What is the meaning of 2 Kings 14:15? As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash Jehoash (also called Joash) ruled the northern kingdom of Israel for sixteen years (2 Kings 13:10). Scripture records that he “did evil in the sight of the LORD,” yet God used him to reclaim territory from Aram and to preserve Israel from complete collapse (2 Kings 13:22-25). This opening phrase signals that what follows is a brief summary; the inspired writer has already given enough to show how God’s covenant dealings continued even through an ungodly king. Along with his accomplishments • Military successes: Jehoash defeated Ben-Hadad’s successor and recovered previously lost cities, fulfilling Elisha’s prophetic promise (2 Kings 13:17-19, 25). • National stability: His victories strengthened Israel’s borders and set the stage for the prosperity experienced under his son Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:23-27). • Spiritual failure: Despite outward achievements, Jehoash left the golden-calf cult intact (2 Kings 13:11). The verse reminds us that true success is measured by covenant faithfulness, as Proverbs 14:34 teaches. His might The word points to personal valor and the strength of his army. Twice Elisha addressed him as a royal “chariot and horsemen of Israel” (2 Kings 13:14), highlighting how God sometimes grants military prowess even to rulers who ignore His law. Compare Samson, whose physical strength was a gift of God despite personal failings (Judges 15:14-16). And how he waged war against Amaziah king of Judah Amaziah’s challenge (2 Kings 14:8) provoked Jehoash to battle. • Outcome: Israel routed Judah at Beth-shemesh; Amaziah was captured, and Jerusalem’s wall was breached (2 Kings 14:11-14; 2 Chronicles 25:21-24). • Spiritual lesson: Judah’s king had “turned away from following the LORD” (2 Chronicles 25:27). Both kingdoms suffered because leaders rejected God’s Word, echoing Hosea 8:7: “For they sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.” Are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? This recurring formula (1 Kings 14:19; 2 Kings 15:6) points to an official royal archive now lost. By directing readers to that source, the biblical writer underscores: • Historical reliability—Scripture is rooted in verifiable events (Luke 1:1-4). • Divine selectivity—God includes what is necessary for our instruction (John 20:30-31). • Covenant focus—While secular records detail politics, Scripture highlights God’s redemptive purposes. summary 2 Kings 14:15 is a divinely inspired footnote. It reminds us that Jehoash’s life, with all its victories and failures, unfolded under God’s sovereign gaze. His military accomplishments could not erase his spiritual compromise, and the chronicling of his deeds serves chiefly to show the Lord’s faithfulness to Israel despite unfaithful leaders. |
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