2 Kings 13:1

ยถ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

2 Kings 13:1 serves as a precise chronological marker, introducing the reign of Jehoahaz over the Northern Kingdom of Israel and synchronizing it with the ongoing rule of Joash (also known as Jehoash) in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This verse sets the stage for the narrative of Jehoahaz's seventeen-year reign, which will be further detailed in the subsequent verses of this chapter, highlighting a period of continued spiritual struggle and divine intervention.

Context of 2 Kings 13:1

This verse opens a new section in the book of 2 Kings, shifting focus to the next king in the lineage of Jehu, whose dynasty was divinely appointed to rule Israel for four generations (2 Kings 10:30). Jehoahaz is the second king of this dynasty. The precise dating, "In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah," highlights the biblical authors' meticulous attention to historical detail and the reality of the divided monarchy. During this period (late 9th century BC), Israel and Judah operated as distinct kingdoms with their own kings and capitals (Samaria for Israel, Jerusalem for Judah), often experiencing political and military interactions.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Chronological Precision: The verse provides specific synchronisms between the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, a common feature in the books of Kings. This detailed biblical chronology helps to establish a precise historical timeline for the narrative, reinforcing the historical reliability of Scripture.
  • Succession within the Divided Monarchy: It underscores the ongoing reality of two separate kingdoms, each with its own line of succession, often marked by spiritual decline and political instability. The continuity of kingship, even through flawed leaders, points to God's enduring plan.
  • Divine Sovereignty in History: Even in detailing the seemingly mundane act of a king's ascent to power, the Bible implicitly reveals God's overarching control of history, fulfilling His purposes even through human rulers and their choices.

Linguistic Insights

The names themselves carry meaning: Jehoahaz (Hebrew: ื™ึฐื”ื•ึนืึธื—ึธื–, Yeho'achaz) means "The LORD has grasped" or "The LORD has held," while Joash (Hebrew: ื™ื•ึนืึธืฉื, Yo'ash) means "The LORD has given" or "The LORD is strong." While these meanings don't directly interpret the verse's historical content, they reflect the common practice of Hebrew names conveying theological significance, often incorporating the name of God (Yahweh).

Practical Application

While a simple historical record of a new king's reign, 2 Kings 13:1 reminds us of the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and its careful documentation of events. It shows that even seemingly mundane details like regnal dates are important in God's unfolding story. For us, this precision reinforces the trustworthiness of Scripture and encourages us to pay attention to the broader context of biblical narratives, understanding that every piece contributes to the larger picture of God's dealings with humanity. It also prepares the reader for the subsequent account of Jehoahaz's reign, which, despite its length, will be characterized by Israel's continued spiritual apostasy and subsequent oppression by their enemies (2 Kings 13:3).

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

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 11:4 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Kings 10:35 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Kings 10:36 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Kings 8:26 (2 votes)

    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.