2 Kings 13:1

KJV

¶ In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, [and reigned] seventeen years.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the three {H7969}{H8141} and twentieth {H6242} year {H8141} of Joash {H3101} the son {H1121} of Ahaziah {H274} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} Jehoahaz {H3059} the son {H1121} of Jehu {H3058} began to reign {H4427} over Israel {H3478} in Samaria {H8111}, and reigned seventeen {H7651}{H6240} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was in the twenty-third year of Yo'ash the son of Achazyah, king of Y'hudah, that Y'ho'achaz the son of Yehu began his reign over Isra'el in Shomron; he ruled for seventeen years.

Berean Standard Bible

In the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash son of Ahaziah over Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria seventeen years.

American Standard Version

In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 13:1 serves as a crucial chronological anchor, marking the commencement of Jehoahaz's seventeen-year reign over the Northern Kingdom of Israel in Samaria. This precise synchronism, aligning Jehoahaz's accession with the twenty-third year of Joash (also known as Jehoash) of Judah, underscores the biblical narrative's meticulous attention to historical detail within the context of the divided monarchy. It sets the stage for a period characterized by Israel's continued spiritual apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, and subsequent, albeit temporary, divine intervention, all under the overarching hand of God's sovereign control.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a new phase in the narrative of 2 Kings, shifting focus from the preceding accounts of Elisha's later ministry and the reign of Joash (Jehoash) of Judah. It specifically introduces Jehoahaz as the second king of the Jehuic dynasty, fulfilling the prophetic promise made to Jehu in [2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu's Dynasty") that his sons would sit on the throne of Israel for four generations. The immediate literary context for Jehoahaz's reign, detailed in the subsequent verses of [2 Kings 13](/2_kings/13 "2 Kings 13 - Jehoahaz, Jehoash, and Elisha's Death"), will unfold a period of severe Aramean oppression, Israel's cry for deliverance, and God's compassionate response, despite the nation's persistent sin. The meticulous chronological synchronism with the reign of Joash of Judah (not to be confused with Jehoash of Israel, who appears later in the chapter) is characteristic of the books of Kings, providing a structured historical framework for the parallel narratives of the two kingdoms.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 9th century BC, the period in which Jehoahaz reigned, was a tumultuous time for both Israel and Judah. The Northern Kingdom, with its capital in Samaria, was particularly vulnerable to external pressures, especially from the Aramean kingdom of Damascus under King Hazael, as detailed in [2 Kings 10:32-33](/2_kings/10-32 "2 Kings 10:32-33 - Hazael's Oppression of Israel"). This oppression was a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and departure from the Mosaic covenant. The cultural landscape of Israel was marked by the syncretistic worship of Yahweh alongside Baal and Asherah, a pervasive spiritual decline that undermined national stability. The practice of synchronizing the reigns of kings from both Israel and Judah, as seen in this verse, was a common scribal convention, reflecting the ongoing political reality of two distinct, often adversarial, kingdoms that shared a common heritage but diverged significantly in their spiritual allegiance and political fortunes.
* **Key Themes:** The introduction of Jehoahaz's reign immediately brings several key themes to the forefront. Firstly, **Chronological Precision** is evident, reinforcing the historical reliability of the biblical record and its commitment to presenting a factual account of Israel's history. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Continuity of the Divided Monarchy**, emphasizing that despite the spiritual and political fragmentation, the lines of succession continued, albeit under varying degrees of divine favor or judgment. This continuity, even through flawed leaders like Jehoahaz, implicitly points to God's enduring plan and His sovereign control over human history. Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, the verse implicitly sets the stage for the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. Jehoahaz's reign, though long, will be characterized by Israel's continued sin and subsequent oppression, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises of both blessing for obedience and judgment for disobedience, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Even in the seemingly mundane act of a king's ascent to power, the Bible reveals God's overarching hand, working out His purposes through human rulers and their choices.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jehoahaz (Hebrew, _Yeho'achaz_):** This name, meaning "The LORD has grasped" or "The LORD has held," is significant. While the meaning of a king's name doesn't always dictate his reign, it often reflects a theological truth or hope. In Jehoahaz's case, despite his personal and national unfaithfulness, the name subtly points to Yahweh's enduring grip on history and His people, even when they stray. The subsequent narrative will show that even in their lowest point, the LORD did "grasp" or "hold" them by providing a measure of deliverance.
