2 Kings 13 Bible Commentary

This verse describes the transition of power in the northern kingdom and the timeframe in which it occurred, highlighting God’s continued engagement in Israel’s history.

He persisted in the same sinful practices as Jeroboam, reinforcing Israel’s path away from God’s covenant and modeling disobedience rather than reform.

God holds His people accountable when they wander from Him.

Even though Jehoahaz’s reforms were limited, 2 Kings 13:4 reminds us that God hears the prayers of those who seek Him.

God rescues those who turn to Him and restores them to peace.

They stubbornly clung to Jeroboam’s sin and kept an idol of Asherah in Samaria, revealing their refusal to forsake idolatry and return to the LORD.

God’s discipline led to a dramatically weakened military.

Jehoahaz’s tenure reminds us that human power is fleeting, but God’s sovereign plan endures.

Jehoahaz’s death paved the way for Joash to continue the lineage of Israel’s leadership.

Jehoash son of Jehoahaz ruled during a transitional period in Israel’s monarchy, maintaining his throne in Samaria for sixteen years.

He refused to break away from Jeroboam's idolatry, bringing ongoing evil to Israel under his rule.

This verse shows Joash’s military exploits, including his conflict with Amaziah of Judah, and testifies to the importance of God’s covenant in the midst of Israel’s kingship struggles.

Joash’s death and burial in Samaria establishes the continual dynastic turnover in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Elisha is gravely ill, and a grieving Joash recognizes his vital prophetic role in Israel’s defense and future.

This verse stresses the importance of obedient action to experience God’s deliverance.

This verse reveals that God grants victory when His people depend on Him.

God promises deliverance and invites His people to take obedient action under His guidance.

Partial faith returns partial victory.

Elisha rebukes King Joash for his lack of persistent faith, leading to a partial victory over Aram instead of total triumph.

God’s purposes continue beyond any one person, and believers today can rest in the knowledge that the Lord’s power is never diminished by the passing of His servants.

God miraculously restored life to a dead man through Elisha’s bones, signifying His unceasing power to bring resurrection and hope.

Hazael’s aggressive stance against Israel shows that persistent adversity can serve as a wake-up call for God’s people to return to Him.

God’s longstanding covenant loyalty remains stronger than grave human failings.

This verse underscores how God’s sovereign purposes often work through challenges and the rise of new kings.

God shows mercy and faithfulness to His people, securing victory when they return to Him.