Overview
Jehoahaz reigned as the 12th king of Israel for seventeen years (2 Kings 13:1). He continued in the idolatrous practices of Jeroboam, doing evil in the sight of the LORD, which provoked God's anger against Israel (2 Kings 13:2-3). As a result, God allowed Hazael of Syria to oppress the kingdom severely, reducing Jehoahaz's military strength (2 Kings 13:3-7).
Key Scriptures
"In the twenty-third year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord" (2 Kings 13:1-2, ESV).
"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 Syria oppressed them" (2 Kings 13:4, ESV).
Application
Just as God heard Jehoahaz's plea despite his rebellion, we should recognize that God's compassion reaches those who turn to Him in humility and repentance.