The Army of Jehoahaz refers to the military forces under the command of King Jehoahaz of Israel, who reigned in the 9th century BC. Jehoahaz was the son of Jehu and succeeded him as the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is recorded in the biblical narrative found in 2 Kings 13.

Historical Context

Jehoahaz's reign was marked by significant challenges, primarily due to the military oppression from the Arameans (Syrians) under King Hazael and his son Ben-Hadad. The biblical account highlights the weakened state of Israel's military during this period, a consequence of both external pressures and internal spiritual decline.

Biblical Account

The Bible provides a succinct account of Jehoahaz's military struggles. In 2 Kings 13:3, it is noted, "So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-Hadad for many years." This divine judgment resulted in the decimation of Israel's military capabilities.

The extent of the army's depletion is further detailed in 2 Kings 13:7: "Nothing had been left of the army of Jehoahaz except fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers, for the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing." This verse underscores the dire state of Israel's defenses, reduced to a mere remnant of its former strength.

Spiritual and Political Implications

The weakened state of Jehoahaz's army is attributed to the spiritual apostasy of Israel. The narrative in 2 Kings 13:2 indicates that Jehoahaz "did evil in the sight of the LORD and followed the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit, and he did not turn away from them." This continued idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments led to the nation's vulnerability and subjugation.

Despite the dire circumstances, Jehoahaz sought the LORD's favor. In 2 Kings 13:4, it is recorded, "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 Aram oppressed them." This act of seeking divine intervention resulted in a measure of relief, as God provided a deliverer for Israel, allowing them to escape the grip of Aram, albeit temporarily.

Legacy

The Army of Jehoahaz serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of spiritual infidelity and the mercy of God in response to genuine repentance. The narrative illustrates the cyclical pattern of Israel's history, where periods of disobedience and judgment are met with divine compassion upon turning back to God. The account of Jehoahaz and his army is a testament to the enduring themes of judgment, repentance, and redemption found throughout the biblical text.