Thursday, November 7 – 2 Kings 12, 13 – Additional Reading: Chapter 21, “Elisha’s Closing Ministry”

1. After 23 years of Joash’s reign, had his order to repair the temple been followed? (2 Kings 12:6).

2. When the Syrian king Hazael, after defeating the Philistines and taking Gath, marched toward Jerusalem, what action did Joash take? (2 Kings 12:17, 18).

3. What was the tragic end of King Joash? (2 Kings 12:20, 21).

4. What did Jehoahaz do that brought deliverance to Israel? (2 Kings 13:4, 5).

5. In what manner did Joash approach the prophet? (2 Kings 13:14).

Commentary and Reflection:

The history of God’s people was sad. First, the kingdom was divided, and the part that retained Jerusalem was not always faithful. It records a tragic and bloody history of apostasy, idolatry, and family divisions, including murders within the family to secure the throne. An example of this is the self-proclaimed queen, Athaliah. Miraculously, the young heir, Joash, was saved under the care of an aunt. When justice finally came to the wicked queen, and she was executed, it was time to restore the royal lineage with Joash under the guidance of the priest Jehoiada.

After over twenty years of Joash showing concern for the house of God, it was finally repaired. The priest ordered a chest to collect offerings, and the people generously contributed.

When Joash, in the 23rd year of his reign, finally took action to repair the temple in the neighboring northern kingdom of Israel, a new monarch, Jehoahaz, took the throne.

Jehoahaz’s father, Jehu, had been a reformer in Israel, exterminating the descendants of the wicked kings Ahab and Jezebel. However, Jehu did not end his days with a faithful record; he continued in the ways of Jeroboam, who had caused Israel to sin. It was his son Jehoahaz’s turn, and he surpassed his father in evil. It’s important to note that while the kingdom of Judah maintained the royal line within the tribe from which the Messiah would come, the kingdom of Israel saw various families succeeding one another on the throne. These families did not last long before another would stage a coup.

Finally, King Jehoahaz died and was buried in Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. His son, Joash, then reigned in his place. It should be noted that this is not the same Joash who reigned in Judah and was nearing the end of his reign in Jerusalem.

2 Kings 13:14-19 is an event that occurred before King Joash of Israel’s death. He visited the prophet Elisha on his deathbed.

In the following verses (13:20, 21), the account of Elisha’s burial is narrated. It is noteworthy that, although the kings of Israel and Judah did not always remain faithful to the Lord, God continued to guide and protect His people, fulfilling His promise to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and His servant David. God is faithful!

As for us, we must also remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4).

Wishing you a day full of blessings.