2 Kings 13:1

In the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash son of Ahaziah over Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria seventeen years.

Study Bible

In the twenty-third year
This phrase sets a precise chronological marker, emphasizing the historical nature of the biblical narrative. The use of specific years underscores the Bible's attention to detail and historical accuracy. The twenty-third year of Joash's reign provides a timeline that aligns with other historical records, offering a framework for understanding the sequence of events in the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

of Joash son of Ahaziah, king of Judah
Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah who began his reign as a child under the guidance of the priest Jehoiada. His lineage, being the son of Ahaziah, places him in the Davidic line, which is significant for the messianic prophecies concerning the house of David. Joash's reign is marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh, although it was not without its failures. His connection to Ahaziah reminds readers of the turbulent times and the divine interventions that preserved the Davidic line.

Jehoahaz son of Jehu
Jehoahaz was the son of Jehu, the king who was anointed by the prophet Elisha to eradicate the house of Ahab and bring reform to Israel. Jehu's legacy is complex; he was zealous for the Lord in destroying Baal worship but failed to fully turn Israel back to God. Jehoahaz's reign is a continuation of this mixed legacy, highlighting the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God and the persistent idolatry in Israel.

became king of Israel in Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, established by Omri, and it became a center of political and religious activity. The mention of Samaria is significant as it was often associated with idolatry and apostasy, contrasting with Jerusalem, the center of true worship in Judah. Jehoahaz's ascension to the throne in Samaria sets the stage for his reign, which would be characterized by the challenges of leading a nation that frequently turned away from God.

and he reigned seventeen years
The duration of Jehoahaz's reign is noted, providing a sense of stability and continuity despite the spiritual and political turmoil of the time. Seventeen years is a significant period, allowing for potential reform and change, yet the biblical narrative reveals that Jehoahaz's reign was marked by continued disobedience and oppression by foreign powers. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of seeking His guidance and favor.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joash (Jehoash) son of Ahaziah
King of Judah during the time Jehoahaz became king of Israel. His reign provides a chronological marker for the events in Israel.

2. Jehoahaz son of Jehu
Became king of Israel in Samaria. His reign is marked by struggles against the Arameans and a return to the sins of Jeroboam.

3. Jehu
Father of Jehoahaz, known for eradicating Baal worship in Israel but failing to remove the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.

4. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Jehoahaz reigned.

5. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, distinct from Judah, often characterized by its idolatry and political instability during this period.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
Jehoahaz's reign illustrates the impact of a leader's spiritual decisions on a nation. Despite Jehu's initial zeal, his failure to fully turn Israel back to God led to continued idolatry and suffering.

Consequences of Partial Obedience
The account of Jehoahaz reminds us that partial obedience to God can lead to prolonged consequences. True repentance and full obedience are necessary for God's blessing.

God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Failure
Despite the failures of Israel's kings, God remains sovereign and continues to work His purposes. This encourages us to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when human leaders fall short.

The Role of Repentance
The account encourages personal reflection on areas of life where we may be holding onto "golden calves" and calls us to genuine repentance and renewal.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reign of Jehoahaz reflect the spiritual state of Israel at the time, and what lessons can we learn about the importance of spiritual leadership?

2. In what ways does the account of Jehoahaz illustrate the consequences of partial obedience to God, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

3. How does the context of Jehoahaz's reign, as described in 2 Kings 10 and 2 Kings 13:2-3, help us understand the challenges he faced as king?

4. What does the account of Jehoahaz teach us about God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when human leaders fail?

5. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be holding onto "golden calves." How can you seek genuine repentance and renewal in these areas?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 10
Provides background on Jehu's reforms and the incomplete eradication of idolatry, setting the stage for Jehoahaz's reign.

2 Kings 13:2-3
Describes the spiritual state of Israel under Jehoahaz, highlighting the consequences of continued idolatry.

2 Chronicles 24
Offers insight into the reign of Joash in Judah, providing context for the political landscape during Jehoahaz's rule.