Topical Encyclopedia
Jerusalem, the city of great historical and spiritual significance, has faced numerous calamities throughout its storied past. One such event is the plundering of Jerusalem by Jehoash, the King of Israel. This incident is a poignant reminder of the city's vulnerability and the consequences of the divided kingdom.
The account of Jehoash's conquest is recorded in the Second Book of Kings. During the reign of Amaziah, King of Judah, tensions between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah escalated. Amaziah, having achieved a victory over the Edomites, became overconfident and challenged Jehoash to battle. The confrontation took place at Beth Shemesh, where the forces of Judah were decisively defeated by the Israelites.
Following this victory, Jehoash advanced to Jerusalem. The biblical narrative in
2 Kings 14:13-14 states: "Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Ahaziah, at Beth Shemesh. Then Jehoash went to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate, a section about four hundred cubits long. He took all the gold and silver and all the articles found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace, as well as some hostages. Then he returned to Samaria."
This event was not merely a military defeat but also a spiritual and political humiliation for Judah. The breaking down of Jerusalem's wall symbolized the breach in the city's defenses and the vulnerability of its people. The plundering of the temple and the royal palace underscored the loss of both religious and royal treasures, which were central to the identity and stability of the kingdom of Judah.
The calamity brought upon Jerusalem by Jehoash serves as a reflection of the broader themes of disobedience and divine judgment found throughout the biblical narrative. The divided kingdom, marked by internal strife and external threats, often faced the consequences of turning away from the covenantal relationship with God. The plundering of Jerusalem by Jehoash is a stark reminder of the perils that accompany pride and disunity among God's people.
This episode in Jerusalem's history is a testament to the city's resilience and the enduring hope for restoration and redemption, themes that resonate throughout the biblical text. Despite the calamities faced, Jerusalem remains a focal point of God's unfolding plan for His people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 14:13,14And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Prophet Joel.
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Resources
What is the significance of the city of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgShould Jerusalem be the capital of modern-day Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the daughters of Jerusalem in Song of Solomon? | GotQuestions.orgJerusalem: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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