Who was King Joash (Jehoash) of Israel?

Joash, also called Jehoash, was the son of King Jehoahaz and reigned as king of the northern kingdom of Israel for sixteen years (2 Kings 13:10). He was a king who did evil in God's sight, continuing in the idolatrous sins of Jeroboam.

What is King Joash of Israel known for in the Bible?

He is known for his military victories over King Ben-Hadad of Aram, reclaiming cities lost by his father (2 Kings 13:25). He is also famous for his encounter with the dying prophet Elisha, where he was instructed to shoot arrows symbolizing victory over Aram (2 Kings 13:14-19).

Why is King Joash of Israel significant in biblical history?

His reign marks a period of temporary recovery for Israel from Aramean oppression, fulfilling God's compassion on His people (2 Kings 13:23). His story also highlights the power of prophetic words, as Elisha's prophecy about his victories came to pass.

Joash

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleKingSon

Joash (Jehoash), son of Jehoahaz, reigned as king of Israel for sixteen years (2Ki.13.10; 14.23).

Joash

Biography

Joash (Jehoash), son of Jehoahaz and grandson of Jehu, reigned as king of Israel in Samaria for sixteen years during the Divided Monarchy period (2 Kings 13:10). He continued the sinful patterns established by Jeroboam son of Nebat, yet Scripture records a notable interaction with the dying prophet Elisha. Joash visited Elisha and wept over him, acknowledging him as 'the chariots and horsemen of Israel', a title that recognized Elisha's role as Israel's true spiritual defense (2 Kings 13:14). Following Elisha's instruction, he struck the ground with arrows but did so only three times, limiting the extent of his victories over Aram to three rather than complete defeat. He did successfully recover Israelite cities from Ben-hadad's successor and defeated Amaziah of Judah at Beth-shemesh.

Significance

Joash's reign illustrates the tension between divine grace and human limitation. Despite his persistent idolatry following Jeroboam's pattern, God still granted him military victories against Aram as an expression of covenant mercy (2 Kings 13:23). His tearful visit to the dying Elisha reveals a latent recognition of prophetic authority and spiritual realities even amid institutional apostasy. His halfhearted arrow-striking, however, stands as a vivid emblem of incomplete commitment: those who seek God's blessings while withholding wholehearted obedience receive only partial fulfillment of divine potential. His reign challenges readers to examine whether their own pursuit of God's purposes is wholehearted or merely intermittent.

Authority Records

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