How did Jehoash's reign compare to God's standards in 2 Kings 13:10? Setting the Scene “In the thirty-seventh year of Judah’s King Joash, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years.” (2 Kings 13:10) God’s Standard for His Kings • Worship the LORD alone—no idols (Exodus 20:3-4) • Lead the nation in covenant obedience (Deuteronomy 17:18-20) • Reject the sins of Jeroboam that introduced calf-worship (1 Kings 12:28-33) Jehoash on the Scales of Scripture (2 Kings 13:10-11) • 16-year reign in Samaria • “He did evil in the sight of the LORD” (v. 11) • “He did not turn away from all the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he continued in them.” (v. 11) Areas Where Jehoash Fell Short • Maintained the golden-calf shrines at Dan and Bethel • Never instituted national repentance or covenant renewal • Allowed idolatry to remain the official religion, directly violating the first and second commandments Moments of Response to God • 2 Kings 13:14-19—He honored Elisha, wept over him, and followed the prophet’s symbolic acts. • 2 Kings 13:25—God granted military victories over Aram “three times,” showing the LORD’s grace despite the king’s continued idolatry. Final Assessment Jehoash’s reign measured against God’s standards is overwhelmingly negative. Though he sought prophetic counsel and experienced God-given victories, he never broke with the idolatrous system set up by Jeroboam. Scripture’s verdict—“He did evil in the sight of the LORD”—remains the defining summary of his 16 years on the throne. |
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