2 Kings 13:7

Jehoahaz had no army left, except fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers, because the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing.

Study Bible

Nothing had been left
This phrase underscores the totality of the devastation experienced by the army of Jehoahaz. In the Hebrew text, the word "nothing" (אַיִן, 'ayin) conveys a sense of absolute absence, emphasizing the complete depletion of military resources. This reflects the dire consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, as they faced the repercussions of their actions through the loss of their military strength.

the army of Jehoahaz
Jehoahaz was the king of Israel, and his reign was marked by spiritual decline and military defeat. The term "army" (חַיִל, chayil) in Hebrew often denotes not just military might but also valor and strength. The depletion of Jehoahaz's army signifies the weakening of Israel's national power and the loss of divine favor due to their idolatry and sin.

except fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers
This enumeration of the remaining forces highlights the meager remnants of what was once a formidable army. The numbers are symbolic of a drastically reduced military capability. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, horsemen and chariots were crucial for battle, and their scarcity here indicates a significant strategic disadvantage. The mention of "ten thousand foot soldiers" might seem substantial, but in the context of ancient armies, it was insufficient for effective defense or offense.

for the king of Aram had destroyed them
The king of Aram, likely Hazael or his son Ben-Hadad, was a persistent adversary of Israel. The Hebrew verb "destroyed" (שָׁחַת, shachat) implies a thorough and deliberate act of devastation. This reflects the historical context of Aram's military campaigns against Israel, which were allowed by God as a form of judgment against Israel's unfaithfulness.

and made them like the dust at threshing
This simile vividly illustrates the extent of the destruction. In ancient agricultural practices, threshing involved separating grain from chaff, with the chaff being blown away like dust. The imagery of being reduced to "dust" (עָפָר, afar) conveys utter defeat and insignificance. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, as Israel's strength was scattered and rendered inconsequential.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoahaz
The king of Israel, son of Jehu, who reigned during a time of great military weakness and oppression by the Arameans.

2. Army of Jehoahaz
The military forces of Israel under Jehoahaz, significantly reduced by the Arameans.

3. King of Aram
The ruler of Aram (Syria), who was a persistent enemy of Israel and responsible for decimating Jehoahaz's army.

4. Aram (Syria)
A neighboring nation to Israel, often at war with Israel during this period.

5. Threshing
A process of separating grain from chaff, used metaphorically here to describe the complete destruction of the army.

Teaching Points

Consequences of Disobedience
Israel's military defeat is a direct result of their disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The reduction of Israel's army highlights God's control over nations and His use of foreign powers to discipline His people.

Hope in Desperation
Despite the dire situation, Jehoahaz's eventual plea to God (earlier in the chapter) shows that turning back to God can lead to deliverance.

Metaphor of Threshing
The imagery of threshing illustrates the thoroughness of God's judgment but also hints at the possibility of purification and renewal.

Dependence on God, Not Military Might
The decimation of the army underscores the futility of relying solely on human strength and the necessity of trusting in God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reduction of Jehoahaz's army reflect the spiritual state of Israel at the time?

2. In what ways does the oppression by the king of Aram serve as a form of divine discipline for Israel?

3. How can the metaphor of threshing be applied to our personal spiritual lives today?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jehoahaz's eventual turning to God in the midst of desperation?

5. How does this passage challenge us to evaluate where we place our trust in times of crisis?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 10:32-33
Provides context for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram, showing the beginning of Aram's oppression.

2 Kings 13:3-5
Describes the reason for Israel's oppression due to their sin and God's eventual deliverance through Jehoahaz's plea.

Judges 6:3-6
Similar to the oppression by the Midianites, illustrating a pattern of Israel's disobedience leading to foreign domination.

Psalm 44:9-16
Reflects on the theme of defeat and humiliation, resonating with Israel's experience under Jehoahaz.