Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Jehoash, also known as Joash, was a king 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 established. His reign is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where he is depicted as a ruler who sought to restore the fortunes of Israel during a time of decline and oppression by surrounding nations. Biblical Account: Jehoash's account is primarily found in 2 Kings 13:10-25 and 2 Chronicles 25:17-24. He ascended to the throne in the 37th year of Joash, king of Judah, and reigned for 16 years in Samaria. The Berean Standard Bible states, "In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria sixteen years" (2 Kings 13:10). Religious Context: Jehoash's reign was marked by religious challenges. Like his predecessors, he continued in the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who led Israel into idolatry. The BSB notes, "He did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from all the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit" (2 Kings 13:11). Despite this, Jehoash showed respect for the prophet Elisha, indicating a complex relationship with the religious traditions of Israel. Military Achievements: Jehoash is noted for his military campaigns against the Arameans. Under his leadership, Israel regained territories that had been lost during the reign of his father, Jehoahaz. The BSB records a significant interaction with Elisha, where Jehoash is instructed to strike the ground with arrows, symbolizing his victories over Aram. Jehoash struck the ground three times, and Elisha prophesied that he would defeat the Arameans three times (2 Kings 13:18-19). Conflict with Judah: Jehoash's reign also included conflict with Amaziah, king of Judah. The two kings met in battle at Beth-shemesh, where Jehoash defeated Amaziah. Following his victory, Jehoash captured Amaziah and entered Jerusalem, breaking down a section of the wall and taking treasures from the temple and the royal palace (2 Kings 14:13-14). Death and Legacy: Jehoash's reign ended with his death, and he was succeeded by his son Jeroboam II. His reign is remembered for the temporary restoration of Israel's military strength and territorial integrity. The BSB summarizes his reign: "As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash, along with all his accomplishments and the 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?" (2 Kings 13:12). Conclusion: Jehoash's reign is a testament to the complexities of leadership in ancient Israel, marked by both military success and religious shortcomings. His interactions with the prophet Elisha and his military campaigns highlight a period of both challenge and opportunity for the northern kingdom. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 13:10-25In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years. Nave's Topical Index Library Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ... Book 9 Footnotes Appendices Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Who was King Amaziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the walls of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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