This chapter brings us again to the history of the kings of Israel, and particularly of the family of Jehu. We have here an account of the reign, I. Of his son Jehoahaz, which continued seventeen years. 1. His bad character in general (ver. 1, 2), the trouble he was brought into (ver. 3), and the low ebb of his affairs, ver. 7. 2. His humiliation before God, and God's compassion towards him, ver. 4, 5, and 23. 3. His continuance in his idolatry notwithstanding, ver. 6. 4. His death, ver. 8, 9. II. Of his grandson Joash, which continued sixteen years. Here is a general account of his reign in the usual form (ver. 10-13), but a particular account of the death of Elisha in his time. 1. The kind visit the king made him (ver. 14), the encouragement he gave the king in his wars with Syria, ver. 15-19. 2. His death and burial (ver. 20), and a miracle wrought by his bones, ver. 21. And, lastly, the advantages Joash gained against the Syrians, according to his predictions, ver. 24, 25.
The Reign of Jehoahaz. (b. c. 839.)