TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel.
KJV (with Strong's)
And Jehoash H3060 the son H1121 of Jehoahaz H3059 took H3947 again H7725 out of the hand H3027 of Benhadad H1130 the son H1121 of Hazael H2371 the cities H5892, which he had taken H3947 out of the hand H3027 of Jehoahaz H3059 his father H1 by war H4421. Three H7969 times H6471 did Joash H3101 beat H5221 him, and recovered H7725 the cities H5892 of Israel H3478.
Complete Jewish Bible
Then Y'ho'ash the son of Y'ho'achaz captured from Ben-Hadad the son of Haza'el the cities which he had captured in war from Y'ho'achaz his father. Three times Yo'ash defeated him, thus recovering the cities of Isra'el.
Berean Standard Bible
Then Jehoash son of Jehoahaz took back from Ben-hadad son of Hazael the cities that Hazael had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz. Jehoash defeated Ben-hadad three times, and so recovered the cities of Israel.
American Standard Version
And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash smite him, and recovered the cities of Israel.
World English Bible Messianic
Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Joash struck him three times, and recovered the cities of Israel.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore Iehoash the sonne of Iehoahaz returned, and tooke out of the hand of Ben-hadad the sonne of Hazael the cities which he had taken away by warre out of the hand of Iehoahaz his father: for three times did Ioash beate him, and restored the cities vnto Israel.
Young's Literal Translation
and Jehoash son of Jehoahaz turneth and taketh the cities out of the hand of Ben-Hadad son of Hazael that he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father in war; three times hath Joash smitten him, and he bringeth back the cities of Israel.
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Kings 13 verses 20–25
20 ¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.
21 And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.
22 But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.
23 And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.
24 So Hazael king of Syria died; and Benhadad his son reigned in his stead.
25 And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel.
We must here attend,
I. The sepulchre of Elisha: he died in a good old age, and they buried him; and what follows shows, 1. What power there was in his life to keep off judgments; for, as soon as he was dead, the bands of the Moabites invaded the land - not great armies to face them in the field, but roving skulking bands, that murdered and plundered by surprise. God has many ways to chastise a provoking people. The king was apprehensive of danger only from the Syrians, but, behold, the Moabites invade him. Trouble comes sometimes from that point whence we least feared it. The mentioning of this immediately upon the death of Elisha intimates that the removal of God's faithful prophets is a presage of judgments coming. When ambassadors are recalled heralds may be expected. 2. What power there was in his dead body: it communicated life to another dead body, Kg2 13:21. This great miracle, though very briefly related, was a decided proof of his mission and a confirmation of all his prophecies. It was also a plain indication of another life after this. When Elisha died, there was not an end of him, for then he could not have done this. From operation we may infer existence. By this it appeared that the Lord was still the God of Elisha; therefore Elisha still lived, for God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And it may, perhaps, have a reference to Christ, by whose death and burial the grave is made to all believers a safe and happy passage to life. It likewise intimated that though Elisha was dead, yet, in virtue of the promises made by him, Israel's interests, though they seemed quite sunk and lost, should revive and flourish again. The neighbours were carrying the dead body of a man to the grave, and, fearing to fall into the hands of the Moabites, a party of whom they saw at a distance near the place where the body was to be interred, they laid the corpse in the next convenient place, which proved to be Elisha's sepulchre. The dead man, upon touching Elisha's bones, revived, and, it is likely, went home again with his friends. Josephus relates the story otherwise, That some thieves, having robbed and murdered an honest traveller, threw his dead body into Elisha's grave, and it immediately revived. Elijah was honoured in his departure. Elisha was honoured after his departure. God thus dispenses honours as he pleases, but, one way or other, the rest of all the saints will be glorious, Isa 11:10. It is good being near the saints and having our lot with them both in life and death.
