This verse describes the transition of power in the northern kingdom and the timeframe in which it occurred, highlighting God’s continued engagement in Israel’s history.
When the scriptures explain that “In the twenty-third year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu became king over Israel at Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years” (2 Kings 13:1), it sets a precise historical framework. Joash (also called Jehoash) was ruling the southern kingdom of Judah around 813 BC, having come to power in 835 BC and continuing until around 796 BC. The text points out that in Joash’s twenty-third year, the monarchy in the northern kingdom of Israel passed to Jehoahaz, whose father Jehu had reigned from about 841 to 814 BC. This detail roots the narrative squarely in a known timeline of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, about a century after the nation first split following King Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 11-12).
The verse also specifies that Jehoahaz ruled “at Samaria,” emphasizing the capital city of Israel in the north. Samaria was founded by King Omri around 880 BC. Established high on a strategic hill, it served as the political and cultural center for the northern tribes. From this city, Jehoahaz presided over Israel for seventeen years (approximately 814-798 BC). The location not only provided a base for governance and commerce but also witnessed intense episodes of devotion and disobedience among the people of Israel, illustrating their struggle to uphold the covenant made with the LORD (Deuteronomy 29).
During Jehoahaz’s reign, Israel frequently faced conflict with regional powers, reminding us that God’s covenant relationship with His people was central to their well-being and security. Although this passage itself does not detail Jehoahaz’s success or failures, it prepares us to examine the faithfulness—or lack thereof—of Israel’s leaders and people. Like many rulers before and after him, Jehoahaz faced the challenge of guiding his nation according to God’s commands, a theme ultimately fulfilled and perfected by Jesus, the True King, who reigns eternally (John 18:37).
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2 Kings 13:1 meaning
When the scriptures explain that “In the twenty-third year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu became king over Israel at Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years” (2 Kings 13:1), it sets a precise historical framework. Joash (also called Jehoash) was ruling the southern kingdom of Judah around 813 BC, having come to power in 835 BC and continuing until around 796 BC. The text points out that in Joash’s twenty-third year, the monarchy in the northern kingdom of Israel passed to Jehoahaz, whose father Jehu had reigned from about 841 to 814 BC. This detail roots the narrative squarely in a known timeline of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, about a century after the nation first split following King Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 11-12).
The verse also specifies that Jehoahaz ruled “at Samaria,” emphasizing the capital city of Israel in the north. Samaria was founded by King Omri around 880 BC. Established high on a strategic hill, it served as the political and cultural center for the northern tribes. From this city, Jehoahaz presided over Israel for seventeen years (approximately 814-798 BC). The location not only provided a base for governance and commerce but also witnessed intense episodes of devotion and disobedience among the people of Israel, illustrating their struggle to uphold the covenant made with the LORD (Deuteronomy 29).
During Jehoahaz’s reign, Israel frequently faced conflict with regional powers, reminding us that God’s covenant relationship with His people was central to their well-being and security. Although this passage itself does not detail Jehoahaz’s success or failures, it prepares us to examine the faithfulness—or lack thereof—of Israel’s leaders and people. Like many rulers before and after him, Jehoahaz faced the challenge of guiding his nation according to God’s commands, a theme ultimately fulfilled and perfected by Jesus, the True King, who reigns eternally (John 18:37).