Topical Encyclopedia Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, was the eleventh king of the northern kingdom of Israel, reigning in Samaria for seventeen years (circa 814–798 BC). His reign is documented in 2 Kings 13:1-9. Jehoahaz's rule was marked by a continuation of the idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam I, which led Israel further away from the worship of Yahweh. Despite his initial persistence in sin, Jehoahaz's account provides a significant example of repentance and divine mercy.Idolatry and Oppression 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" (2 Kings 13:2). His reign was characterized by spiritual decline and political instability. As a consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry, the LORD allowed Hazael, king of Aram, and his son Ben-Hadad to oppress Israel throughout Jehoahaz's reign (2 Kings 13:3). Cry for Deliverance In the face of severe oppression, Jehoahaz turned to the LORD for help. "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" (2 Kings 13:4). This act of seeking the LORD's favor indicates a moment of repentance, where Jehoahaz acknowledged the need for divine intervention. Divine Response The LORD, in His mercy, responded to Jehoahaz's plea. "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" (2 Kings 13:5). Although the identity of this deliverer is not specified, the deliverance itself underscores God's readiness to respond to genuine repentance, even from a king who had led his people into sin. Continued Struggle with Sin Despite the LORD's deliverance, Jehoahaz's repentance did not lead to a complete spiritual reformation in Israel. "Nevertheless, they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who had caused Israel to sin, but they continued in them. The Asherah pole even remained standing in Samaria" (2 Kings 13:6). This highlights the complexity of repentance, where initial acts of turning to God must be followed by sustained efforts to abandon sin. Legacy and Lessons Jehoahaz's reign ended with his death, and he was succeeded by his son Jehoash (2 Kings 13:9). His account serves as a reminder of the LORD's willingness to extend grace and deliverance in response to repentance, even when it comes from a flawed and imperfect heart. It also illustrates the importance of not only seeking God's help in times of trouble but also committing to a life of obedience and faithfulness to Him. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 13:4And Jehoahaz sought the LORD, and the LORD listened to him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. Nave's Topical Index Library Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ... Jeremiah To the End and After Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ. The Twelve Minor Prophets. The Divided Kingdom. From Megiddo to Carchemish, 608-605. Oracles on the Edge of Doom. (vii. 16-xviii Passim, xxii, Xlv. ) Questions. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about repentance? What does it mean to repent? | GotQuestions.org Is repentance a change of mind or a turning from sin? | GotQuestions.org Repentance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Repentance by the Operation of the Holy Spirit Repentance by the Preaching of Haggai Repentance by the Preaching of Oded Repentance in Asking for a King Repentance in the Time of Asa, by the Preaching of Azariah Repentance of Their Idolatry, when Afflicted by the Philistines Repentance of Worshiping the Golden Calf Repentance: Achan, Because of his Theft Repentance: After Hearing the Law Expounded by Ezra Repentance: Ahab, when Reproved by Elijah for Ahab's Idolatry Repentance: At the Dedication of the Second Temple Repentance: Balaam, of his Spiritual Blindness Repentance: Because of Their Idolatrous Marriages Repentance: Because of Their Oppressive Usury Repentance: Called Repentance to Life Repentance: Called Repentance to Salvation Repentance: Christ Came to Call Sinners To Repentance: Christ Exalted to Give Repentance: Commanded by Christ Repentance: Commanded to all by God Repentance: Condition of God's Favor Repentance: Conviction of Sin Necessary To Repentance: Danger of Neglecting Repentance: David, at the Rebuke of Nathan, for his Sins of Adultery and Murder Repentance: Denied to Apostates Repentance: Hezekiah, at the Time of his Sickness Repentance: Illustrated: The Prodigal Son Repentance: Illustrated: The Repentant Son Repentance: Jonah, After his Punishment Repentance: Joseph's Brothers, of Their Maltreatment of Joseph Repentance: Josiah, when he Heard the Law of God Which had been Discovered in the Temple by Hilkiah Repentance: Manasseh, when he Was Carried Away Captive to Babylon by the King of Assyria Repentance: Ministers should Rejoice Over Their People on Their Repentance: Necessary to the Pardon of Sin Repentance: Neglect of, Followed by Swift Judgment Repentance: Not to be Repented of Repentance: Peter, Because of his Denial of Jesus Repentance: Pharaoh, of his Hardness of Heart Repentance: Preached by Christ Repentance: Preached by John the Baptist Repentance: Preached by the Apostles Repentance: Preached in the Name of Christ Repentance: Rehoboam, when his Kingdom Was Invaded, and Jerusalem Was Besieged Repentance: Repentance of Their Complaining Because of Lack of Bread and Water Repentance: Saul, at the Rebuke of Samuel for not Destroying the Amalekites Repentance: should be Accompanied by Confession Repentance: should be Accompanied by Conversion Repentance: should be Accompanied by Faith Repentance: should be Accompanied by Greater Zeal in the Path of Duty Repentance: should be Accompanied by Humility Repentance: should be Accompanied by Prayer Repentance: should be Accompanied by Self-Abhorrence Repentance: should be Accompanied by Shame and Confusion Repentance: should be Accompanied by Turning from Idolatry Repentance: should be Accompanied by Turning from Sin Repentance: should be Evidenced by Fruits Repentance: The Burden of the Preaching of Jesus Repentance: The Burden of the Preaching of John the Baptist Repentance: The Disobedient Son Repentance: The Ephesians, by the Preaching of Paul Repentance: The Jews, by the Preaching of John the Baptist Repentance: The Ninevites, by the Preaching of Jonah Repentance: The Present Time the Season For Repentance: The Wicked: Averse To Repentance: The Wicked: Condemned for Neglecting Repentance: The Wicked: Neglect the Time Given For Repentance: The Wicked: Not Led to by the Judgments of God Repentance: The Wicked: Not Led To, by Miraculous Interference Repentance: The Woman Who Anointed Jesus With Oil Repentance: There is Joy in Heaven Over One Sinner Brought To Repentance: True: Thief on the Cross Repentance: Unavailing: To Esau Repentance: Unavailing: To Israel Repentance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Repentance: Under the Influence of Hezekiah Repentance: we should be Led To, by Godly Sorrow Works Repentance: we should be Led To, by The Chastisements of God Repentance: we should be Led To, by The Goodness of God Repentance: we should be Led To, by The Patience of God Repentance: when Rebuked by an Angel for not Expelling the Canaanites Repentance: when Reproved by the Prophet Micah Related Terms Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
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