Topical Encyclopedia Johaz is a name that appears in the context of the Old Testament, specifically within the lineage of the kings of Judah and Israel. The name Johaz is often considered a variant or a shortened form of Jehoahaz, which means "Yahweh has grasped" or "Yahweh has held." This entry will explore the individuals associated with this name and their significance in biblical history.1. Jehoahaz of Israel Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, was the eleventh king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is recorded in 2 Kings 13:1-9. Jehoahaz ascended to the throne in the twenty-third year of Joash, king of Judah, and reigned for seventeen years in Samaria. His rule was marked by continued idolatry and the worship of the golden calves, which were set up by Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom. The biblical account notes that Jehoahaz "did evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 13:2). During his reign, Jehoahaz faced significant military pressure from Hazael, king of Aram, and his son Ben-Hadad. This oppression led Jehoahaz to seek the LORD's favor, and the LORD provided a deliverer for Israel, allowing them to escape from the hand of the Arameans. Despite this divine intervention, the people of Israel did not turn away from their sins, and the idolatrous practices continued. 2. Jehoahaz of Judah Jehoahaz, also known as Shallum, was the son of Josiah, king of Judah. His brief reign is documented in 2 Kings 23:31-34 and 2 Chronicles 36:1-4. Jehoahaz became king at the age of twenty-three following the death of his father, Josiah, who was a reformer king known for his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry from Judah. Jehoahaz's reign lasted only three months before he was deposed by Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt. The Egyptian pharaoh captured Jehoahaz at Riblah in the land of Hamath and imposed a tribute on the land of Judah. Necho then placed Jehoahaz's brother, Eliakim (renamed Jehoiakim), on the throne in his stead. Jehoahaz was taken to Egypt, where he eventually died. The brief reign of Jehoahaz in Judah is often seen as a period of political instability and a turning point that led to increased foreign influence over the kingdom. His removal by Pharaoh Necho marked the beginning of a series of events that would eventually lead to the Babylonian exile. 3. Theological Significance The accounts of Jehoahaz in both Israel and Judah highlight the recurring theme of disobedience and the consequences of turning away from the LORD. Despite moments of seeking divine intervention, both kings failed to lead their people back to true worship and adherence to the covenant with God. Their accounts serve as reminders of the importance of faithfulness and the dangers of idolatry. In the broader narrative of the Bible, the reigns of Jehoahaz in Israel and Judah illustrate the challenges faced by the divided kingdoms and the eventual fulfillment of prophetic warnings regarding exile and judgment. These accounts underscore the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and His desire for His people to remain faithful to Him. Concordance Johaz (1 Occurrence)2 Chronicles 34:8 Thesaurus Johaz (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Johaz (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 34:8 And in the eighteenth year of his reign, to purify the land and ... /j/johaz.htm - 6k Remembrancer (8 Occurrences) Purify (39 Occurrences) Strengthen (105 Occurrences) Johannine John (154 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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