Joash’s death and burial in Samaria establishes the continual dynastic turnover in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
So Joash slept with his fathers, and Jeroboam sat on his throne; and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel (v.13). This brief verse describes the succession of power in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. “Joash” here is another form of the name “Jehoash,” who ruled the ten tribes in Israel following his father, Jehoahaz, around 798-782 BC. By stating that “Joash slept with his fathers,” the text indicates he died and joined his ancestors, implying that his reign came to an end according to a natural cycle of kingship. “Jeroboam” who sat on his throne is Jeroboam II, the next king of Israel who ruled approximately 793-753 BC and oversaw a period of expanded territorial influence (2 Kings 14:23-24). The swift mention of one king passing and another rising reminds us of the continual changes in human leadership, contrasted with God’s enduring sovereignty (Psalm 90:2).
When the verse says Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel (v.13), it places a great emphasis on Samaria, the capital city of the Northern Kingdom established under King Omri in the early 9th century BC. Samaria stood on a strategic hill, making it not only a political center but also a cultural stronghold for the kingdom. Being entombed alongside other kings in Samaria underscored Joash’s place in the dynasty of Israelite rulers, even though the Northern Kingdom often wavered in its commitment to the covenant made with the LORD (2 Chronicles 7:14). Despite political transitions and the complexities of Israel’s relationship with God, the Lord’s redemptive plan was in constant motion, ultimately culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Matthew 1:17).
This verse also reminds us how earthly rulers, no matter their accomplishments, share the common destiny of mortality. Joash, despite his victories and challenges, rested “with his fathers,” highlighting that earthly power is temporary and that reverence is due to the everlasting King of kings (1 Timothy 6:15). The quick shift to Jeroboam II’s reign indicates that while the names and personalities change, God’s purpose for His people endures. Through every generation, God continues extending mercy and calling His people back to Him, a theme seen repeatedly through both the Old and New Testaments (Hosea 11:1-4).
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2 Kings 13:13 meaning
So Joash slept with his fathers, and Jeroboam sat on his throne; and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel (v.13). This brief verse describes the succession of power in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. “Joash” here is another form of the name “Jehoash,” who ruled the ten tribes in Israel following his father, Jehoahaz, around 798-782 BC. By stating that “Joash slept with his fathers,” the text indicates he died and joined his ancestors, implying that his reign came to an end according to a natural cycle of kingship. “Jeroboam” who sat on his throne is Jeroboam II, the next king of Israel who ruled approximately 793-753 BC and oversaw a period of expanded territorial influence (2 Kings 14:23-24). The swift mention of one king passing and another rising reminds us of the continual changes in human leadership, contrasted with God’s enduring sovereignty (Psalm 90:2).
When the verse says Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel (v.13), it places a great emphasis on Samaria, the capital city of the Northern Kingdom established under King Omri in the early 9th century BC. Samaria stood on a strategic hill, making it not only a political center but also a cultural stronghold for the kingdom. Being entombed alongside other kings in Samaria underscored Joash’s place in the dynasty of Israelite rulers, even though the Northern Kingdom often wavered in its commitment to the covenant made with the LORD (2 Chronicles 7:14). Despite political transitions and the complexities of Israel’s relationship with God, the Lord’s redemptive plan was in constant motion, ultimately culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Matthew 1:17).
This verse also reminds us how earthly rulers, no matter their accomplishments, share the common destiny of mortality. Joash, despite his victories and challenges, rested “with his fathers,” highlighting that earthly power is temporary and that reverence is due to the everlasting King of kings (1 Timothy 6:15). The quick shift to Jeroboam II’s reign indicates that while the names and personalities change, God’s purpose for His people endures. Through every generation, God continues extending mercy and calling His people back to Him, a theme seen repeatedly through both the Old and New Testaments (Hosea 11:1-4).