J. Jehoahaz and Jehoash Reign Over Israel (13:1-25)

With the death of Jehu, Jehoahaz and Jehoash in turn rule over Israel. Both followed the sins of Jeroboam (vv.2, 11), although Jehoahaz’s brief period of repentance brought Yahweh’s favor and a temporary reprieve from the Syrians (vv.4-5). Of greatest significance during Jehoash’s reign are the renewed Syrian attacks and the death of Elisha. In this latter instance, Jehoash’s words to a dying prophet are instructive: “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” (v.14). Using precisely the same expression that Elisha had used earlier when speaking to Elijah (2:12), at this moment even the destitute king of Israel realized that his country’s true strength rested in the prophets.