II. The sword of Joash king of Israel; and we find it successful against the Syrians. 1. The cause of his success was God's favour (Kg2 13:23): The Lord was gracious to them, had compassion on them in their miseries and respect unto them. The several expressions here of the same import call upon us to observe and admire the triumphs of divine goodness in the deliverance of such a provoking people. It was of the Lord's mercies that they were not consumed, because he would not destroy them as yet. He foresaw they would destroy themselves at last, but as yet he would reprieve them, and give them space to repent. The slowness of God's processes against sinners must be construed to the honour of his mercy, not the impeachment of his justice. 2. The effect of his success was Israel's benefit. He recovered out of the hands of Benhadad the cities of Israel which the Syrians were possessed of, Kg2 13:25. This was a great kindness to the cities themselves, which were hereby brought from under the yoke of oppression, and to the whole kingdom, which was much strengthened by the reduction of those cities. Thrice Joash beat the Syrians, just as often as he had struck the ground with the arrows, and then a full stop was put to the course of his victories. Many have repented, when it was too late, of their distrusts and the straitness of their desires.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–25. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Second Kings 13:25 records a pivotal military achievement for King Jehoash of Israel, detailing his successful campaigns against Benhadad, the king of Syria. This verse specifically highlights Jehoash's recovery of cities that his father, Jehoahaz, had previously lost to the Syrians in warfare. Crucially, it emphasizes that Joash defeated Benhadad precisely three times, thereby reclaiming these territories, an outcome that directly and literally fulfilled the deathbed prophecy of the prophet Elisha, albeit with a scope limited by the king's own actions.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as the immediate and precise fulfillment of Elisha's final prophetic instructions to King Joash, as detailed in 2 Kings 13:14-19. Prior to this, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had suffered severe and prolonged oppression under the Arameans (Syrians), particularly during the reigns of Hazael and his son Benhadad, a situation lamented in 2 Kings 13:3. Joash's desperate visit to the dying Elisha was a moment of national crisis and a final opportunity for divine intervention. Elisha instructed Joash to strike the ground with arrows, promising victory against Syria for each strike. However, Joash struck only three times, leading Elisha to express profound disappointment that Joash would achieve only three victories rather than a complete overthrow of Syria, as recorded in 2 Kings 13:19. Thus, 2 Kings 13:25 directly confirms the exact, yet constrained, fulfillment of this prophetic word.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events of 2 Kings 13 unfold in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the late 9th and early 8th centuries BC, a period marked by significant geopolitical instability. Aram-Damascus (Syria) was a dominant regional power, frequently engaging in conflict with Israel. Hazael, Benhadad's father, had been a particularly aggressive and oppressive king, seizing substantial Israelite territory and imposing heavy tribute, as documented in 2 Kings 10:32-33. The "cities of Israel" mentioned in 2 Kings 13:25 likely refer to towns and regions primarily in Transjordan and the northern parts of Israel that had fallen under Syrian control. In this era, kings typically led their armies personally, and the recovery of lost territory was a crucial measure of a king's success and a sign of divine favor. The role of prophets like Elisha was paramount, as they served as God's spokespersons, often advising kings on military strategy and interpreting divine will, underscoring the pervasive belief that national destiny was intricately linked to divine intervention and Israel's relationship with Yahweh.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully illustrates several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights Divine Faithfulness Amidst Human Failure, demonstrating that even in the midst of Israel's persistent idolatry and the limitations of its kings, God remained committed to His covenant promises to His people, showing compassion despite their unworthiness (2 Kings 13:23). Secondly, it underscores the Consequences of Limited Faith and Obedience. Joash's lack of zealous persistence in striking the ground directly correlated with the precise number of his victories, serving as a stark biblical principle that human action, or inaction, can significantly influence the extent of divine blessing and deliverance. This is a recurring theme within the Deuteronomistic history, where wholehearted obedience leads to abundant blessing, while partial obedience or disobedience results in limited blessing or judgment. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of Partial Deliverance. While the victories were significant, they did not lead to a complete eradication of the Syrian threat, foreshadowing the continued struggles and eventual downfall of the Northern Kingdom, which ultimately faced exile due to its persistent unfaithfulness, as seen in 2 Kings 17.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices to convey its message. Most prominently, it functions as a Fulfillment Narrative, where the historical events described in 2 Kings 13:25 directly and precisely fulfill the prophecy delivered by Elisha in 2 Kings 13:18-19. This direct correlation highlights the absolute reliability of God's prophetic word and His sovereign control over historical events. There is also a clear Cause and Effect relationship established: Joash's limited zeal in striking the ground (the cause) directly resulted in a limited number of victories (the effect). This serves as a potent didactic element, teaching about the profound consequences of partial obedience and limited faith. Furthermore, the narrative uses Repetition of the "three times" motif to emphasize the numerical exactness of the prophecy's fulfillment, underscoring the precision of God's word and the direct link between human action and divine response.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account in 2 Kings 13:25 profoundly illustrates the intricate interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God, in His compassion and unwavering covenant faithfulness, desired to deliver Israel from the oppressive grip of Syria, the ultimate extent of that deliverance was directly influenced by King Joash's limited faith and partial obedience. This episode reveals that God's grace often meets us where we are, granting a measure of blessing even in the context of human shortcomings, yet it simultaneously challenges believers to pursue the full measure of God's will with fervent zeal and unwavering faith. The partial nature of Joash's victory serves as a poignant reminder that human hesitation or lack of commitment can indeed limit the full outpouring of God's intended blessings, urging us to press into complete surrender and trust in His perfect plan.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Joash's limited victories against Syria holds timeless and profound lessons for believers today. It compels us to honestly examine the depth of our own faith and the extent of our obedience in response to God's invitations. Are there areas in our lives where God is clearly inviting us to press in further, to "strike the ground" with greater zeal, persistence, and audacious faith, but we are holding back due to fear, weariness, a lack of vision, or perhaps even an unconscious limiting of God's power? This narrative powerfully reminds us that while God is absolutely sovereign and His promises are eternally sure, our active, wholehearted, and persistent participation can significantly impact the measure of His blessing and breakthrough in our personal lives and in the circumstances we face. It calls us to move beyond mere compliance to a passionate pursuit of God's full and abundant will, trusting that He desires to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20). Yet, it also offers profound comfort, demonstrating God's enduring mercy and grace; even in Joash's partial obedience, God remained faithful to grant a significant measure of deliverance, reminding us that His grace abounds even when we fall short of His ideal.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is King Jehoash sometimes referred to as Joash in the Bible?
