2 Kings 13
The account of the reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoash in Israel and the continued ministry of Elisha establish the pattern of divine judgment and occasional mercy that characterizes the northern kingdom's history. The chapter opens with Jehoahaz's reign, described as evil, and YHWH's judgment in the form of repeated military defeats by Syria. The chapter describes Jehoash's reign and his consultation with the dying Elisha; when Elisha indicates that the king should shoot arrows out the window toward Syria, Jehoash takes up his bow and shoots. Elisha's pronouncement establishes that the arrow is a sign of YHWH's intention to grant deliverance. When Elisha instructs Jehoash to strike the ground, Jehoash strikes three times and then stops. The theological significance lies in the demonstration that YHWH's faithfulness to his covenant persists even when the kings of Israel pursue apostasy.
2 Kings 13:20
So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring — the prophet's death marks the end of an era. The Moabite raids indicate the vulnerability that follows prophetic cessation.
2 Kings 13:1
In the twenty-third year of Joash son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria; he reigned seventeen years — Jehoahaz's era in the north corresponds to Joash's reign in the south. His seventeen-year rule witnesses Israel's continued decline.
2 Kings 13:2
He did evil in the sight of the LORD and followed the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin; he did not depart from them — Jehoahaz continues the foundational apostasy. The Jeroboamite calf-worship remains the standard for northern kingship.
2 Kings 13:3
The anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he gave them repeatedly into the hand of Hazael king of Aram and into the hand of Ben-Hadad son of Hazael — repeated defeat by Aramea becomes the pattern of Jehoahaz's reign. Military subjugation is the covenantal consequence of apostasy.
2 Kings 13:4
Then Jehoahaz entreated the LORD, and the LORD hearkened to him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them — Jehoahaz's prayer receives response. God's compassion remains even as punishment continues.
2 Kings 13:5
And the LORD gave Israel a savior, so that they escaped from the hand of the Arameans; and the people of Israel lived in their homes as formerly — the deliverance is temporary relief. The people dwell securely, yet the pattern of apostasy-judgment will recur.
2 Kings 13:6
Nevertheless they did not depart from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which he had made Israel sin, but walked in them; and the Asherah also remained in Samaria — relief does not produce repentance. The Jeroboamite and Asherah-worship continue despite temporary military respite.