Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, was the eleventh king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is chronicled in the biblical narrative found in 2 Kings 13. Jehoahaz ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Jehu, and ruled for seventeen years. His reign is marked by a continuation of the idolatrous practices that plagued Israel, as he followed in the footsteps of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who led Israel into sin.

Reign and Religious Practices

Jehoahaz's reign is characterized by persistent idolatry and apostasy. The biblical account in 2 Kings 13:2 states, "He 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 disobedience provoked the anger of the LORD, resulting in divine judgment upon Israel.

Oppression by Aram

During Jehoahaz's reign, Israel faced significant oppression from the Arameans. The LORD allowed Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-Hadad to oppress Israel as a consequence of their unfaithfulness. The biblical text in 2 Kings 13:3 notes, "So 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."

Supplication and Deliverance

Despite his waywardness, Jehoahaz sought the LORD's favor during his reign. In a moment of desperation, he pleaded with the LORD for deliverance from the Aramean oppression. The LORD, in His mercy, listened to Jehoahaz's plea and provided a deliverer for Israel. 2 Kings 13:4-5 records, "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 had oppressed them. So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped from the hand of the Arameans. Then the Israelites dwelt in their own homes as they had before."

Military Decline

Despite the temporary relief from Aramean oppression, Jehoahaz's reign saw a significant decline in Israel's military strength. The biblical account highlights the depletion of Israel's army, stating in 2 Kings 13:7, "Nothing was 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."

Death and Succession

Jehoahaz's death is briefly mentioned in the biblical narrative. After his seventeen-year reign, Jehoahaz passed away and was buried in Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom. His son, Jehoash (also known as Joash), succeeded him as king. The account of his death is succinctly recorded in 2 Kings 13:9, "And Jehoahaz rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. And his son Joash reigned in his place."

Jehoahaz's reign serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to the LORD, yet it also highlights the LORD's willingness to extend mercy and deliverance in response to genuine supplication.