What is the meaning of 2 Kings 13:3? The anger of the LORD burned against Israel “So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel”. • Israel had just endured King Jehoahaz’s reign, marked by “the sins of Jeroboam” (2 Kings 13:1–2). Persistent idolatry provoked the LORD’s righteous wrath, as He had warned in Deuteronomy 32:16–21. • This anger is not capricious; it is covenantal discipline (Leviticus 26:14–17, Hebrews 12:6). • Similar language appears in Judges 2:14, where the LORD’s anger “burned” after repeated apostasy. The pattern affirms that God’s holiness demands a response to sin. He delivered them continually “…and He delivered them continually…”. • “Continually” signals an ongoing series of hand-overs, not a single event (cf. Psalm 78:59–62). • The LORD Himself is the One handing Israel over. Divine sovereignty stands behind even foreign oppression (Daniel 4:35). • This steady discipline mirrors the cycles in Judges: disobedience → oppression → cry for help → deliverance (Judges 2:18–19). God’s purpose is corrective, urging repentance. Into the hands of Hazael king of Aram “…into the hands of Hazael king of Aram…”. • Hazael—previously anointed by Elijah as an instrument of judgment (1 Kings 19:15)—becomes God’s chosen rod. • 2 Kings 8:12–13 records Hazael’s brutality toward Israel; 10:32–33 notes his territorial successes east of the Jordan. • The phrase “into the hands” underscores Israel’s helplessness once God withdraws protection (Deuteronomy 32:30). And his son Ben-hadad “…and his son Ben-hadad”. • The oppression lasts beyond Hazael’s reign, extending into that of Ben-hadad III (2 Kings 13:24). • This generational continuation illustrates Galatians 6:7—sowing sin reaps an extended harvest. • Yet even here God is preparing mercy: later, Joash will reclaim cities from Ben-hadad (2 Kings 13:25), showcasing divine faithfulness despite discipline. summary 2 Kings 13:3 records God’s righteous displeasure with Israel’s persistent idolatry, expressed through sustained, God-orchestrated defeat at the hands of Hazael and Ben-hadad. The verse teaches that the LORD sovereignly employs earthly powers to correct His people, allowing hardship to continue until repentance occurs, yet keeps open the possibility of future deliverance because His covenant purposes remain unbroken. |
    |