2 Kings 13:12
As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash, along with all his accomplishments and his might, including his war against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash,

Jehoash, also called Joash, ruled the northern kingdom of Israel after his father Jehoahaz. His reign included the beginning of Israel’s recovery from Aramean oppression, as God fulfilled His word through Elisha.

2Ki 14:15-16 As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash…
2Ki 10:34 As for the rest of the acts of Jehu, …
1Ki 14:19 As for the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he waged war…

along with all his accomplishments and his might,

Jehoash proved to be a capable military ruler, recovering cities that Hazael of Aram had taken from Israel. Yet Israel’s renewed strength did not produce lasting spiritual reform, for the kingdom continued in the sins established by Jeroboam.

2Ki 14:11-14 But Amaziah would not listen, so Jehoash king of Israel…
2Ki 14:8-10 Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel…
2Ch 25:17-19 Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent word…

including his war against Amaziah king of Judah,

Amaziah’s challenge brought the divided kingdoms into open conflict at Beth-shemesh. Jehoash defeated Judah, captured Amaziah, broke down part of Jerusalem’s wall, and carried away treasures from the temple and palace. The conflict exposed the danger of pride and the painful consequences of covenant unfaithfulness among God’s people.

2Ch 25:20-24 But Amaziah would not listen, for this had come from God…
2Ki 14:18-22 As for the rest of the acts of Amaziah…
2Ch 25:25-28 Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah lived for fifteen years…

are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?

The inspired record directs readers to the royal annals of Israel for further details, though that work has not been preserved. Scripture records what is necessary to reveal God’s sovereign dealings with the kings of Israel and Judah.

2Ki 12:19 As for the rest of the acts of Joash…
1Ki 22:39 As for the rest of the acts of Ahab, along with…
1Ki 16:5 As for the rest of the acts of Baasha, along with…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoash (Joash) of Israel
The king of Israel who reigned during a tumultuous period marked by conflict with Judah and the Arameans. His reign is noted for military engagements and partial restoration of Israel's power.

2. Amaziah, King of Judah
The contemporary king of Judah who engaged in conflict with Jehoash. His reign is characterized by both military success and failure, as well as religious reforms.

3. The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel
A historical record mentioned in the Bible, which is not part of the canonical scriptures but is referenced as a source of detailed accounts of the kings' reigns.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom, distinct from Judah, often in conflict with its southern neighbor and other surrounding nations during this period.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom, ruled by Amaziah during Jehoash's reign, often at odds with Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Historical Records
The reference to the Book of the Chronicles highlights the value of historical documentation in understanding God's work through history. Believers are encouraged to study biblical history to gain insights into God's faithfulness and human nature.

Consequences of Conflict
The ongoing strife between Israel and Judah serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of division and conflict. Christians are called to pursue peace and unity within the body of Christ.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
Despite the flawed leadership of Jehoash and Amaziah, God's purposes were still accomplished. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty over human affairs, even when leaders fall short.

Learning from the Past
The accounts of Jehoash and Amaziah encourage believers to learn from past mistakes and successes, both personally and corporately, to align more closely with God's will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the conflict between Jehoash and Amaziah reflect the broader theme of division within God's people, and what lessons can we draw for the church today?

2. In what ways does the reference to the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel emphasize the importance of historical records in understanding God's work?

3. How can we apply the lessons of leadership from Jehoash's reign to our own roles in leadership, whether in the church, family, or workplace?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to promote unity and peace within our communities, in light of the destructive nature of conflict seen in this passage?

5. How does understanding the historical context of Israel and Judah's relationship enhance our reading of other biblical accounts involving these kingdoms?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 14
Provides a more detailed account of the conflict between Jehoash and Amaziah, including the battle at Beth Shemesh and the subsequent capture of Amaziah.

2 Chronicles 25
Offers a parallel account to 2 Kings 13 and 14, giving additional insights into Amaziah's reign and his interactions with Jehoash.

1 Kings 15
Discusses the ongoing conflict between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, providing historical context for the animosity seen in Jehoash's time.
The Reigns of Jehoahaz and Joash, Kings of IsraelC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 13:1-13
The Death of ElishaD. Thomas 2 Kings 13:1-21
Defection2 Kings 13:2-13
Joash and ElishaJ. Orr 2 Kings 13:8-19
People
Ahaziah, Amaziah, Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Hazael, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Jeroboam, Joash, Moabites, Nebat, Syrians
Places
Aphek, Samaria, Syria
Topics
Achievements, Acts, Amaziah, Amazi'ah, Annals, Aren't, Book, Chronicles, Force, Fought, History, Including, Jehoash, Joash, Jo'ash, Judah, Kings, Matters, Recorded, Reign, Rest, War, Wherewith, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 13:12

     5607   warfare, examples

2 Kings 13:1-25

     5366   king

Library
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
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS ii. 12. '...And Joash, the King of Israel, came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said. O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS xiii. U. The scenes and the speakers are strangely different in these two incidents. The one scene is that mysterious translation on the further bank of the Jordan, when a mortal was swept up to heaven in a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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