Jehoahaz And Jehoash’s Evil Reign

II Kings 13:1–25
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In this chapter we shift our thoughts back to Israel (v. 1). Jehoahaz, in the family of Jehu, comes to the throne and reigns for 17 years. It says that he followed the sins of his father by continuing the religious system established by Jeroboam (v. 2). Because of this sin, the Lord subjected Israel to invasions and harassment by two Syrian kings, Hazael and his son Ben-hadad (v. 3). Because of Aram’s distressing oppression King Jehoahaz sought the Lords help. Out of compassion for His people and in spite of the king’s idolatry the Lord provided a deliverer (v. 4).

At the death of Jehoahaz, his son Jehoash came to the throne and rules Israel for 16 years. During this time period, we hear again about Elisha the prophet who was suffering from a terminal illness. It is estimated that he was between 85 and 90 years old at the time. Even though Jehoash was not following God he still didn’t want to lose the prophet Elisha who was his only point of contact with God in time of emergency.

Elisha instructed the king to shoot an arrow. This was to signify victory for Israel over Syria. Then he commanded the king to strike the ground five or six times with his arrows. The king only struck the ground three times, which was only partial obedience and meant that he would now win only three victories (v. 25). As a result he was able to regain the territory his father had lost to Syria. Three times he was successful (vv. 18-19). 

Application

Partial obedience is still disobedience. We can only imagine what it could have been like if the King had fully obeyed. It is not enough to say no to sin, I must also say yes to a life of commitment to God. Is my life really characterized by the word commitment or convenience?