New International VersionThen Jehoahaz sought the LORD’s favor, and the LORD listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel.
New Living TranslationThen Jehoahaz prayed for the LORD’s help, and the LORD heard his prayer, for he could see how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel.
English Standard VersionThen Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him, for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them.
Berean Standard BibleThen 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.
King James BibleAnd Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.
New King James VersionSo Jehoahaz pleaded with the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.
New American Standard BibleThen Jehoahaz appeased the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them.
NASB 1995Then Jehoahaz entreated the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them.
NASB 1977Then Jehoahaz entreated the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them.
Legacy Standard BibleThen Jehoahaz entreated the face of Yahweh, and Yahweh listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them.
Amplified BibleBut Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them.
Christian Standard BibleThen Jehoahaz sought the LORD’s favor, and the LORD heard him, for he saw the oppression the king of Aram inflicted on Israel.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen Jehoahaz sought the LORD’s favor, and the LORD heard him, for He saw the oppression the king of Aram inflicted on Israel.
American Standard VersionAnd Jehoahaz besought Jehovah, and Jehovah hearkened unto him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how that the king of Syria oppressed them.
Contemporary English VersionJehoahaz prayed to the LORD for help, and the LORD saw how terribly Hazael was treating the Israelites. He answered Jehoahaz
English Revised VersionAnd Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, how that the king of Syria oppressed them.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen Jehoahaz pleaded with the LORD, and the LORD heard him because he saw how the Aramean king was oppressing Israel.
Good News TranslationThen Jehoahaz prayed to the LORD, and the LORD, seeing how harshly the king of Syria was oppressing the Israelites, answered his prayer.
International Standard VersionBut Jehoahaz sought the LORD, and the LORD paid attention to him, because the LORD had been watching the oppression that Israel was enduring from the king of Aram.
NET BibleJehoahaz asked for the LORD's mercy and the LORD responded favorably, for he saw that Israel was oppressed by the king of Syria.
New Heart English BibleJehoahaz begged the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how that the king of Aram oppressed them.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened to him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen 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.
World English BibleJehoahaz begged Yahweh, and Yahweh listened to him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jehoahaz appeases the face of YHWH, and YHWH listens to him, for He has seen the oppression of Israel, for the king of Aram has oppressed them—
Young's Literal Translation 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, --
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jehoahaz will supplicate the face of Jehovah, and Jehovah will hear to him, for he saw the oppression of Israel, for the king of Aram oppressed them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut 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:
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut Jehoahaz petitioned the face of the Lord, and the Lord heeded him. For he saw the anguish of Israel, because the king of Syria had oppressed them.
New American BibleThen Jehoahaz entreated the LORD, who heard him, since he saw the oppression to which the king of Aram had subjected Israel.
New Revised Standard VersionBut Jehoahaz entreated the LORD, and the LORD heeded him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Jehoahaz prayed before the LORD, and the LORD hearkened to him; for he saw the suffering of Israel, because the king of Aram oppressed them.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Yahuakhaz prayed before LORD JEHOVAH, and LORD JEHOVAH heard him because he saw the affliction of Israel with which the King of Edom oppressed them. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, how that the king of Aram oppressed them.--
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Joachaz besought the Lord, and the Lord hearkened to him, for he saw the affliction of Israel, because the king of Syria afflicted them.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jehoahaz Reigns in Israel… 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 Jehoahazsoughtthe favorof the LORD,and the LORDlistenedto himbecauseHe sawthe oppressionthat the kingof Aramhad inflictedon 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.…
Cross References Judges 3:9But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them.
Judges 10:10-16Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against You, for we have indeed forsaken our God and served the Baals.” / The LORD replied, “When the Egyptians, Amorites, Ammonites, Philistines, / Sidonians, Amalekites, and Maonites oppressed you and you cried out to Me, did I not save you from their hands? ...
1 Samuel 7:8-9and said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” / Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him.
1 Kings 8:47-50and when they come to their senses in the land to which they were taken, and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’ / and when they return to You with all their heart and soul in the land of the enemies who took them captive, and when they pray to You in the direction of the land that You gave to their fathers, the city You have chosen, and the house I have built for Your Name, / then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, their prayer and petition, and may You uphold their cause. ...
