This verse shows Joash’s military exploits, including his conflict with Amaziah of Judah, and testifies to the importance of God’s covenant in the midst of Israel’s kingship struggles.
In 2 Kings 13:12 we read: Now the rest of the acts of Joash and all that he did and his might with which he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? (v.12). This verse speaks of Joash, also called Jehoash, who ruled the northern kingdom of Israel during the mid-8th century BC. Samaria was the capital of this northern kingdom, while Jerusalem served as the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah. The text highlights Joash’s “acts” and “might,” referring to his accomplishments and military prowess, including his conflict with Amaziah, the king of Judah. Amaziah himself ruled Judah from approximately 796 to 767 BC and eventually engaged in war with Joash. The southern king faced significant defeat at the hands of Joash, a fate described in the larger narrative (2 Kings 14:1-14).
When the verse asks, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? (v.12), it implies that there was an official record documenting the reigns of northern Israel’s monarchs. Such records would have contained more details of Joash’s victories, policies, and overall reign than what 2 Kings provides. Israel’s history alternated between times of relative stability and times of moral or spiritual decline, punctuated by tension or outright warfare with Judah. The confrontation between Joash of Israel and Amaziah of Judah underscores how divided God’s chosen people had become after the kingdom split upon the death of King Solomon (1 Kings 12:16-20). Joash’s might in battle, mentioned here, points to a turbulent period in which Israel sought to defend or expand its influence at Judah’s expense.
Joash’s name appears elsewhere in Scripture as well, but the references can sometimes create confusion with Joash (the father of Amaziah) who ruled Judah, rather than Israel. Here in 2 Kings 13:12, the focus is on Joash (Jehoash) of Israel, a contemporary to Amaziah of Judah. Both rulers clashed when Amaziah initiated conflict, subsequently suffering a decisive loss (2 Kings 14:1-14).
This verse reveals that even in times of political division and military strife, God’s sovereign plan persisted. Although Israel and Judah were fractured, each still retained a lineage of kings who walked in varied degrees of loyalty or disobedience to the covenant with the LORD. The constant reminder of God’s covenant underscores His desire that both nations return to Him through repentance and faithfulness, pointing forward to the ultimate unity under the perfect King and Messiah (John 10:16).
Joash’s story, penned in the official annals of the kingdom, is thus a testimony to both human ambition and divine providence. Scripture’s main concern is the call to covenant faithfulness, for even when earthly rulers prevail momentarily, they remain subject to God’s ultimate authority and righteous standard.
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2 Kings 13:12 meaning
In 2 Kings 13:12 we read: Now the rest of the acts of Joash and all that he did and his might with which he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? (v.12). This verse speaks of Joash, also called Jehoash, who ruled the northern kingdom of Israel during the mid-8th century BC. Samaria was the capital of this northern kingdom, while Jerusalem served as the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah. The text highlights Joash’s “acts” and “might,” referring to his accomplishments and military prowess, including his conflict with Amaziah, the king of Judah. Amaziah himself ruled Judah from approximately 796 to 767 BC and eventually engaged in war with Joash. The southern king faced significant defeat at the hands of Joash, a fate described in the larger narrative (2 Kings 14:1-14).
When the verse asks, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? (v.12), it implies that there was an official record documenting the reigns of northern Israel’s monarchs. Such records would have contained more details of Joash’s victories, policies, and overall reign than what 2 Kings provides. Israel’s history alternated between times of relative stability and times of moral or spiritual decline, punctuated by tension or outright warfare with Judah. The confrontation between Joash of Israel and Amaziah of Judah underscores how divided God’s chosen people had become after the kingdom split upon the death of King Solomon (1 Kings 12:16-20). Joash’s might in battle, mentioned here, points to a turbulent period in which Israel sought to defend or expand its influence at Judah’s expense.
Joash’s name appears elsewhere in Scripture as well, but the references can sometimes create confusion with Joash (the father of Amaziah) who ruled Judah, rather than Israel. Here in 2 Kings 13:12, the focus is on Joash (Jehoash) of Israel, a contemporary to Amaziah of Judah. Both rulers clashed when Amaziah initiated conflict, subsequently suffering a decisive loss (2 Kings 14:1-14).
This verse reveals that even in times of political division and military strife, God’s sovereign plan persisted. Although Israel and Judah were fractured, each still retained a lineage of kings who walked in varied degrees of loyalty or disobedience to the covenant with the LORD. The constant reminder of God’s covenant underscores His desire that both nations return to Him through repentance and faithfulness, pointing forward to the ultimate unity under the perfect King and Messiah (John 10:16).
Joash’s story, penned in the official annals of the kingdom, is thus a testimony to both human ambition and divine providence. Scripture’s main concern is the call to covenant faithfulness, for even when earthly rulers prevail momentarily, they remain subject to God’s ultimate authority and righteous standard.