2 Kings 13:10

ΒΆ In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, [and reigned] sixteen years.

In the thirty {H7970}{H8141} and seventh {H7651} year {H8141} of Joash {H3101} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} began Jehoash {H3060} the son {H1121} of Jehoahaz {H3059} to reign {H4427} over Israel {H3478} in Samaria {H8111}, and reigned sixteen {H8337}{H6240} years {H8141}.

It was in the thirty-seventh year of Yo'ash king of Y'hudah that Yo'ash the son of Y'ho'achaz began his rule over Isra'el in Shomron; he ruled for sixteen years.

In the thirty-seventh year of the reign of Joash over Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years.

In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.

Commentary

2 Kings 13:10 marks a significant chronological point in the history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It introduces Jehoash (also known as Joash, distinct from the king of Judah), the son of Jehoahaz, as the new king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This verse precisely dates the start of his sixteen-year reign by referencing the thirty-seventh year of Joash, king of Judah.

Context

This verse is situated within the historical books of the Old Testament, specifically 2 Kings Chapter 13, which details the reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoash in Israel, and their interactions with the prophet Elisha, as well as the ongoing conflict with Syria. The previous verse, 2 Kings 13:9, records the death of Jehoahaz, Jehoash's father. The mention of "Samaria" indicates the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, a significant urban center throughout this period. The synchronized dating with Joash king of Judah (Southern Kingdom) is a common feature in the books of Kings and Chronicles, helping to establish a coherent timeline for the parallel histories of the two nations that emerged after the division of the kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Chronological Precision: The Bible's meticulous attention to dating and sequencing events highlights its historical reliability and the divine oversight of human history. These specific chronological markers help scholars and readers alike to construct a consistent timeline of ancient Near Eastern history.
  • Succession of Kings: This verse underscores the ongoing cycle of leadership in ancient Israel. Each succession brought new challenges and opportunities, often reflecting the spiritual state of the nation and its leaders. Jehoash's reign would be notable for his victories against Syria and his encounter with Elisha (as detailed in 2 Kings 13:14-19).
  • The Divided Kingdom: The verse implicitly reminds us of the reality of the divided monarchy, with two distinct lines of kings in Israel and Judah, often with intertwined fates, rivalries, and alliances.

Linguistic Insights

This verse is primarily a historical and chronological statement. There are no complex Hebrew words or phrases in this specific verse that require deep linguistic analysis for a general understanding. Its significance lies in its factual content and its role in the larger biblical narrative of the kings. The name "Jehoash" (יְהוֹאָשׁ, Yeho'ash) means "the Lord has given" or "given of the Lord," a common type of theophoric name in Israel.

Practical Application

While seemingly a simple record of succession, 2 Kings 13:10 contributes to the Bible's grand narrative, showing how God works through the passage of time and the rise and fall of human leaders. It reminds us that history is not random but unfolds according to a divine plan. For believers, understanding these historical anchors reinforces the trustworthiness of Scripture and helps in appreciating the larger context of God's interaction with His people, even through seemingly mundane details like a king's reign. It underscores the importance of leadership and how the choices of those in authority impact generations.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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