Justin Houtz

2 Kings 13-14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3

DateVersionReading Plan
June 27, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

2 Kings 13-14

Observation & Interpretation

The chapters depict the reigns of kings of Judah and Israel as well as the death of Elisha. Jehoahaz reigned over Israel for seventeen years and sought the favor of the LORD but did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam. The son of Johoahaz, Joash, became king after his father. Joash reigned sixteen years and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. Joash died and Jeroboam sat on the throne.

Elisha had fallen sick with the illness he was about to die and Joash, king of Israel, wept over him because “the death of the prophet would be a great loss to the kingdom.” (BBC). Elisha had Joash shoot arrows out a window as a symbol of victory over Syria. Elisha also had him strike the ground with the arrows. Joash struck the arrows on the ground three times. Elisha was angry with him for striking only three times because this would mean that he would strike down Syria only three times.

Hazael, king of Syria, oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz, but the LORD was gracious to them and had compassion on them, turning to them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Hazael died and Ben-hadad reigned in his place.

Focus then switches to the king of Judah. Amaziah, son of Joash, began to reign and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD but not as like his father David. Once he was in power, he struck down the servants who had killed his father, but did not kill their children, following the command of Moses (Deut. 24:16). Amaziah of Judah and Jehoahaz of Israel went back and forth over matters of battling other nations. There was disagreement, so they battled each other at Beth-shemesh and Judah was defeated by Israel.

The final section of chapter fourteen pertains to the succession of the king of Israel. Jeroboam, son of Joash, began to reign in Samaria and reigned forty-one years. He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam. The LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter and so He saved them from the hand of Jeroboam because He had not said that He would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven. Jeroboam died and slept with his fathers.

Application

A number of times we read of God’s faithfulness to His promises. He was gracious to Jehoahaz of Israel (2 Kings 13:23) during the oppression of Syria and also when Jeroboam reigned over Israel (2 Kings 14:26-27). The LORD is ever faithful even if and when we are not. What He says will surely come to pass and we can rest in His eternal steadfastness.

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