* **Joash (Hebrew, _Yo'ash_):** Meaning "The LORD has given" or "The LORD is strong," this name is shared by two kings in this period: Joash of Judah (mentioned here) and later, Joash of Israel (Jehoahaz's son), which can sometimes cause confusion. The presence of the Yahwistic element "Jo" or "Jeho" in both names underscores the continued, albeit often nominal, acknowledgment of Yahweh's sovereignty in both kingdoms, even as they practiced idolatry.
* **Samaria (Hebrew, _Shomron_):** As the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria was not merely a geographical location but a symbol of Israel's political and religious identity. Established by Omri and further developed by Ahab, it became a center of Baal worship and a focal point for the nation's apostasy. Its mention here grounds Jehoahaz's reign firmly within the context of the idolatrous Northern Kingdom, setting the stage for the spiritual struggles that would characterize his rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah":** This clause provides the precise chronological synchronism, a hallmark of the books of Kings. It dates the beginning of Jehoahaz's reign by referencing the ongoing rule of Joash, king of Judah. This Joash is distinct from the later Joash (Jehoash) of Israel, who was Jehoahaz's son. This meticulous dating reinforces the historical reliability of the biblical record, allowing for the construction of a coherent timeline for the divided monarchy.
* **"Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria":** This introduces the new monarch, Jehoahaz, and explicitly links him to the dynasty of Jehu. This lineage is crucial, as God had promised Jehu that his descendants would rule Israel for four generations ([2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu's Dynasty")). Jehoahaz's rule from Samaria immediately places him within the context of the Northern Kingdom's ongoing spiritual decline and its political struggles, particularly with Aram.
* **"[and reigned] seventeen years":** This final phrase states the duration of Jehoahaz's reign. The length of a king's rule often provides an initial indication of their stability or impact. Seventeen years is a significant period, suggesting a sustained era under his leadership, the details of which will be elaborated upon in the subsequent verses of [2 Kings 13](/2_kings/13 "2 Kings 13 - Jehoahaz, Jehoash, and Elisha's Death"), revealing a time of severe national distress and limited divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Kings 13:1 is **Chronological Framework**, specifically through the use of **Synchronism**. The biblical author meticulously cross-references the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, providing a precise historical anchor for the narrative. This detailed dating system not only establishes the historical accuracy of the events but also underscores the parallel yet distinct histories of the two kingdoms. By stating "In the three and twentieth year of Joash... Jehoahaz... began to reign," the text immediately situates the reader within a specific historical moment, connecting the present narrative to the broader tapestry of Israelite and Judean history. This precision also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as the length of Jehoahaz's reign (seventeen years) hints at a substantial period of rule, preparing the reader for the detailed account of his challenging kingship that will follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 13:1, though a simple chronological marker, profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations and their leaders. Even in a period of spiritual decline and political instability for Israel, God remains faithful to His prophetic word concerning Jehu's dynasty, demonstrating His meticulous oversight of history. The precision of the dating emphasizes that these are not mythical tales but historical events unfolding under the divine gaze. This verse reminds us that even when human leaders are flawed and their nations stray, God's overarching plan continues to unfold, often through the very consequences of human choices. It points to a God who is intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating events to bring about His purposes, whether through judgment or deliverance.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Low")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous chronological detail in 2 Kings 13:1, seemingly mundane, carries profound implications for our faith. It reinforces the trustworthiness of Scripture as a historically grounded revelation of God's interaction with humanity. This precision encourages us to approach the Bible not as a collection of disjointed stories but as a coherent, divinely inspired narrative where every detail, no matter how small, contributes to the larger picture of God's character and His unfolding plan. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the course of history, orchestrating events, raising up and bringing down leaders, and working through the complexities of human choices to achieve His ultimate purposes. For us, this means recognizing God's sovereignty not only in grand, miraculous interventions but also in the seemingly ordinary rhythms of life and the precise unfolding of historical events. It calls us to trust that even in times of national turmoil or personal struggle, God remains on the throne, meticulously guiding all things according to His wise and perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's historical precision, as seen in this verse, strengthen your confidence in its overall reliability and truthfulness?**
* **In what ways can recognizing God's sovereignty over the rise and fall of leaders, even flawed ones, impact your perspective on current political events?**
* **What does the continuity of the Jehuic dynasty, despite Israel's spiritual decline, teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises, even when His people are unfaithful?**

