Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Jehoahaz sought the LORD’s favor, and the LORD listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. New Living Translation Then Jehoahaz prayed for the LORD’s help, and the LORD heard his prayer, for he could see how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. English Standard Version 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 Syria oppressed them. Berean Standard Bible Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel. Berean Literal Bible And Jehoahaz pleaded before YHWH, and YHWH listened to him. For He saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Aram oppressed them. King James Bible And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. New King James Version So Jehoahaz pleaded with the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. New American Standard Bible Then Jehoahaz appeased the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them. NASB 1995 Then Jehoahaz entreated 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. NASB 1977 Then Jehoahaz entreated 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. Legacy Standard Bible Then Jehoahaz entreated the face of Yahweh, and Yahweh listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them. Amplified Bible But 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. Berean Annotated Bible Then Jehoahaz (YHWH has seized) sought the favor of the LORD {YHWH}, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram (exalted) had inflicted on Israel (he wrestles with God). Christian Standard Bible Then Jehoahaz sought the LORD’s favor, and the LORD heard him, for he saw the oppression the king of Aram inflicted on Israel. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Jehoahaz sought the LORD’s favor, and the LORD heard him, for He saw the oppression the king of Aram inflicted on Israel. American Standard Version And Jehoahaz besought Jehovah, and Jehovah hearkened unto him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how that the king of Syria oppressed them. Contemporary English Version Jehoahaz prayed to the LORD for help, and the LORD saw how terribly Hazael was treating the Israelites. He answered Jehoahaz English Revised Version And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, how that the king of Syria oppressed them. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Jehoahaz pleaded with the LORD, and the LORD heard him because he saw how the Aramean king was oppressing Israel. Good News Translation Then Jehoahaz prayed to the LORD, and the LORD, seeing how harshly the king of Syria was oppressing the Israelites, answered his prayer. International Standard Version But Jehoahaz sought the LORD, and the LORD paid attention to him, because the LORD had been watching the oppression that Israel was enduring from the king of Aram. NET Bible Jehoahaz asked for the LORD's mercy and the LORD responded favorably, for he saw that Israel was oppressed by the king of Syria. New Heart English Bible Jehoahaz begged the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how that the king of Aram oppressed them. Webster's Bible Translation And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened to him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel. World English Bible Jehoahaz begged Yahweh, and Yahweh listened to him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jehoahaz appeases the face of YHWH, and YHWH listens to him, for He has seen the oppression of Israel, for the king of Aram has oppressed them— Berean Literal Bible And Jehoahaz pleaded before YHWH, and YHWH listened to him. For He saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Aram oppressed them. Young's Literal Translation And Jehoahaz appeaseth the face of Jehovah, and Jehovah hearkeneth unto him, for He hath seen the oppression of Israel, for oppressed them hath the king of Aram, -- Smith's Literal Translation And Jehoahaz will supplicate the face of Jehovah, and Jehovah will hear to him, for he saw the oppression of Israel, for the king of Aram oppressed them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut Joachaz besought the face of the Lord, and the Lord heard him: for he saw the distress of Israel, because the king of Syria had oppressed them: Catholic Public Domain Version But Jehoahaz petitioned the face of the Lord, and the Lord heeded him. For he saw the anguish of Israel, because the king of Syria had oppressed them. New American Bible Then Jehoahaz entreated the LORD, who heard him, since he saw the oppression to which the king of Aram had subjected Israel. New Revised Standard Version But Jehoahaz entreated the LORD, and the LORD heeded him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Jehoahaz prayed before the LORD, and the LORD hearkened to him; for he saw the suffering of Israel, because the king of Aram oppressed them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yahuakhaz prayed before LORD JEHOVAH, and LORD JEHOVAH heard him because he saw the affliction of Israel with which the King of Edom oppressed them. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, how that the king of Aram oppressed them.-- Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joachaz besought the Lord, and the Lord hearkened to him, for he saw the affliction of Israel, because the king of Syria afflicted them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jehoahaz Reigns in Israel…3So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them continually into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-hadad. 4Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel. 5So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped the power of the Arameans. Then the people of Israel lived in their own homes as they had before.… Cross References Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. / And when he prayed to Him, the LORD received his plea and heard his petition. So He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God. 2 Chronicles 15:4 But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them. Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from there you will seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. and the LORD listened to him 2 Kings 20:5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD. Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 65:2 O You who listen to prayer, all people will come to You. because He saw the oppression Deuteronomy 26:7 So we called out to the LORD, the God of our fathers; and the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction, toil, and oppression. Exodus 3:7 The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. Nehemiah 9:9 You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt; You heard their cry at the Red Sea. that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel. 2 Kings 10:32-33 In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory / from the Jordan eastward through all the land of Gilead (the region of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh), and from Aroer by the Arnon Valley through Gilead to Bashan. 2 Kings 8:12-13 “Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.” / “But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?” said Hazael. And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.” 2 Kings 6:24-25 Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria. / So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver. Judges 3:9 But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them. Judges 10:10-16 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against You, for we have indeed forsaken our God and served the Baals.” / The LORD replied, “When the Egyptians, Amorites, Ammonites, Philistines, / Sidonians, Amalekites, and Maonites oppressed you and you cried out to Me, did I not save you from their hands? … 1 Samuel 7:8-9 and said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” / Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him. 1 Kings 8:47-50 and when they come to their senses in the land to which they were taken, and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’ / and when they return to You with all their heart and soul in the land of the enemies who took them captive, and when they pray to You in the direction of the land that You gave to their fathers, the city You have chosen, and the house I have built for Your Name, / then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, their prayer and petition, and may You uphold their cause. … Treasury of Scripture And Jehoahaz sought the LORD, and the LORD listened to him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. Jehoahaz Numbers 21:7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. Judges 6:6,7 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD… Judges 10:10 And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim. the Lord 2 Kings 14:26 For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. Genesis 21:17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Exodus 3:7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; he saw Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight. Exodus 3:9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Isaiah 63:9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. because the king 2 Kings 13:22 But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. 2 Kings 14:26 For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. Jump to Previous Appeaseth Aram Begged Besought Cruelly Crushed Ear Entreated Face Favor Hearkened Hearkeneth Israel Jehoahaz Jeho'ahaz Lord's Oppressed Oppressing Oppression Prayer Severely Sought SyriaJump to Next Appeaseth Aram Begged Besought Cruelly Crushed Ear Entreated Face Favor Hearkened Hearkeneth Israel Jehoahaz Jeho'ahaz Lord's Oppressed Oppressing Oppression Prayer Severely Sought Syria2 Kings 13 1. Jehoahaz's wicked reign3. Jehoahaz, oppressed by Hazael, is relieved by prayer 8. Joash succeeds him 10. His wicked reign 12. Jeroboam succeeds him 14. Elisha dying, prophesies to Joash three victories over the Syrians 20. The Moabites invading the land, Elisha's bones raise a dead man. 22. Joash gets three victories over Ben-hadad Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, was the king of Israel who reigned during a time of great distress due to the oppression by the Arameans. Seeking the favor of the LORD indicates a turning point where Jehoahaz acknowledges the need for divine intervention. This act of seeking God’s favor is reminiscent of other biblical figures who turned to God in times of trouble, such as King Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:1-4) and King David (1 Samuel 23:2). It reflects a moment of humility and recognition of God’s sovereignty, which is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoahazThe king of Israel who reigned during a time of great oppression by the Arameans. He is noted for seeking the LORD's favor despite the nation's general disobedience. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The God of Israel, who listens to Jehoahaz's plea and responds with compassion, demonstrating His mercy and willingness to forgive. 3. The King of Aram The oppressor of Israel, whose actions led to the suffering of the Israelites, prompting Jehoahaz to seek divine intervention. 4. Israel The northern kingdom experiencing hardship and oppression due to their disobedience and the military campaigns of the Arameans. 5. Oppression The suffering and hardship faced by Israel at the hands of the Arameans, which becomes a catalyst for Jehoahaz's prayer. Teaching Points The Power of PrayerJehoahaz's example shows that even in times of national disobedience, sincere prayer can move the heart of God. We are encouraged to seek God earnestly in our times of need. God's Compassion Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God responds to their suffering with compassion. This teaches us about God's character as merciful and attentive to human distress. Repentance and Seeking God Jehoahaz's action of seeking the LORD suggests a turning point, reminding us of the importance of repentance and seeking God in difficult times. God's Sovereignty Over Nations The oppression by the Arameans and God's response highlight His control over nations and events, encouraging us to trust in His ultimate plan. Hope in Oppression The passage offers hope that God sees and responds to oppression, encouraging believers to trust in His deliverance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 13:4?2. How does 2 Kings 13:4 demonstrate the power of earnest prayer to God? 3. What does Jehoahaz's plea reveal about God's response to repentance and humility? 4. How can we apply Jehoahaz's example of seeking the Lord in our lives? 5. In what ways does 2 Kings 13:4 connect to God's mercy throughout Scripture? 6. How does God's response in 2 Kings 13:4 encourage us in difficult times? 7. How does 2 Kings 13:4 demonstrate God's response to repentance and prayer? 8. What historical context surrounds the events in 2 Kings 13:4? 9. How does 2 Kings 13:4 reflect God's mercy despite Israel's repeated disobedience? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 13? 11. Who was King Jehoahaz in biblical history? 12. 