Jehoash of Israel
12th King of Israel
798–782 BC
Father
Jehoahaz of Israel
Children
Jeroboam II
Biography
Jehoash (also called Joash) continued in the sins of Jeroboam but is remarkable for the poignant scene of his visit to the dying Elisha. He wept over the prophet, calling him "My father, my father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" — the same words Elisha had spoken at Elijah's departure. Elisha told him to shoot an arrow out the window — the arrow of the LORD's deliverance from Syria. Then he told Jehoash to strike the ground with the arrows. He struck only three times and stopped. Elisha was angry: had he struck five or six times he would have completely destroyed Syria, but as it was he would only defeat them three times. He indeed won three victories over Syria. When Amaziah of Judah challenged him, he responded with the parable of the thistle and the cedar, warning Amaziah not to press his luck. Amaziah refused to listen, was defeated at Beth-shemesh, and Jehoash broke down 400 cubits of Jerusalem's wall and plundered the Temple.
Key Events
Came to the dying Elisha weeping; Elisha gave him the arrow of deliverance and told him to strike the ground
Struck the ground only three times, disappointing Elisha — limiting his victories to three rather than complete destruction of Syria
Won back three cities from Ben-hadad, fulfilling the three-strike prophecy
A dead man thrown into Elisha's tomb came back to life when he touched Elisha's bones — after Jehoash's reign context
Defeated Amaziah at Beth-shemesh; broke down 400 cubits of Jerusalem's wall and plundered the Temple
Spiritual Significance
Jehoash's incomplete striking of the arrows is a profound parable about the relationship between our passion and God's provision. God's power is unlimited; our limited enthusiasm limits what we receive. Half-hearted engagement with divine promises yields partial results.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Military victories against Syria, realistic assessment of Amaziah's challenge, some genuine emotion at Elisha's deathbed
Weaknesses
Continued Jeroboam's idolatry, limited spiritual engagement, plundered the Temple of Judah
Lessons
Our level of spiritual intensity determines the extent of God's response within His purposes. Jehoash received what his limited enthusiasm called for — three victories instead of total deliverance. God honors our asking, but also limits it to the measure of our faith and passion.
Related Characters
Jehoahaz of Israel
Father and predecessor
Elisha
Prophet he visited on his deathbed
Jeroboam II
Son and successor
Amaziah
King of Judah he defeated
Ben-hadad
Syrian king he defeated three times