Topical Bible: Kings: Who Reigned Over Israel: Jehoash or Joash

◄ Kings: Who Reigned Over Israel: Jehoash or Joash ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Jehoash, also known as Joash, was a king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is documented in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. He was the son of Jehoahaz and the grandson of Jehu, continuing the dynasty that Jehu established. Jehoash's reign is noted for its military campaigns and interactions with the southern kingdom of Judah.

Reign and Historical Context:
Jehoash reigned over Israel for 16 years, approximately from 798 to 782 BC, during a period marked by political instability and external threats, particularly from the Arameans. His reign is recorded in 2 Kings 13:10-25. 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 Practices:
Jehoash continued the idolatrous practices of his predecessors, failing to remove the high places where the people of Israel engaged in unauthorized worship. 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 sought the counsel of the prophet Elisha during his final illness, demonstrating a recognition of the prophet's spiritual authority.

Military Achievements:
Jehoash's reign was marked by military conflict, particularly with the Arameans. Under his leadership, Israel experienced a measure of military success. The BSB records a significant prophecy by Elisha, who instructed Jehoash to strike the ground with arrows, symbolizing victories over Aram. Jehoash struck the ground three times, and Elisha declared that he would defeat Aram three times (2 Kings 13:18-19). Subsequently, Jehoash recaptured cities from Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, which had been taken during his father's reign (2 Kings 13:25).

Relations with Judah:
Jehoash's interactions with the southern kingdom of Judah were complex. He engaged in conflict with Amaziah, king of Judah, resulting in a significant battle at Beth-shemesh. Jehoash defeated Amaziah, captured him, and proceeded to break down a section of the wall of Jerusalem, seizing treasures from the temple and the royal palace (2 Kings 14:11-14).

Death and Succession:
Jehoash's death is briefly noted in the biblical narrative. He was succeeded by his son Jeroboam II, who continued the dynasty and expanded Israel's borders. The BSB states, "Jehoash rested with his fathers, and he was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. And his son Jeroboam became king in his place" (2 Kings 14:16).

Legacy:
Jehoash's reign is remembered for its military endeavors and the partial restoration of Israel's territories. Despite his failure to lead Israel back to covenant faithfulness, his interactions with Elisha and his military successes are notable aspects of his rule. His legacy is intertwined with the ongoing narrative of Israel's struggle with idolatry and the prophetic voices calling the nation back to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 13:10-25
In 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 14:8-16
Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ...
... the laws, and died when he had reigned over the Israelites ... the treasures of God and
of the kings [before him ... should kill his master, and reign over the Syrians ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hazael makes an.htm

The Divided Kingdom.
... Reigned IS years and died ... During this time the kings of Judah cherished the hope
that they would regain ... (1) Jehovah rules not only in Israel but over all peoples ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Became More Wicked Than All The Kings That Had ... CHAPTER 7. How Athaliah Reigned Over
Jerusalem For Five [Six ... An Expedition Against The People Of Israel And The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Book 9 Footnotes
... or Aradus, and with Damascus, 2 Kings 18:34 ... prophetic times which were to pass over
Nebuchadnezzar [Daniel ... well as by Josephus presently, that he reigned in all ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 9 footnotes.htm

Appendices
... the last king but one of the Kassite dynasty, and not rather one of the unknown
kings of the ... 2. My father reigned over Moab thirty years, and I reigned. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the labours of the attacking force were not yet over. ... The petty kings who shared
with Assyria the possession ... Barzur, son of Panammu I., had reigned there since ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm