◄ 2 Kings 13:10 ►
In the thirty-seventh year of the reign of Joash over Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years.
Study Bible
In the thirty-seventh year of the reign of Joash over Judah
This phrase sets the historical context, indicating the timeline within the divided monarchy of Israel and Judah. Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah who reigned from approximately 835 to 796 BC. His reign is noted for the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem. The synchronization of reigns between the kings of Judah and Israel helps establish a chronological framework for the events described in the books of Kings.

Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel
Jehoash, also referred to as Joash in some translations, was the son of Jehoahaz and became king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His ascension to the throne marks a continuation of the Jehu dynasty, which was characterized by a mixture of political stability and spiritual decline. The name Jehoash means "Yahweh has given," reflecting the theophoric element common in Hebrew names, indicating a cultural emphasis on divine providence.

in Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri. It served as the political and religious center of the northern kingdom. Archaeological excavations have uncovered significant findings in Samaria, including ivory carvings and inscriptions, which provide insight into the wealth and cultural influences of the period. The city's strategic location made it a focal point for trade and military campaigns.

and he reigned sixteen years
Jehoash's sixteen-year reign is noted for its military engagements and interactions with the prophet Elisha. His reign is marked by a partial recovery of Israel's fortunes, as he was able to reclaim some territories lost to the Arameans. The duration of his reign suggests a period of relative stability, although the spiritual state of the nation continued to decline, as indicated by the ongoing worship of golden calves and other idolatrous practices.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joash (King of Judah)
The king of Judah during whose reign Jehoash became king of Israel. His reign provides a chronological marker for Jehoash's ascension.

2. Jehoash (King of Israel)
Also known as Joash, he was the son of Jehoahaz and became king of Israel. His reign lasted sixteen years in Samaria.

3. Jehoahaz
The father of Jehoash, who was the previous king of Israel. His reign was marked by struggles against the Arameans.

4. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Jehoash reigned. It was a central location for the political and religious life of Israel.

5. Israel and Judah
The divided kingdoms of the Hebrew people, with Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This division is crucial for understanding the political and spiritual dynamics of the time.
Teaching Points
Understanding Leadership in Context
Jehoash's reign must be understood within the broader context of Israel's spiritual and political struggles. Leaders today can learn from the importance of context in governance and decision-making.

The Consequences of Spiritual Decline
The spiritual state of Israel during Jehoash's reign was one of decline, as seen in the idolatry and disobedience to God. This serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God.

God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Failure
Despite the failures of Israel's kings, God's sovereign plan continued. This reminds believers that God's purposes prevail even when human leaders fall short.

The Importance of Historical Context in Scripture
Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical events enriches our comprehension of Scripture. This encourages deeper study and reflection on the Bible's historical accounts.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the political situation between Israel and Judah during Jehoash's reign reflect the consequences of division among God's people?

2. In what ways can the spiritual decline of Israel during Jehoash's reign serve as a warning for contemporary believers and church communities?

3. How does the reign of Jehoash illustrate the importance of understanding leadership within its historical and cultural context?

4. What lessons can we learn from the continuity of God's plan despite the failures of Israel's kings, and how can this encourage us in our personal faith journey?

5. How can studying the historical context of biblical events, such as Jehoash's reign, enhance our understanding and application of Scripture in our lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 13:1-9
Provides context for Jehoash's reign, detailing the struggles of his father Jehoahaz and the spiritual state of Israel.

2 Kings 14:23-29
Describes the reign of Jeroboam II, Jehoash's son, and the continuation of Israel's history, showing the long-term impact of Jehoash's reign.

2 Chronicles 25:17-24
Offers a parallel account of Jehoash's interactions with Amaziah, king of Judah, highlighting the political tensions between Israel and Judah.
Sermons
The Reigns of Jehoahaz and Joash, Kings of IsraelC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 13:1-13
The Death of ElishaD. Thomas 2 Kings 13:1-21
Defection2 Kings 13:2-13
Joash and ElishaJ. Orr 2 Kings 13:8-19
People
Ahaziah, Amaziah, Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Hazael, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Jeroboam, Joash, Moabites, Nebat, Syrians
Places
Aphek, Samaria, Syria
Topics
Jehoahaz, Jeho'ahaz, Jehoash, Jeho'ash, Joash, Jo'ash, Judah, Reign, Reigned, Rule, Ruling, Samaria, Sama'ria, Seventh, Sixteen, Thirty, Thirty-seventh
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 13:1-25

     5366   king

2 Kings 13:10-11

     8739   evil, examples of

Library
The Spirit of Power
'And Elisha said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.'--2 KINGS xiii. 16. This is part of one of the strangest narratives in the Old Testament. Elisha is on his deathbed, 'sick of the sickness' wherewith he 'should die.' A very different scene, that close sick-chamber, from the open plain beyond Jordan from which Elijah had gone up; a very different way of passing from life by wasting sickness than by fiery …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS ii. 12. '...And Joash, the King of Israel, came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said. O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS xiii. U. The scenes and the speakers are strangely different in these two incidents. The one scene is that mysterious translation on the further bank of the Jordan, when a mortal was swept up to heaven in a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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