2 Chronicles 33:12-13And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. / And when he prayed to Him, the LORD received his plea and heard his petition. So He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.
Psalm 106:44-45Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note of their distress. / And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion.
Isaiah 19:22And the LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; He will strike them but heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and He will hear their prayers and heal them.
Hosea 5:15Then I will return to My place until they admit their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.”
Joel 2:12-14“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. / Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him—grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God.
Jonah 3:8-10Furthermore, let both man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and have everyone call out earnestly to God. Let each one turn from his evil ways and from the violence in his hands. / Who knows? God may turn and relent; He may turn from His fierce anger, so that we will not perish.” / When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them.
Matthew 7:7-8Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 21:22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Luke 11:9-10So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 18:13-14But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ / I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Acts 2:21And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Treasury of Scripture And Jehoahaz sought the LORD, and the LORD listened to him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. Jehoahaz Numbers 21:7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. Judges 6:6,7 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD… Judges 10:10 And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim. the Lord 2 Kings 14:26 For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel,that it was very bitter: forthere was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. Genesis 21:17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where heis. Exodus 3:7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people whichare in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; he saw Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebukedthee yesternight. Exodus 3:9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Isaiah 63:9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. because the king 2 Kings 13:22 But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. 2 Kings 14:26 For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel,that it was very bitter: forthere was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. Jump to Previous AppeasethAramBeggedBesoughtCruellyCrushedEarEntreatedFaceFavorHearkenedHearkenethIsraelJehoahazJeho'ahazLord'sOppressedOppressingOppressionPrayerSeverelySoughtSyriaJump to Next AppeasethAramBeggedBesoughtCruellyCrushedEarEntreatedFaceFavorHearkenedHearkenethIsraelJehoahazJeho'ahazLord'sOppressedOppressingOppressionPrayerSeverelySoughtSyria2 Kings 13 1.Jehoahaz's wicked reign3.Jehoahaz, oppressed by Hazael, is relieved by prayer8.Joash succeeds him10.His wicked reign12.Jeroboam succeeds him14.Elisha dying, prophesies to Joash three victories over the Syrians20.The Moabites invading the land, Elisha's bones raise a dead man.22.Joash gets three victories over Ben-hadadThen Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORDJehoahaz, the son of Jehu, was the king of Israel who reigned during a time of great distress due to the oppression by the Arameans. Seeking the favor of the LORD indicates a turning point where Jehoahaz acknowledges the need for divine intervention. This act of seeking God’s favor is reminiscent of other biblical figures who turned to God in times of trouble, such as King Hezekiah ( 2 Kings 19:1-4) and King David ( 1 Samuel 23:2). It reflects a moment of humility and recognition of God’s sovereignty, which is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. and the LORD listened to him
The LORD’s response to Jehoahaz’s plea demonstrates God’s mercy and willingness to listen to those who earnestly seek Him, even when they have previously turned away. This is consistent with God’s character as described in passages likePsalm 34:15, which states that the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry. It underscores the biblical principle that God is compassionate and responsive to repentance and genuine prayer. because He saw the oppression
God’s awareness of the oppression faced by Israel highlights His omniscience and concern for His people. The oppression by the Arameans was severe, reducing Israel’s military strength significantly (2 Kings 13:7). This phrase emphasizes God’s justice and His role as a deliverer for those who are suffering, aligning with His actions throughout the history of Israel, such as the deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 3:7-8). that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel
The king of Aram, likely Hazael or his son Ben-Hadad III, was a formidable adversary of Israel during this period. The Arameans were a constant threat, and their oppression was part of the divine judgment on Israel for their idolatry and disobedience (2 Kings 13:3). This historical context is crucial for understanding the cyclical nature of Israel’s relationship with God, characterized by periods of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The oppression serves as a backdrop for God’s redemptive work and foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who frees humanity from the oppression of sin. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoahazThe king of Israel who reigned during a time of great oppression by the Arameans. He is noted for seeking the LORD's favor despite the nation's general disobedience. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who listens to Jehoahaz's plea and responds with compassion, demonstrating His mercy and willingness to forgive. 3. The King of AramThe oppressor of Israel, whose actions led to the suffering of the Israelites, prompting Jehoahaz to seek divine intervention. 4. IsraelThe northern kingdom experiencing hardship and oppression due to their disobedience and the military campaigns of the Arameans. 5. OppressionThe suffering and hardship faced by Israel at the hands of the Arameans, which becomes a catalyst for Jehoahaz's prayer. Teaching Points The Power of PrayerJehoahaz's example shows that even in times of national disobedience, sincere prayer can move the heart of God. We are encouraged to seek God earnestly in our times of need. God's CompassionDespite Israel's unfaithfulness, God responds to their suffering with compassion. This teaches us about God's character as merciful and attentive to human distress. Repentance and Seeking GodJehoahaz's action of seeking the LORD suggests a turning point, reminding us of the importance of repentance and seeking God in difficult times. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe oppression by the Arameans and God's response highlight His control over nations and events, encouraging us to trust in His ultimate plan. Hope in OppressionThe passage offers hope that God sees and responds to oppression, encouraging believers to trust in His deliverance. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 13
Who was King Jehoahaz in biblical history?
