Author: gregsloop

The cycle of assassination and intrigue continues as Pekah takes the throne from Pekahiah in Israel.  Pekah also continues the reign of evil, following in the sins of Jeroboam.  This pattern led to more loss , and eventually Pekah's assassination.  Tiglath-Pileser of Assyria took eight cities or territories, and captives away to Assyria.  Not long … Continue reading Pekah’s Losses (2 Kings 15:27 – 31)

After Menahem killed Shallum, he became king over Israel in Samaria.  He reigned ten years, and was evil in the sight of the Lord.  During the course of his reign, Pul, King of Assyria, came against Israel, and Menahem paid him off with ten thousand pieces of silver, which he took from the wealthy people … Continue reading Menahem’s Cowardice (2 Kings 15:17 – 26)

After Jeroboam II died, his son Zechariah reigned in his place for six months in Israel (Samaria).  He was evil just like his father and other ancestors.  Shallum conspired against him and killed him in front of the people and reigned in his place.  Jehu had been promised that four generations would follow him on … Continue reading Zechariah and Shallum (2 Kings 15:8 – 16; 2 Chronicles 26 – 27)

Jeroboam, son of Joash, took the throne in Israel and reigned forty-one years.  He did evil in the sight of the Lord, just like his predecessor named Jeroboam.  However, he did restore territory to Israel that had been taken by Damascus and Hamath, which fulfilled the prophecy of Jonah.  He later died, and his son … Continue reading Jeroboam II and Azariah (2 Kings 14:23 – 15:7)

Hazael, king of Syria died and Syria's oppression of Israel ended.  Jehoash took back the cities Hazael had taken, defeating Ben-Hadad, Hazael's son.  Amaziah became king in Judah, and did what was right before the Lord, but not as well as David.  Amaziah killed all the servants who had murdered his father, but not their … Continue reading Jehoash v. Amaziah (2 Kings 13:22 – 14:22; 2 Chronicles 25)

Jehoash becomes king in Israel in Samaria, and continues the sins of Jeroboam, died, and was buried in Samaria.  Then, Jeroboam II reigned in Israel.  About this time, Elisha became sick with the disease which would kill him.  When Joash(Jehoash) the king comes to mourn for him, Elisha gives him instructions with which to demonstrate … Continue reading Elisha’s Last Acts (2 Kings 13:10 – 21)

During the reign of Joash in Judah, Jehu's son, Johoahaz took office in Israel.  He reigned in Samaria for seventeen years.  He followed the example of Jeroboam in sinning through idolatry.  The Lord's anger was aroused, and He delivered Israel into the hands of Hazael, king of Syria.  Jehoahaz pleaded with the Lord, and the … Continue reading Jehoahaz in Israel (2 Kings 13:1 – 9)

The King of Judah is called Joash and Jehoash interchangeably, which is simply an oddity of the Hebrew language.  They are listed as two separate words in the Hebrew Lexicon, but most notes say that Joash is simply a shorter form of Jehoash.  Either way, the story here turns to a time when Hazael, king … Continue reading The End of Je(h)oash (2 Kings 12:17 – 21)