Topical Encyclopedia
Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, reigned as king over Israel in Samaria for seventeen years. His reign is noted for its challenges, particularly the oppression by Hazael, king of Aram. The biblical account of Jehoahaz's prayer and its subsequent answer is found in
2 Kings 13:1-9.
During Jehoahaz's reign, Israel faced severe oppression from Hazael and his son Ben-hadad. This oppression was a consequence of Israel's continued idolatry and departure from the ways of the LORD, as they followed the sins of Jeroboam. Despite this, Jehoahaz turned to the LORD in a moment of desperation. The scripture 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" (
2 Kings 13:4).
The LORD's response to Jehoahaz's plea is a testament to His mercy and faithfulness, even when His people have strayed. God provided a deliverer for Israel, allowing them to escape from the hand of the Arameans. This deliverance is a clear indication of God's willingness to respond to sincere prayer, even when it comes from a place of previous disobedience. The text states, "So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped from the hand of the Arameans. Then the Israelites dwelt in their own homes as they had before" (
2 Kings 13:5).
Despite this divine intervention, the narrative also highlights the persistent sin of Israel. The people did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, and the Asherah pole remained standing in Samaria. This underscores a recurring theme in the Old Testament: God's readiness to answer prayer and deliver His people, juxtaposed with their frequent return to idolatry and sin.
Jehoahaz's prayer and its answer serve as a powerful reminder of the efficacy of prayer and God's compassion. It illustrates that even in times of judgment, God is attentive to the cries of His people and is willing to provide relief and deliverance. This account encourages believers to seek the LORD earnestly, trusting in His ability to intervene in seemingly insurmountable situations.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Kings 13:4And Jehoahaz sought the LORD, and the LORD listened to him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... and the cities previously annexed by Jehoahaz must, therefore ... Joshua's Song of Victory
over the Amorites (Joshua 10:13 ... [Illustration: 200.jpg Prayer at Sunset]. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm
Babylonia and Assyria
... who came to do homage to him includes Jehoahaz or Ahaz ... In a prayer for the Assyrian
king the writer asks ... Its twelve books answered to the twelve signs of the ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm
Resources
Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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