2 Kings 13:25 – Are there any external historical or archaeological sources that verify Jehoash’s repeated conquests against Ben-Hadad, or does the Bible alone provide this narrative?
Who was King Jehoahaz in biblical history?
Do 2 Kings 13:7's figures of 50 horsemen and 10 chariots conflict with known military realities, or is there supporting archaeological evidence?(4) Besought.--Literally, stroked the face of; a metaphor which occurs in Exodus 32:11; 1Kings 13:6). And the Lord hearkened unto him.--Not, however, immediately. (See2Kings 13:7.) The Syrian invasions, which began under Jehu, were renewed again and again throughout the reign of Jehoahaz (2Kings 13:22), until the tide of conquest began to turn in the time of Joash (2Kings 13:15), whose incomplete victories (2Kings 13:17;2Kings 13:19;2Kings 13:25) were followed up by the permanent successes of his son Jeroboam II. (2Kings 14:25-28). . . . Verse 4. - And Jehoahaz besought the Lord; literally, besought the face of the Lord (comp. 1 Kings 13:6, and the comment ad loc.). Jehoahaz, as Josephus says, "betook him-serf to prayer and supplication of God, entreating that he would deliver him out of the hands of Hazael, and not suffer him to continue subject" ('Ant. Jud.,' 9:8. § 5). He did not turn from his sin of idolatry, perhaps did not suspect that it was this sin which had provoked God's anger; but in a general way he repented, humbled himself, and besought God's mercy and assistance. And the Lord hearkened unto him. God accepted his repentance, all imperfect as it was, so far as to save the people from the entire destruction with which it was threatened by the severe measures of Hazael (ver. 7), to continue the national existence (ver. 23), and ultimately to restore the national prosperity (ver. 25 and 2 Kings 14:25-27). But he did not remove the oppression, as Josephus imagines, in Jehoahaz's time. Ver. 22 makes this fact absolutely certain. For he saw the oppression of Israel, because the King of Syria oppressed them. Oppression is always hateful to God, even when he is using it as his instrument for chastising or punishing a guilty people. He "sees" it, notes it, lays it up in his remembrance for future retribution (camp. Exodus 3:7; Isaiah 10:5-12, etc.). (On the nature and extent of the oppression of this period, see ver. 7, and the comment ad loc.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Jehoahazיְהוֹאָחָ֖ז(yə·hō·w·’ā·ḥāz)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3059:Jehoahaz -- 'Yah has grasped', the name of several Israelitessoughtוַיְחַ֥ל(way·ḥal)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2470:To be weak or sickthe favorפְּנֵ֣י(pə·nê)Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The faceof the LORD,יְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israeland the LORDיְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israellistenedוַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע(way·yiš·ma‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyto himאֵלָיו֙(’ê·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tobecauseכִּ֤י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionHe sawרָאָה֙(rā·’āh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seethe oppressionלַ֣חַץ(la·ḥaṣ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3906:Oppression, distressthat the kingמֶ֥לֶךְ(me·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Aramאֲרָֽם׃(’ă·rām)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758:Aram -- Syriahad inflictedלָחַ֥ץ(lā·ḥaṣ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3905:To squeeze, press, oppresson Israel.יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
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OT History: 2 Kings 13:4 Jehoahaz begged Yahweh and Yahweh listened (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
