In the thirty-seventh year of the reign of Joash over Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years. In the thirty-seventh year of the reign of Joash over Judah,In the thirty-seventh year of Joash’s reign over Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz began to reign over Israel. While Joash had overseen repairs to the temple in Jerusalem, the northern kingdom continued in the idolatry introduced by Jeroboam. 2Ki 12:1 In the seventh year of Jehu, Joash became king… Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel Jehoash, whose name means “Yahweh has given,” son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel following his father’s troubled reign during a period of Aramean oppression. As a descendant of Jehu, he continued the dynasty established after Jehu removed the house of Ahab. His reign included significant contact with the prophet Elisha and a measure of military recovery for Israel. 2Ki 14:1 In the second year of the reign of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz… in Samaria, Samaria was the capital established by Omri and the seat of Israel’s kings. Its strategic location made it an important political and military center. 1Ki 16:24 He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer… and he reigned sixteen years. During these years Jehoash recovered territory from Aram, yet Israel did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam or abandon its idolatrous worship. 2Ki 14:15-16 As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash… Persons / Places / Events 1. Joash (King of Judah)The king of Judah during whose reign Jehoash became king of Israel. His reign provides a chronological marker for Jehoash's ascension. 2. Jehoash (King of Israel) Also known as Joash, he was the son of Jehoahaz and became king of Israel. His reign lasted sixteen years in Samaria. 3. Jehoahaz The father of Jehoash, who was the previous king of Israel. His reign was marked by struggles against the Arameans. 4. Samaria The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Jehoash reigned. It was a central location for the political and religious life of Israel. 5. Israel and Judah The divided kingdoms of the Hebrew people, with Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This division is crucial for understanding the political and spiritual dynamics of the time. Teaching Points Understanding Leadership in ContextJehoash's reign must be understood within the broader context of Israel's spiritual and political struggles. Leaders today can learn from the importance of context in governance and decision-making. The Consequences of Spiritual Decline The spiritual state of Israel during Jehoash's reign was one of decline, as seen in the idolatry and disobedience to God. This serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Failure Despite the failures of Israel's kings, God's sovereign plan continued. This reminds believers that God's purposes prevail even when human leaders fall short. The Importance of Historical Context in Scripture Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical events enriches our comprehension of Scripture. This encourages deeper study and reflection on the Bible's historical accounts. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the political situation between Israel and Judah during Jehoash's reign reflect the consequences of division among God's people?2. In what ways can the spiritual decline of Israel during Jehoash's reign serve as a warning for contemporary believers and church communities? 3. How does the reign of Jehoash illustrate the importance of understanding leadership within its historical and cultural context? 4. What lessons can we learn from the continuity of God's plan despite the failures of Israel's kings, and how can this encourage us in our personal faith journey? 5. How can studying the historical context of biblical events, such as Jehoash's reign, enhance our understanding and application of Scripture in our lives today? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 13:1-9Provides context for Jehoash's reign, detailing the struggles of his father Jehoahaz and the spiritual state of Israel. 2 Kings 14:23-29 Describes the reign of Jeroboam II, Jehoash's son, and the continuation of Israel's history, showing the long-term impact of Jehoash's reign. 2 Chronicles 25:17-24 Offers a parallel account of Jehoash's interactions with Amaziah, king of Judah, highlighting the political tensions between Israel and Judah.
People Ahaziah, Amaziah, Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Hazael, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Jeroboam, Joash, Moabites, Nebat, SyriansPlaces Aphek, Samaria, SyriaTopics Jehoahaz, Jeho'ahaz, Jehoash, Jeho'ash, Joash, Jo'ash, Judah, Reign, Reigned, Rule, Ruling, Samaria, Sama'ria, Seventh, Sixteen, Thirty, Thirty-seventhDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 13:1-25Library 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 13:10 NIV2 Kings 13:10 NLT 2 Kings 13:10 ESV 2 Kings 13:10 NASB 2 Kings 13:10 KJV 2 Kings 13:10 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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