Topical Encyclopedia Jehoash, also known as Joash, was a king of the northern kingdom of Israel who reigned during the 8th century BC. He was the son of Jehoahaz and the grandson of Jehu, continuing the dynasty that Jehu had established. Jehoash's reign is noted for its military engagements, particularly his conflict with Amaziah, the king of Judah.Background and Reign Jehoash ascended to the throne of Israel in Samaria and reigned for sixteen years. His reign is recorded in 2 Kings 13:10-25 and 2 Kings 14:8-16. The biblical narrative describes Jehoash as doing evil in the sight of the LORD, continuing in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which led Israel into idolatry. Despite his shortcomings, Jehoash was used by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Arameans, as foretold by the prophet Elisha. Conflict with Amaziah The conflict between Jehoash and Amaziah, king of Judah, is a significant event in Jehoash's reign. Amaziah, emboldened by his victory over the Edomites, challenged Jehoash to battle. The account of this confrontation is detailed in 2 Kings 14:8-14 and 2 Chronicles 25:17-24. Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, saying, "Come, let us face each other in battle" (2 Kings 14:8). Jehoash responded with a parable, warning Amaziah of the consequences of pride and overconfidence: "A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle" (2 Kings 14:9). Jehoash advised Amaziah to be content with his victory over Edom and not to provoke further conflict. Despite the warning, Amaziah proceeded with his challenge, leading to a battle at Beth-shemesh in Judah. Jehoash's forces defeated Amaziah's army, capturing him and advancing to Jerusalem. Jehoash broke down a section of Jerusalem's wall, seized treasures from the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and took hostages back to Samaria (2 Kings 14:13-14). Legacy Jehoash's victory over Amaziah demonstrated the political and military strength of Israel during his reign. His actions, however, also reflected the ongoing tension and division between the northern and southern kingdoms. The biblical narrative highlights the consequences of pride and the importance of heeding wise counsel, as seen in Jehoash's parable to Amaziah. Jehoash's reign ended with his death, and he was succeeded by his son Jeroboam II. His military achievements and interactions with Judah are remembered as part of the complex history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 13:12And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might with which he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 14:8-15 2 Chronicles 25:17-24 Library Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Appendices Resources Who were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Amaziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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