Second Kings 13 presents a spiritual paradox: two kings of Israel who persist in idolatry and evil, yet experience God's mercy and deliverance. The chapter traces the reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoash (also called Joash), showing how the LORD responds to desperate prayer with compassion, even when His people remain stubbornly unfaithful. The chapter culminates with the death of the prophet Elisha and a remarkable sign of God's power extending even beyond the prophet's death, while demonstrating that the measure of faith determines the measure of blessing received.
Jehoahaz becomes king of Israel in the 23rd year of Judah's King Joash and reigns for seventeen years. Despite witnessing God's covenant faithfulness, he "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" (v. 2) and follows the sins of Jeroboam—particularly idolatry and calf worship that had plagued Israel since its division from Judah. God's anger burns against Israel, and He allows the Syrian kings Hazael and Benhadad to oppress them severely (v. 3). However, when Jehoahaz cries out to the LORD in his distress, God hears him (v. 4). The sovereign God grants Israel a "saviour" (v. 5)—likely referring to military deliverance or divine intervention—allowing them temporary relief from Syrian oppression. Yet even this mercy does not produce genuine repentance; Israel continues in idolatry and maintains the Asherah pole in Samaria (v. 6). By verse 7, Israel's military strength is reduced to a mere 50 horsemen, 10 chariots, and 10,000 footmen—a dramatic illustration of how sin weakens a nation.
Jehoahaz dies and is buried in Samaria (v. 9), and his son Jehoash (also called Joash) succeeds him, reigning for sixteen years. Like his father, Jehoash "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" (v. 11), walking in the sins of Jeroboam and showing no spiritual transformation. The text notes his military exploits against Amaziah of Judah but emphasizes that his heart remained far from God. When Jehoash dies, he is buried in Samaria with the other kings of Israel, and Jeroboam II ascends the throne (v. 13).
The narrative shifts dramatically when King Jehoash visits the dying prophet Elisha. Jehoash's emotional response—weeping and calling Elisha "the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof" (v. 14)—reveals the king's recognition that God's prophetic word was more valuable than military might. Elisha instructs the king to shoot an arrow eastward toward Syria (vv. 15–17), symbolizing God's deliverance. The "arrow of the LORD's deliverance" represents God's promised victory. When Elisha commands the king to strike the ground with arrows, Jehoash strikes only three times and stops (v. 18). Elisha's anger at this hesitation is instructive: the king should have struck five or six times, demonstrating greater faith and determination. His limited faith results in limited victory—he will defeat Syria three times but not completely (v. 19). After Elisha's death and burial, a remarkable miracle occurs: a corpse accidentally touching Elisha's bones is resurrected, proving that God's power transcends even the prophet's death (v. 21).
Despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, the LORD shows compassion "because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" (v. 23). He refuses to destroy them or cast them away. After Hazael dies, his son Benhadad reigns, and Jehoash recovers several cities from Syria through three military victories (v. 25)—partially fulfilling Elisha's prophecy.
This chapter teaches that God's mercy is not earned by our faithfulness but flows from His covenant love and character. Yet it also shows that the depth of our faith shapes the extent of our blessing. Like Jehoash, we must press forward in faith with full confidence in God's promises, not hesitating or limiting His work through our doubt.
Sign in or create a free account to highlight verses.
Sign in or create a free account to save personal notes.