2 Kings 13:4
2 Kings 13:4 in Multiple Translations
Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel.
And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.
And Jehoahaz besought Jehovah, and Jehovah hearkened unto him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how that the king of Syria oppressed them.
Then Jehoahaz made prayer to the Lord, and the Lord gave ear to him, for he saw how cruelly Israel was crushed by the king of Aram.
Jehoahaz asked the Lord for help, and the Lord responded to his request because he saw how badly the king of Aram was treating Israel.
And Iehoahaz besought the Lord, and the Lord heard him: for he saw the trouble of Israel, wherewith the King of Aram troubled them.
And Jehoahaz appeaseth the face of Jehovah, and Jehovah hearkeneth unto him, for He hath seen the oppression of Israel, for oppressed them hath the king of Aram, —
Jehoahaz begged the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them.
And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened to him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.
But Joachaz besought the face of the Lord, and the Lord heard him: for he saw the distress of Israel, because the king of Syria had oppressed them:
Then Jehoahaz prayed to Yahweh for help, and Yahweh heeded him, because he saw that the army of the king of Syria was oppressing the Israelis.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 13:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 13:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְחַ֥ל
יְהוֹאָחָ֖ז
אֶת
פְּנֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֤ע
אֵלָי/ו֙
יְהוָ֔ה
כִּ֤י
רָאָה֙
אֶת
לַ֣חַץ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
כִּֽי
לָחַ֥ץ
אֹתָ֖/ם
מֶ֥לֶךְ
אֲרָֽם
וַ/יְחַ֥ל
châlâh
H2470
be weak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹאָחָ֖ז
Yᵉhôwʼâchâz
H3059
Ahaziah
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רָאָה֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
לַ֣חַץ
lachats
H3906
oppression
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לָחַ֥ץ
lâchats
H3905
to oppress
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
אֲרָֽם
ʼĂrâm
H758
Aram
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 13:4
וַ/יְחַ֥ל
châlâh
H2470
"be weak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To beg or entreat means to ask or pray for something, often with a sense of weakness or sickness, like when someone is grieving or in pain.
Definition: : weak/disabled 1) to be or become weak, be or become sick, be or become diseased, be or become grieved, be or become sorry 1a) (Qal) to be weak, be sick 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to be or become weak, feel weak 1b2) to become sick, become ill 1c) (Niphal) 1c1) to make oneself sick 1c2) to be made sick 1c3) to be tired 1d) (Pual) to be made weak, become weak 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself sick 1f) (Hiphil) 1f1) to make sore 1f2) to make sick 1f3) to show signs of sickness, become sick 1f4) to grieve 1g) (Hophal) 1g1) to be made sick 1g2) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, [idiom] pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit ([idiom] supplication), woman in travail, be (become) weak, be wounded. See also: Genesis 48:1; Psalms 119:58; Psalms 35:13.
יְהוֹאָחָ֖ז
Yᵉhôwʼâchâz
H3059
"Ahaziah"
N-proper
Jehoachaz was a king of Judah, son of Jehoram and Athaliah, and father of Joash. His name means Jehovah has seized, and he is also referred to as Ahaziah.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.8.24; son of: Jehoram (H3088) and Athaliah (H6271); brother of: Jehosheba (H3089); married to Zibiah (H6645); father of: Joash (H3101I); also called Jehoahaz at 2Ch.21.17; Another name of a.chaz.yah (אֲחַזְיָ֫הוּ "Ahaziah" H0274H) § Jehoahaz = "Jehovah has seized" 1) a king of Judah and son of Josiah 2) a king of the northern kingdom of Israel and son of Jehu 3) a king of Judah and son of Jehoram (Ahaziah)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Jehoahaz. Compare H3099 (יוֹאָחָז). See also: 2 Kings 10:35; 2 Kings 14:8; 2 Chronicles 36:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רָאָה֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לַ֣חַץ
lachats
H3906
"oppression"
N-ms
Oppression is when someone is treated unfairly or cruelly, often by those in power. It can cause distress and suffering for the person being oppressed.
Definition: oppression, distress, pressure
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: affliction, oppression. See also: Exodus 3:9; Job 36:15; Psalms 42:10.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לָחַ֥ץ
lâchats
H3905
"to oppress"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To oppress means to treat someone unfairly or cruelly, often by using power or force. This can include squeezing or pressing someone to get what you want.
Definition: 1) to squeeze, press, oppress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to squeeze, press 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Niphal) to squeeze oneself
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: afflict, crush, force, hold fast, oppress(-or), thrust self. See also: Exodus 3:9; 1 Samuel 10:18; Psalms 56:2.
אֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֲרָֽם
ʼĂrâm
H758
"Aram"
N-proper
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Definition: Aram or Arameans = "exalted" Aram or Syrian nation Another name of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307)
Usage: Occurs in 118 OT verses. KJV: Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians. See also: Genesis 10:22; 2 Kings 8:28; Isaiah 7:1.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 13:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 13:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 13:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 13:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:4
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 13:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:4
- Sermons on 2 Kings 13:4
Context — Jehoahaz Reigns in Israel
2And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and followed the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them.
3So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them continually into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-hadad.
4Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel.
