Who was Jehoash?

Jehoash (also called Joash), whose name in Hebrew is יְהוֹאָשׁ (Yeho’ash), meaning “Yahweh has given,” was a king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He reigned during the 8th century B.C. and is primarily featured in 2 Kings 13:10-25. He was the son of King Jehoahaz and a successor in the line of Jehu. His reign is marked by military conflict with Aram (Syria), a prophetic encounter with Elisha, and a tense relationship with Amaziah, king of Judah.

Jehoash should not be confused with Jehoash of Judah, who reigned earlier and is recorded in 2 Kings 11-12. The Jehoash of 2 Kings 13 ruled in Israel, the northern kingdom.

Biblical References

• 2 Kings 13:10-25 – Main account of Jehoash’s reign and actions

• 2 Kings 14:8-16 – His war with Amaziah, king of Judah

• 2 Chronicles 25:17-24 – Parallel account of conflict with Amaziah

• 2 Kings 13:14-19 – His significant encounter with the prophet Elisha

Jehoash’s Reign and Deeds

Political and Religious Climate

Jehoash ruled Israel for 16 years during a time of spiritual decline. Like his father Jehoahaz and grandfather Jehu, he did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following in the sinful ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had led Israel into idolatry (2 Kings 13:11). Despite this, God‘s mercy remained evident during his reign due to the Lord’s covenant faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (2 Kings 13:23).

Victory Over Aram (Syria)

Jehoash inherited a weakened Israel, previously oppressed by Hazael of Aram. Nevertheless, he experienced military success and regained some territory, fulfilling the prophetic word of Elisha. Before Elisha’s death, Jehoash visited the prophet in a moment of humility and grief (2 Kings 13:14). Elisha instructed him to strike arrows on the ground, which he did only three times. Elisha was angered, declaring that his limited obedience would result in only three victories instead of complete victory over Aram (2 Kings 13:18–19). Still, Jehoash defeated Ben–Hadad three times and recovered cities previously taken from Israel (2 Kings 13:25).

War with Amaziah of Judah

Jehoash later clashed with Amaziah, king of Judah. When Amaziah arrogantly challenged him, Jehoash responded with a parable about a thistle and a cedar (2 Kings 14:9), warning him against overestimating his power. Jehoash then defeated Judah, captured Amaziah, destroyed part of Jerusalem’s wall, and took treasures from the temple and palace back to Samaria (2 Kings 14:13-14). This account demonstrates both Jehoash’s military prowess and the consequences of pride and presumption in leadership.

Lessons for Today’s Christians

Jehoash is a complex figure. His reign is one of partial obedience, mixed motives, and occasional humility. His visit to Elisha showed glimpses of reverence for God’s word, yet his overall reign continued the idolatry of his forefathers. For Christians today, Jehoash’s story reminds us of the danger of incomplete faith—doing some things right while ignoring God’s call to wholehearted devotion.

The scene with Elisha’s arrows is especially convicting: it teaches that lukewarm obedience can limit spiritual victory. When God gives us a word or opportunity, half-hearted responses may lead to missed blessings or partial victories. Obedience must be bold, faith-filled, and complete.

How Jehoash’s Story Points to Jesus

Though Jehoash was an imperfect king, his story helps highlight the need for a greater and perfect King—Jesus Christ, who reigns not only with power but with righteousness and complete submission to the will of the Father. Where Jehoash failed in leading Israel into true worship, Jesus succeeds as the faithful Son who brings His people back to God.

The encounter between Jehoash and Elisha foreshadows Christ’s interaction with those who come to Him in desperation. Elisha’s dying moment still brought forth a prophetic word and a measure of victory—how much more does Christ, who conquered death, offer fullness of victory to those who trust and obey Him completely?

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Mercy Despite Human Failure

Jehoash’s reign shows how God remains faithful even when His people are not. Though Jehoash did evil, the Lord did not destroy Israel because of His covenant with the patriarchs (2 Kings 13:23). This reflects the longsuffering mercy of God, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (Psalm 103:8-10; Romans 5:8).

2. The Power of God’s Word Through Prophets

Elisha’s final prophetic act teaches the continuing power of God’s Word, even in decline. God‘s Word is not limited by human circumstances. This connects to the broader biblical principle that “the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

3. Incomplete Obedience Limits Blessing

Jehoash’s story is a warning: partial obedience reflects a lack of faith. It echoes other examples in Scripture where limited trust hindered full blessing (e.g., Numbers 20:12; Matthew 14:30-31).

Reflection Questions

1. What does Jehoash’s story teach me about the importance of wholehearted obedience to God?

2. Are there areas in my life where I, like Jehoash, am only partially following God’s instructions?

3. How do I respond to God’s Word—casually or with faith-filled action?

4. In what ways do I see God’s mercy continuing in my life despite past failures?

5. How does Jehoash’s limited victory point me to the complete victory available in Jesus Christ?

Jehoash’s story is a cautionary yet hopeful account—revealing both the consequences of half-hearted devotion and the enduring mercy of God. It urges believers to seek Christ fully, obey completely, and trust in God’s power to bring true and lasting victory.