Answer: "Jehoash" and "Joash" are simply two variant forms of the same Hebrew name. "Jehoash" (Yᵉhôwʼâsh, H3060) is the fuller, more formal version, incorporating a divine element ("Jeho-" or "Yahweh"), meaning "Yahweh has given" or "Yahweh is strong." "Joash" (Yôwʼâsh, H3101) is a shortened, more common usage, omitting the initial divine prefix. This was a common practice in ancient Hebrew names. Both names refer to the same individual, the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel, who reigned from approximately 798-782 BC, as seen in passages like 2 Kings 13:10 and 2 Kings 13:25.
What was the significance of Elisha's instruction to strike the ground with arrows, and why was Joash's action so critical?
Answer: Elisha's instruction to Joash to strike the ground with arrows (2 Kings 13:18) was a profound prophetic and symbolic act. In biblical prophecy, physical actions often embody spiritual truths and determine the extent of divine intervention. The striking of the ground symbolized the smiting and decisive defeat of Israel's enemies, Syria. The number of times Joash struck the ground was intended to indicate the precise number of decisive victories God would grant him. Joash's critical mistake was striking only three times, perhaps out of weariness, a lack of robust faith, or insufficient understanding of the profound significance of the prophetic moment. Elisha's lament in 2 Kings 13:19 reveals that had Joash struck five or six times, he would have completely destroyed Syria. His limited action thus directly limited the extent of God's promised deliverance, powerfully demonstrating how human faith and zeal can significantly impact the measure of divine blessing and breakthrough.
Did Israel ever fully recover from Syrian oppression after Joash's victories?
Answer: While Joash's three victories brought significant relief and recovered lost territories, they did not lead to the complete and permanent eradication of the Syrian threat. The Northern Kingdom of Israel continued to face external pressures and internal spiritual decline. However, under Joash's son, Jeroboam II, Israel did experience a period of remarkable prosperity and territorial expansion, even recovering more land from Syria, as prophesied by the prophet Jonah (2 Kings 14:25). This later recovery was also a testament to God's enduring patience and faithfulness to His covenant, even amidst Israel's continued spiritual struggles. Nevertheless, the ultimate trajectory for the Northern Kingdom was one of persistent apostasy, leading to its eventual conquest and exile by the Assyrians in 722 BC, as recounted in 2 Kings 17.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The partial and limited victory of King Joash over Syria, precisely "three times," serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate, complete, and decisive victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Joash's recovery of physical cities, though significant for his time, was temporary and incomplete, pointing to the profound need for a perfect deliverer who would secure an eternal triumph over far greater enemies. While Joash's limited faith constrained the extent of his success, Christ's perfect obedience and unwavering faith in His Father guaranteed a victory that is boundless, eternal, and all-encompassing. The "three times" motif in Joash's victories, limited by human failing and lack of zeal, finds its glorious and complete fulfillment in Christ's resurrection on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:4), which decisively conquered sin, death, and the principalities and powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15). Unlike Joash, who merely recovered physical territories from a temporal enemy, Christ, the true King of Israel and the ultimate Lamb of God, recovered humanity from spiritual bondage and secured for His people an eternal kingdom and an everlasting redemption (Hebrews 9:12). Thus, Joash's partial deliverance serves as a shadow, pointing to the infinitely greater and all-encompassing salvation found in the perfectly obedient Son of God.