2 Kings 13:9

And Jehoahaz rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. And his son Jehoash reigned in his place.

Study Bible

And Jehoahaz rested with his fathers
This phrase indicates the death of Jehoahaz, the king of Israel. The expression "rested with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, suggesting a continuation of existence beyond this life, often implying burial in a family tomb. Jehoahaz was the son of Jehu, and his reign was marked by conflict with the Arameans. His death signifies the end of his rule and the transition of leadership. The phrase also reflects the biblical theme of generational continuity and the importance of family lineage in Israel's history.

and was buried in Samaria.
Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri. It served as a political and religious center. The burial of Jehoahaz in Samaria indicates his status as a king and his connection to the royal lineage. Archaeological excavations in Samaria have uncovered significant remains from the period, providing insights into the city's importance and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. The burial in Samaria also underscores the division between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, with Samaria being a central location for the former.

And his son Jehoash reigned in his place.
Jehoash, also known as Joash, succeeded his father Jehoahaz as king of Israel. This transition of power highlights the hereditary monarchy system in ancient Israel. Jehoash's reign continued the struggles against the Arameans, but he also experienced victories, as prophesied by Elisha. The succession of Jehoash is part of the broader narrative of the kings of Israel, where each king's actions are evaluated in light of their faithfulness to God. This phrase also connects to the biblical theme of divine sovereignty over the rise and fall of leaders, as seen throughout the books of Kings.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoahaz
The king of Israel who reigned for 17 years. He was the son of Jehu and followed in the sinful ways of Jeroboam, leading Israel into idolatry.

2. Jehoash (also known as Joash)
The son of Jehoahaz who succeeded him as king. His reign continued the struggles against the Arameans and the spiritual decline of Israel.

3. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Jehoahaz was buried. It was a center of political and religious activity.

4. Rested with his fathers
A common biblical expression indicating death and burial, often used to denote the end of a king's reign.

5. Burial
The act of interment, which in this context signifies the transition of power from Jehoahaz to Jehoash.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sinful Leadership
Jehoahaz's reign was marked by idolatry and disobedience to God, leading to oppression by foreign powers. This serves as a reminder of the impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual and physical well-being.

The Importance of Repentance
Despite Jehoahaz's failures, God showed mercy when he sought the Lord's favor (2 Kings 13:4). This illustrates the importance of repentance and seeking God's help in times of trouble.

Legacy and Influence
The actions and decisions of Jehoahaz affected not only his reign but also the future of his son Jehoash. Our choices can have lasting impacts on those who come after us.

God's Faithfulness Amidst Unfaithfulness
Even when Israel was unfaithful, God remained faithful to His covenant, providing deliverance through Jehoash. This underscores God's enduring faithfulness to His promises.

The Cycle of Sin and Redemption
The account of Jehoahaz and Jehoash reflects the broader biblical theme of sin, judgment, repentance, and redemption, encouraging believers to break cycles of sin through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did Jehoahaz's actions as king affect the spiritual and political state of Israel, and what can we learn from this about the influence of leadership?

2. In what ways does the account of Jehoahaz and Jehoash illustrate the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God?

3. How does God's response to Jehoahaz's plea for help (2 Kings 13:4) demonstrate His mercy, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

4. What lessons can we draw from the transition of power from Jehoahaz to Jehoash regarding the legacy we leave for future generations?

5. How does the account of Jehoahaz and Jehoash connect to the broader biblical theme of redemption, and how can this theme encourage us in our personal walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 10:31
This verse highlights Jehu's failure to turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which set a precedent for his descendants, including Jehoahaz.

2 Kings 13:1-2
These verses provide context for Jehoahaz's reign, noting his evil actions in the sight of the Lord and the resulting oppression by the Arameans.

2 Kings 13:25
This verse describes how Jehoash, Jehoahaz's son, was able to reclaim cities from the Arameans, showing a partial restoration of Israel's fortunes.