And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents ; i.e. "to their homes" (see the comment on 2 Kings 13:5 ). This was the first trial of strength between the two nations of which we have any distinct account. It resulted in the complete discomfiture of Israel. There was another great struggle in the time of Pekah and Ahaz, wherein Judah suffered even more severely (see 2 Chronicles 28:6-8 ). read more
And Jehoash King of Israel took Amaziah King of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah at Beth-shemesh —Josephus says ( l.s.c. ) that Amaziah was deserted by his troops, who were seized with a sudden panic and fled from the field— and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem. According to Josephus, Joash threatened his prisoner with death unless the gates of Jerusalem were opened to him, and his army admitted into the town; and it was upon Amaziah's representations... read more
Jehoash did not wait to be attacked. Invading Judaea from the west, and so ascending out of the low coast tract, he met the army of Amaziah at Beth-shemesh (see Joshua 19:21 note), about 15 miles from Jerusalem. read more
The author of Chronicles notes that Amaziah’s obstinacy, and his consequent defeat and captivity, were judgments upon him for an idolatry into which he had fallen after his conquest of Edom 2Ch 25:14, 2 Chronicles 25:20. read more
The object of breaking down the wall was to leave Jerusalem at the mercy of her rival; and it must have been among the conditions of the peace that the breach thus made should not be repaired.Gates in Oriental cities are named from the places to which they lead. The gate of Ephraim must therefore have been a north gate: perhaps also known, later on, by the name of the “gate of Benjamin” Jeremiah 37:13; Zechariah 14:10. The corner gate was probably a gate at the northwest angle of the city,... read more
2 Kings 14:11-12. Amaziah would not hear Being blinded and hardened by God to his destruction, as a punishment of his abominable and ridiculous idolatry, 2 Chronicles 25:10. Therefore Jehoash went up Namely, into the kingdom of Judah, carrying the war into his enemies’ country. At Beth-shemesh, which belongeth to Judah Which is added to distinguish it from Beth-shemesh in Issachar, and another in Naphtali. And Judah was put to the worse Their army being routed and dispersed. Josephus... read more
2 Kings 14:13-14. Jehoash took Amaziah king of Judah, &c. Amaziah’s pedigree comes in here somewhat abruptly. The son of Jehoash, the son of Ahaziah Because perhaps he had gloried in the dignity of his ancestors, or now smarted for their iniquity. And came to Jerusalem Which tamely opened to him; probably because he demanded entrance in Amaziah’s name, and with his consent. And brake down the wall of Jerusalem In reproach to them; and that he might, when he pleased, take... read more
13:1-17:41 HISTORY TO THE FALL OF ISRAELAfter the anti-Baal revolution (13:1-14:22)Jehu’s son Jehoahaz followed the sins of earlier Israelite kings, and so did his people. The Syrian attacks foreseen by Elisha were so severe that, had God not mercifully intervened, the whole population would have been left homeless and the entire army destroyed (13:1-9).The next king, Jehoash, learnt from Elisha that he would win three battles against Syria. He would have won more, had he not lacked faith in... read more
Beth-shernesh = house of the sun, on frontier of Judah and Dan, fifteen miles west of Jerusalem (Joshua 15:10 ). Now Ain Shems. A city of the priests (Joshua 21:9 , Joshua 21:13 , Joshua 21:16 ). Afterward associated with idolatry, and now with defeat. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 14:11
But Amaziah would not hear. The message of Joash was not conciliatory, but provocative. On hearing it, Amaziah (as Josephus says, 'Ant. Jud.,' 9.9. § 3) was the more spurred on to make his expedition. Therefore Jehoash King of Israel went up. "Joash," as Bahr says, "did not wait for the attack of Amaziah, but anticipated his movements, and carried the war into the enemy's country." Defensive warfare often requires such an Offensive movement. And he and Amaziah King of Judah looked one... read more