In this message we will consider the reigns of Jehoahaz, Jehoash, and Jeroboam over Israel and the reign of Amaziah over Judah.
Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, began to reign in the twenty-third year of Jehoash (Joash) and reigned for seventeen years (13:1).
Jehoahaz did what was evil in the sight of Jehovah and followed after the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat by which he caused Israel to sin. Jehoahaz did not turn away from them (v. 2).
The anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel, and He gave them continually into the hand of Hazael king of Syria and into the hand of his son Ben-hadad. They destroyed Israel and made them like the dust at the threshing, leaving to Jehoahaz not more than fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers (vv. 3, 7, 22-24).
Jehoahaz entreated Jehovah, and Jehovah gave Israel a deliverer. However, they did not depart from the sins of the house of Jeroboam but walked in them and kept Asherah in Samaria (vv. 4-6).
Jehoahaz slept with his fathers and was buried in Samaria (vv. 8-9a).