In 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. In the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash son of Ahaziah over Judah,Joash had survived Athaliah’s attempt to destroy the royal family and had ruled Judah from Jerusalem since childhood. His reign provides the southern-kingdom date for Jehoahaz’s accession, during the divided monarchy established after Solomon’s death. 2Ki 11:21 Joash was seven years old when he became king. Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of Israel, Jehoahaz inherited the northern throne from Jehu, whose house had been promised four generations of rule because of his judgment against Ahab’s dynasty. Yet Israel continued in the sins associated with Jeroboam, and Jehoahaz’s reign would be marked by spiritual compromise and severe pressure from Aram. 2Ki 10:35 And Jehu rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria,… and he reigned in Samaria seventeen years. Samaria, founded by Omri, remained Israel’s capital and center of government. During Jehoahaz’s seventeen years, Hazael and Ben-hadad of Aram reduced Israel’s military strength and subjected the nation to oppression. 2Ki 14:23 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Amaziah son of Joash… Persons / Places / Events 1. Joash (Jehoash) son of AhaziahKing of Judah during the time Jehoahaz became king of Israel. His reign provides a chronological marker for the events in Israel. 2. Jehoahaz son of Jehu Became king of Israel in Samaria. His reign is marked by struggles against the Arameans and a return to the sins of Jeroboam. 3. Jehu Father of Jehoahaz, known for eradicating Baal worship in Israel but failing to remove the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. 4. Samaria The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Jehoahaz reigned. 5. Israel The Northern Kingdom, distinct from Judah, often characterized by its idolatry and political instability during this period. Teaching Points The Importance of Spiritual LeadershipJehoahaz's reign illustrates the impact of a leader's spiritual decisions on a nation. Despite Jehu's initial zeal, his failure to fully turn Israel back to God led to continued idolatry and suffering. Consequences of Partial Obedience The account of Jehoahaz reminds us that partial obedience to God can lead to prolonged consequences. True repentance and full obedience are necessary for God's blessing. God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Failure Despite the failures of Israel's kings, God remains sovereign and continues to work His purposes. This encourages us to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when human leaders fall short. The Role of Repentance The account encourages personal reflection on areas of life where we may be holding onto "golden calves" and calls us to genuine repentance and renewal. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the reign of Jehoahaz reflect the spiritual state of Israel at the time, and what lessons can we learn about the importance of spiritual leadership?2. In what ways does the account of Jehoahaz illustrate the consequences of partial obedience to God, and how can we apply this to our own lives? 3. How does the context of Jehoahaz's reign, as described in 2 Kings 10 and 2 Kings 13:2-3, help us understand the challenges he faced as king? 4. What does the account of Jehoahaz teach us about God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when human leaders fail? 5. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be holding onto "golden calves." How can you seek genuine repentance and renewal in these areas? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 10Provides background on Jehu's reforms and the incomplete eradication of idolatry, setting the stage for Jehoahaz's reign. 2 Kings 13:2-3 Describes the spiritual state of Israel under Jehoahaz, highlighting the consequences of continued idolatry. 2 Chronicles 24 Offers insight into the reign of Joash in Judah, providing context for the political landscape during Jehoahaz's rule.
People Ahaziah, Amaziah, Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Hazael, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Jeroboam, Joash, Moabites, Nebat, SyriansPlaces Aphek, Samaria, SyriaTopics Ahaziah, Ahazi'ah, Jehoahaz, Jeho'ahaz, Jehu, Joash, Jo'ash, Judah, Reign, Reigned, Ruling, Samaria, Sama'ria, Seventeen, Third, Three-and-twentieth, Twentieth, Twenty, Twenty-thirdDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 13:1-2Library The Spirit of Power'And Elisha said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.'--2 KINGS xiii. 16. This is part of one of the strangest narratives in the Old Testament. Elisha is on his deathbed, 'sick of the sickness' wherewith he 'should die.' A very different scene, that close sick-chamber, from the open plain beyond Jordan from which Elijah had gone up; a very different way of passing from life by wasting sickness than by fiery … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C. Kings Links 2 Kings 13:1 NIV2 Kings 13:1 NLT 2 Kings 13:1 ESV 2 Kings 13:1 NASB 2 Kings 13:1 KJV 2 Kings 13:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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