Category: Biblical Reflections

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)

After the priest and the people began to celebrate Joash as king, Athaliah, his evil grandmother, came into the temple and saw the event.  She cried out that this was treason, and the priest, Jehoida, had them take her out and kill her in the king's house.  Then Jehoida made a covenant between the Lord, … Continue reading Joash Assumes Rule in Judah (2 Kings 11:13 – 12:16; 2 Chronicles 24)

Jehoiada brought the captains of hundreds--the bodyguards--and escorts into the house of the Lord.  He made a covenant with them and presented the king's son to them.  He gave them assignments to guard the king's house and two of the gates of the city.  Those going off duty at the king's house would then be … Continue reading Joash Becomes King of Judah (2 Kings 11:4 – 12)

Due to the incomplete removal of idols, God began to cut off parts of Israel.  Hazael from Syria took all the land east of the Jordan - Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh.  Then Jehu died.  When Ahaziah died in Judah, his mother Athaliah killed all the royal heirs but one, who was hidden away.  His name … Continue reading Jehu’s Reign Ends (2 Kings 10:32 – 11:3)

Jehu gathered the people and feigned to worship Baal.  He gathered all the prophets and worshippers of Baal into the temple of Baal, and then instructed them to make sure that there was no servant of the Lord in the temple.  At the same time, eighty men of Jehu were stationed outside the temple and … Continue reading Jehu Destroys the Worshippers of Baal (2 Kings 10:18 – 31)

Jehu went toward Samaria.  On the way, he met the brother of Ahaziah, and Jehu had them captured and killed, 42 men in all.  He went further, and met up with Jehonadab, and ascertained his allegiance to Jehu.  After Jehonadab pledged his allegiance, Jehu invited him to come with him to Samaria, where he destroyed … Continue reading Jehu Establishes the Word of the Lord (2 Kings 10:12 – 17)