2 Kings 13:25 – Are there any external historical or archaeological sources that verify Jehoash’s repeated conquests against Ben-Hadad, or does the Bible alone provide this narrative? 13. Who was King Jehoahaz in biblical history? 14. Do 2 Kings 13:7's figures of 50 horsemen and 10 chariots conflict with known military realities, or is there supporting archaeological evidence? What Does 2 Kings 13:4 Mean Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD• The verse opens with a king in desperate straits taking the one step that still changes everything: he “sought the favor of the LORD.” • Seeking favor means turning from self-reliance to humble petition (cf. 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 34:4). Jehoahaz had previously “did evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 13:2), yet here he models the truth that repentance is always possible while life remains (Joel 2:12-13). • God’s covenant people were never told to depend on alliances or military might first, but on earnest prayer (Psalm 20:7). Jehoahaz’s act reminds us that even compromised leaders can still call on God, and God hears contrite hearts over impressive résumés (Isaiah 57:15). and the LORD listened to him • Scripture states it simply: “the LORD listened.” Divine response is not mechanical; it is personal. He hears, weighs, and acts (1 John 5:14-15). • Despite national sin, God’s promise in 1 Kings 8:33-34 stands: if Israel is defeated but turns and prays toward His house, He will hear and forgive. That promise is confirmed here. • God’s listening underscores His faithfulness to covenant mercy (Exodus 34:6-7). He does not ignore genuine cries, even from flawed people (Psalm 66:19-20). because He saw the oppression • “Because” reveals God’s compassionate motive. He is moved by suffering (Exodus 2:23-25). • Oppression in Scripture repeatedly elicits divine intervention: the judges cycle (Judges 2:18), the Exodus, and later the exile return (Nehemiah 9:27). • For believers today, this shows that God’s eyes are on the afflicted (Psalm 10:17-18). He is never indifferent to injustice or pain. that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel • The oppressor here is Aram’s king, likely Hazael and then Ben-hadad III (2 Kings 13:3, 22). Their continual raids ground Israel down “as dust for threshing” (Amos 1:3). • Israel’s suffering was both a consequence of sin and a stage for mercy. God disciplines but also rescues when His people return (Hebrews 12:6). • This clause highlights that divine deliverance often comes in the context of geopolitical threats; God rules over nations, not merely individual hearts (Daniel 2:21). summary 2 Kings 13:4 shows that sincere repentance opens heaven’s door, that God listens because compassion fuels His actions, and that He responds concretely to oppression. Even a wayward king found mercy when he sought the LORD; how much more can we who stand in Christ approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). (4) Besought.--Literally, stroked the face of; a metaphor which occurs in Exodus 32:11; 1Kings 13:6).And the Lord hearkened unto him.--Not, however, immediately. (See 2Kings 13:7.) The Syrian invasions, which began under Jehu, were renewed again and again throughout the reign of Jehoahaz (2Kings 13:22), until the tide of conquest began to turn in the time of Joash (2Kings 13:15), whose incomplete victories (2Kings 13:17; 2Kings 13:19; 2Kings 13:25) were followed up by the permanent successes of his son Jeroboam II. (2Kings 14:25-28). . . . Verse 4. - And Jehoahaz besought the Lord; literally, besought the face of the Lord (comp. 1 Kings 13:6, and the comment ad loc.). Jehoahaz, as Josephus says, "betook him-serf to prayer and supplication of God, entreating that he would deliver him out of the hands of Hazael, and not suffer him to continue subject" ('Ant. Jud.,' 9:8. § 5). He did not turn from his sin of idolatry, perhaps did not suspect that it was this sin which had provoked God's anger; but in a general way he repented, humbled himself, and besought God's mercy and assistance. And the Lord hearkened unto him. God accepted his repentance, all imperfect as it was, so far as to save the people from the entire destruction with which it was threatened by the severe measures of Hazael (ver. 7), to continue the national existence (ver. 23), and ultimately to restore the national prosperity (ver. 25 and 2 Kings 14:25-27). But he did not remove the oppression, as Josephus imagines, in Jehoahaz's time. Ver. 22 makes this fact absolutely certain. For he saw the oppression of Israel, because the King of Syria oppressed them. Oppression is always hateful to God, even when he is using it as his instrument for chastising or punishing a guilty people. He "sees" it, notes it, lays it up in his remembrance for future retribution (camp. Exodus 3:7; Isaiah 10:5-12, etc.). (On the nature and extent of the oppression of this period, see ver. 7, and the comment ad loc.)Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then Jehoahazיְהוֹאָחָ֖ז (yə·hō·w·’ā·ḥāz) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3059: Jehoahaz -- 'Yah has grasped', the name of several Israelites sought וַיְחַ֥ל (way·ḥal) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2470: To be weak or sick the favor פְּנֵ֣י (pə·nê) Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face of the LORD, יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel listened וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently to him אֵלָיו֙ (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to because כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction He saw רָאָה֙ (rā·’āh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see the oppression לַ֣חַץ (la·ḥaṣ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3906: Oppression, distress that the king מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Aram אֲרָֽם׃ (’ă·rām) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria had inflicted לָחַ֥ץ (lā·ḥaṣ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3905: To squeeze, press, oppress on Israel. יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Links 2 Kings 13:4 NIV2 Kings 13:4 NLT 2 Kings 13:4 ESV 2 Kings 13:4 NASB 2 Kings 13:4 KJV 2 Kings 13:4 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 13:4 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 13:4 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 13:4 French Bible 2 Kings 13:4 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 13:4 Jehoahaz begged Yahweh and Yahweh listened (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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