5So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped the power of the Arameans. Then the people of Israel lived in their own homes as they had before. 6Nevertheless, they did not turn away from the sins that the house of Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit, but they continued to walk in them. The Asherah pole even remained standing in Samaria.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 14:26 | For the LORD saw that the affliction of the Israelites, both slave and free, was very bitter. There was no one to help Israel, |
| 2 | Exodus 3:7 | The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. |
| 3 | Psalms 78:34 | When He slew them, they would seek Him; they repented and searched for God. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 33:3 | Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know. |
| 5 | Exodus 3:9 | And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them. |
| 6 | Isaiah 63:9 | In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. |
| 7 | Genesis 21:17 | Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. |
| 8 | Psalms 50:15 | Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
| 9 | Judges 10:15–16 | “We have sinned,” the Israelites said to the LORD. “Deal with us as You see fit; but please deliver us today!” So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD, and He could no longer bear the misery of Israel. |
| 10 | Numbers 21:7 | Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD so He will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses interceded for the people. |
2 Kings 13:4 Summary
[This verse shows that even when we are not living as we should, God is still willing to hear our cries for help and show us mercy. When Jehoahaz sought God's favor, God listened to him because He saw the suffering of the Israelites. This reminds us that God is a compassionate and loving Father, who wants to help us in our times of need, just like a parent wants to comfort their child (as seen in Matthew 7:9-11). By seeking God's favor and trusting in His sovereignty, we can experience His deliverance and peace, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God listen to Jehoahaz's plea for help?
God listened to Jehoahaz because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel, demonstrating His compassion for those who are suffering, as seen in Exodus 3:7-8 where God heard the cries of the Israelites in slavery.
What can we learn from Jehoahaz's actions in this verse?
We learn that even in the midst of sin and disobedience, God is willing to hear our cries for help and show us mercy, just as He did with the prodigal son in Luke 15:20-24.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse shows that God's sovereignty is not limited by human sin or rebellion, and that He can work through any situation to bring about His will, as stated in Romans 8:28.
What is the significance of the phrase 'sought the favor of the LORD'?
This phrase indicates a humble and repentant attitude, recognizing God's power and authority, similar to what we see in 2 Chronicles 7:14 where God calls His people to humble themselves and seek His face.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am experiencing oppression or hardship, and how can I seek God's favor in those situations?
- How can I demonstrate a humble and repentant heart before God, like Jehoahaz did in this verse?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and compassion, even when faced with difficult circumstances?
- What does this verse teach me about God's character and His desire to help those who are suffering?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 13:4
And Jehoahaz besought the Lord, and the Lord hearkened unto him,.... He did not apply in his distress to the calves he worshipped, but to the Lord; who had a regard to his prayer, not for his sake,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 13:4
And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:4
The Lord hearkened unto him; not for his sake, for God regards not the prayers of the wicked and impenitent, 15:8; but for other reasons, expressed below, . He saw, i.e. he observed it with care and compassion. The oppression of Israel; his chosen and once beloved people. He now helps them, because of his former and ancient kindness to them. The king of Syria oppressed them, to wit, very grievously, as it is expressed, . So that he helped them not for their own sakes, but because of the rage of their enemies, and their blasphemies, which doubtless accompanied it. See .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:4
2 Kings 13:4 And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.Ver. 4. And Jehoahaz besought the Lord.] Affliction exciteth devotion, as blowing doth the fire; whereas rarae fumant felicibus arae. Jehoahaz was now brought very low by the Syrians, else God had not been thought on or sought unto.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:4
(4) Besought.—Literally, stroked the face of; a metaphor which occurs in Exodus 32:11; 1 Kings 13:6). And the Lord hearkened unto him.—Not, however, immediately. (See 2 Kings 13:7.) The Syrian invasions, which began under Jehu, were renewed again and again throughout the reign of Jehoahaz (2 Kings 13:22), until the tide of conquest began to turn in the time of Joash (2 Kings 13:15), whose incomplete victories (2 Kings 13:17; 2 Kings 13:19; 2 Kings 13:25) were followed up by the permanent successes of his son Jeroboam II. (2 Kings 14:25-28). The parenthesis marked in 2 Kings 13:5 really begins, therefore, with the words, “And the Lord hearkened.” The historian added it by way of pointing out that although the prayer of Jehoahaz did not meet with immediate response, it was not ultimately ineffectual. For he saw the oppression.—Comp. Exodus 3:7; Deuteronomy 26:7. The king of Syria.—Intentionally general, so as to include both Hazael and Ben-hadad III., his son (2 Kings 13:24).
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 13:4
4. Jehoahaz besought the Lord, and the Lord hearkened unto him] Just as in the case of punishment God does not always visit at once, even though an Ahab have sold himself to work wickedness, so in the case of mercy, the intervention of Jehovah is postponed to another generation. The Syrians are allowed to oppress Israel all the days of Jehoahaz, though we are told that his prayer had been heard. In the days of Jehoash, the next successor, some alleviation was afforded by the victories of that king over Benhadad (2 Kings 13:25), but it was not, as it seems, till the following generation that the full answer to the prayer came.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:4
4. Jehoahaz besought the Lord — The oppression of the Syrian kings humbled his spirit, and led Jehovah to give temporary deliverance; but there was no reformation deep enough to lead to any permanent or great results.
Sermons on 2 Kings 13:4
| Sermon | Description | |
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Apostolic Commission by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not panicking or feeling overwhelmed when trying to understand the message of God. He encourages the audience to take what |
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(Exodus) Exodus 3:3-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush. He highlights the significance of Moses being instructed to take off his shoes as a |
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Nothingness - the Place of Humility by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and his call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The speaker emphasizes how Moses initially felt inadequate and unworthy f |
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The Exodus - From Egypt to Canaan - Sermon 1 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that all of humanity is under the domination of Satan due to sin. The power of Satan lies in sin, which gives him the ability to act as a ja |
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(1 Samuel) a Prophet Speaks to the Nation by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of looking at the big picture of our walk with God. He uses the example of Samuel addressing the people of Israel and reminding |
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Spiritual Awakening by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of God's spirit over human strength. He uses examples from the Bible, such as David facing Goliath and Moses confronting Pharaoh, t |
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Yoked With Christ by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the heavy burden that the Israelites carried while wandering in the wilderness. He compares their physical burden to the burden of sin that |