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2 Kings 14:13

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And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

And Jehoash {H3060} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} took {H8610} Amaziah {H558} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, the son {H1121} of Jehoash {H3060} the son {H1121} of Ahaziah {H274}, at Bethshemesh {H1053}, and came {H935} to Jerusalem {H3389}, and brake down {H6555} the wall {H2346} of Jerusalem {H3389} from the gate {H8179} of Ephraim {H669} unto the corner {H6438} gate {H8179}, four {H702} hundred {H3967} cubits {H520}.

Y'ho'ash king of Isra'el took Amatzyah king of Y'hudah, the son of Y'ho'ash the son of Achazyah, prisoner at Beit-Shemesh. Then he went to Yerushalayim and demolished the wall of Yerushalayim between the Gate of Efrayim and the Corner Gate, a section 600 feet long.

There at Beth-shemesh, Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Ahaziah. Then Jehoash went to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate—a section of four hundred cubits.

And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

Commentary

2 Kings 14:13 recounts a pivotal and humiliating moment for the Southern Kingdom of Judah, detailing the aftermath of a foolish war initiated by its king, Amaziah, against the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Context

This verse describes the immediate consequences of the battle between King Amaziah of Judah and King Jehoash of Israel. Amaziah, emboldened by a recent victory over Edom (2 Kings 14:7), arrogantly challenged Jehoash to war (2 Kings 14:8). Jehoash, recognizing Amaziah's overconfidence, warned him with a parable, advising him to stay home (2 Kings 14:9-10). However, Amaziah refused to listen, a refusal attributed to divine will to deliver Judah into Israel's hands because of Amaziah's idolatry after his Edomite victory (2 Chronicles 25:14-16).

The ensuing battle at Bethshemesh (2 Kings 14:11) resulted in a decisive defeat for Judah, with King Amaziah himself being captured. Jehoash then marched on Jerusalem, inflicting significant damage on the city's defenses.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Pride: Amaziah's arrogance and refusal to heed wisdom led directly to his capture and the humiliation of his kingdom. This serves as a powerful biblical warning against overconfidence and pride, echoing the principle that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).
  • Inter-Kingdom Strife: The verse highlights the persistent and often destructive conflict between the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, despite their shared heritage and common ancestry from David.
  • Vulnerability of Jerusalem: Even the fortified capital of Judah, Jerusalem, was not impregnable. The breaching of its wall underscores the temporary nature of human defenses when divine favor is withdrawn or when folly prevails.
  • Divine Discipline: While not explicitly stated in 2 Kings, the parallel account in 2 Chronicles reveals that this defeat was a form of divine judgment upon Amaziah for turning away from the Lord and adopting the gods of Edom.

Linguistic Insights

The measurement "four hundred cubits" (approximately 600 feet or 180 meters) signifies a substantial breach in the wall, indicating a significant act of dominance and humiliation by Jehoash over Jerusalem's defenses. The specific gates mentioned, "Gate of Ephraim" and "Corner Gate," delineate a known section of the city's northern wall, which was historically a vulnerable point for attacks.

Practical Application

The account of Amaziah's downfall offers timeless lessons:

  1. Guard Against Pride: Success can breed arrogance, leading to poor decisions. Humility and a realistic assessment of one's capabilities are crucial, especially after achievements.
  2. Seek Wise Counsel: Amaziah ignored Jehoash's wise warning. Listening to sound advice, even from an opponent, can prevent disaster.
  3. Understand Consequences: Rash decisions, driven by emotion or pride, often have far-reaching and painful consequences, not just for individuals but for those they lead.
  4. Trust in God, Not Self: Ultimately, Amaziah's turning from God led to his downfall. Our ultimate security and wisdom come from seeking the Lord and His will, rather than relying solely on our own strength or perceived invincibility.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 8:16 (5 votes)

    So the people went forth, and brought [them], and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.

  • Jeremiah 31:38 (4 votes)

    Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner.

  • Nehemiah 12:39 (4 votes)

    And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

  • Zechariah 14:10 (4 votes)

    All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and [from] the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.

  • Job 40:11 (2 votes)

    Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one [that is] proud, and abase him.

  • Job 40:12 (2 votes)

    Look on every one [that is] proud, [and] bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.

  • Isaiah 2:11 (2 votes)

    The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.