Topical Encyclopedia Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, was the eleventh king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is chronicled in the biblical narrative found in 2 Kings 13:1-9. Jehoahaz ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Jehu, and ruled for seventeen years, from approximately 814 to 798 BC.Reign and Religious Context Jehoahaz's reign was marked by a continuation of the idolatrous practices that had plagued Israel since the time of Jeroboam I. The biblical account in 2 Kings 13:2 states, "He did evil in the sight of the LORD and followed the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit, and he did not turn away from them." This persistent idolatry provoked the anger of the LORD, leading to significant consequences for the nation. Oppression by Aram During Jehoahaz's reign, Israel faced severe oppression from the Arameans, led by King Hazael and his son Ben-Hadad. The biblical text in 2 Kings 13:3-4 describes how the LORD allowed Aram to dominate Israel as a form of divine judgment: "So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and into the hands of Ben-Hadad son of Hazael continually." In response to this oppression, Jehoahaz sought the LORD's favor. The narrative in 2 Kings 13:4 records, "Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him, for He saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them." This act of seeking divine intervention indicates a moment of humility and recognition of the LORD's sovereignty, despite Jehoahaz's overall failure to lead the nation back to true worship. Divine Deliverance and Continued Struggles The LORD, in His mercy, provided a deliverer for Israel, allowing them to escape the grip of Aram. However, the identity of this deliverer is not specified in the biblical text. Despite this temporary relief, the kingdom of Israel remained weakened and continued to suffer from the consequences of its idolatry and disobedience. The military might of Israel was significantly diminished, as noted in 2 Kings 13:7: "Nothing had been left of the army of Jehoahaz except fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers, for the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing." Legacy and Death Jehoahaz's reign ended with his death, and he was succeeded by his son Jehoash (also known as Joash). The biblical account in 2 Kings 13:8-9 provides a brief summary of his reign and passing: "As for the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, all that he did and his might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? And Jehoahaz rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. And his son Jehoash reigned in his place." Jehoahaz's reign is a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from the LORD and the enduring mercy of God, who listens to the cries of His people even in their disobedience. His account serves as a testament to the complex interplay of judgment and grace that characterizes the history of Israel's kings. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 10:35And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 13:1-9 Library Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ... The Fall of the House of Ahab The Kingdom of Samaria. CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). The Divided Kingdom. Book 9 Footnotes The Antiquities of the Jews The Twelve Minor Prophets. Questions. The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources Who was King Jehoiakim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jehoahaz: Also Called Shallum: King of Judah and Successor of Josiah Jehoahaz: Also Called Shallum: Prophecies Concerning Jehoahaz: Also Called Shallum: Wicked Reign of Jehoahaz: Pharaoh-Necho, King of Egypt, Invades the Kingdom of, Defeats Him Jehoahaz: Son of Jehoram, King of Judah Jehoahaz: Son of Jehu and King of Israel Related Terms Beth-she'mesh (20 Occurrences) |
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