoration (Deuteronomy 30:1-3). Jehoash’s reign showcases that tension: covenant curses for idolatry, yet covenant faithfulness from God’s side. Takeaways for Heart-Level Kingship Today • Kings—and modern believers entrusted with any authority—stand or fall by the same Deuteronomic standard: wholehearted submission to God’s Word. • Jehoash illustrates that partial measures and political religion cannot secure lasting blessing. • The Lord’s unwavering covenant loyalty offers mercy amid failure, but His Word remains the final yardstick. |
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