2 Kings 13:4

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.

Study Bible

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
The LORD’s response to Jehoahaz’s plea demonstrates God’s mercy and willingness to listen to those who earnestly seek Him, even when they have previously turned away. This is consistent with God’s character as described in passages like Psalm 34:15, which states that the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry. It underscores the biblical principle that God is compassionate and responsive to repentance and genuine prayer.

because He saw the oppression
God’s awareness of the oppression faced by Israel highlights His omniscience and concern for His people. The oppression by the Arameans was severe, reducing Israel’s military strength significantly (2 Kings 13:7). This phrase emphasizes God’s justice and His role as a deliverer for those who are suffering, aligning with His actions throughout the history of Israel, such as the deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 3:7-8).

that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel
The king of Aram, likely Hazael or his son Ben-Hadad III, was a formidable adversary of Israel during this period. The Arameans were a constant threat, and their oppression was part of the divine judgment on Israel for their idolatry and disobedience (2 Kings 13:3). This historical context is crucial for understanding the cyclical nature of Israel’s relationship with God, characterized by periods of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The oppression serves as a backdrop for God’s redemptive work and foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who frees humanity from the oppression of sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoahaz
The 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 Prayer
Jehoahaz'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

1. What does Jehoahaz's action of seeking the LORD teach us about the importance of prayer in times of distress?

2. How does God's response to Jehoahaz reflect His character, and how can this understanding impact our relationship with Him?

3. In what ways can we apply the lesson of repentance and seeking God in our personal lives today?

4. How does the oppression faced by Israel relate to other instances of suffering in the Bible, and what can we learn from God's responses in those situations?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's sovereignty when facing our own "Aramean" oppressions in life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:7
This verse highlights God's awareness of the suffering of His people, similar to how He saw the oppression of Israel in 2 Kings 13:4.

Psalm 34:15
This verse speaks of the LORD's attentiveness to the cries of the righteous, paralleling how He listened to Jehoahaz's plea.

James 5:16
This verse emphasizes the power of earnest prayer, which is exemplified by Jehoahaz's seeking of the LORD's favor.