### FAQ
**Why is the chronology so precise in the books of Kings, and what is its significance?**

Answer: The precise chronological synchronisms in the books of Kings, like that found in [2 Kings 13:1](/2_kings/13-1 "2 Kings 13:1 - Jehoahaz Begins to Reign"), serve several crucial purposes. Historically, they provide a meticulous framework for understanding the parallel reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, allowing for the reconstruction of a coherent timeline for the divided monarchy. This level of detail underscores the biblical authors' commitment to historical accuracy and reinforces the factual basis of the narrative. Theologically, this precision highlights God's active involvement in human history. It demonstrates that the events recorded are not mythical or legendary but occurred at specific times and places, under God's sovereign oversight. It also shows God's faithfulness in fulfilling His prophetic words, such as the promise to Jehu's dynasty in [2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - God's Promise to Jehu's Dynasty"), which unfolds within these exact historical parameters.

**Is the Joash mentioned in 2 Kings 13:1 the same as the Joash who later becomes king of Israel?**

Answer: No, the Joash mentioned in [2 Kings 13:1](/2_kings/13-1 "2 Kings 13:1 - Jehoahaz Begins to Reign") is Joash (also known as Jehoash), king of Judah, the son of Ahaziah. He reigned in Jerusalem. This is distinct from Jehoahaz's son, who also became king of Israel and was named Joash (or Jehoash). The narrative of this second Joash, king of Israel, begins in [2 Kings 13:10](/2_kings/13-10 "2 Kings 13:10 - Jehoash King of Israel"). The biblical text is careful to distinguish between these two kings, despite their similar names, by specifying their lineage and the kingdom over which they reigned (Judah or Israel). This highlights the importance of paying close attention to the details of names and lineages in the biblical record to avoid confusion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry chronological data of 2 Kings 13:1, which introduces a flawed king in a failing monarchy, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the perfect, eternal reign of Jesus Christ. The meticulous historical record of earthly kings, their successes, and more often, their failures, serves to highlight humanity's desperate need for a truly righteous and sovereign King. While Jehoahaz's reign was marked by Israel's continued sin and divine judgment, it also saw God's compassionate, though limited, intervention ([2 Kings 13:4-5](/2_kings/13-4 "2 Kings 13:4 - Jehoahaz Seeks the LORD")). This pattern of human failure and divine mercy, woven throughout the history of Israelite kings, ultimately points to the coming of the King who would perfectly embody God's righteousness and mercy. Jesus, the Son of David, is the ultimate fulfillment of all kingship, whose reign is not limited by time or human sin, but is eternal and brings true salvation ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). He is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose perfect sacrifice and resurrection established a kingdom not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), where true justice and peace reign. The historical precision of 2 Kings 13:1, therefore, subtly underscores the real, tangible history that led to the advent of the Messiah, the King of kings, who perfectly fulfills all the hopes and promises hinted at in the earthly, imperfect reigns of Israel's monarchs ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 11:4

¶ And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son.

2 Kings 11:21

Seven years old [was] Jehoash when he began to reign.

2 Kings 10:35

And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 10:36

And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria [was] twenty and eight years.

2 Kings 8:26

Two and twenty years old [was] Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel.