What does 2 Kings 13:25 mean?
"And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel." - 2 Kings 13:25

The Bible verse 2 Kings 13:25 in the King James Version reads, "And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel."
This verse is part of the historical account of the reign of Jehoash (also known as Joash) as the king of Israel. It is a part of the historical narrative found in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 1 and 2 Kings, which detail the history of the Israelites and God's dealings with them.
The context of 2 Kings 13:25 is that King Jehoash was able to recover the cities of Israel that had been taken by King Benhadad, the son of Hazael, through war. This victory was not just a one-time event, but rather, Jehoash defeated Benhadad three times, signifying a significant and decisive victory.
One of the themes present in this verse is the theme of divine deliverance and God's faithfulness. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous instances where God intervenes on behalf of his people, delivering them from their enemies and granting them victory. In this context, we see God's faithfulness to the people of Israel as he grants them success in battle and enables them to regain what was taken from them. This serves as a reminder that God is always present and active in the lives of his people, providing them with the strength and ability to overcome their enemies.
Another theme present in this verse is the theme of leadership and responsibility. King Jehoash, as the leader of Israel, played a crucial role in leading the nation in battle and reclaiming the cities that had been lost. His actions demonstrate the importance of strong and capable leadership, as well as the responsibility that comes with it. This serves as a reminder that those in positions of authority are called to act with courage and determination in the face of opposition, and to take action to protect and advance the well-being of those under their care.
Symbolism can also be found in this verse, particularly in the repeated number three. The fact that Jehoash defeated Benhadad three times highlights the completeness and finality of the victory. In biblical numerology, the number three often represents completeness, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus after three days and nights in the tomb. Therefore, the repetition of the victory three times symbolizes the thorough and complete nature of God's deliverance and triumph over the enemies of Israel.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 13:25 in the King James Version offers a powerful message about divine deliverance, leadership, and the symbolism of victory. It reminds us of God's faithfulness in granting victory to his people, the important role of leadership and responsibility, and the symbolic significance of the number three in representing completeness and finality. This verse serves as a source of encouragement and inspiration for believers, reminding us of God's power and provision in the face of adversity.
Have questions about 2 Kings 13:25?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Kings 13:25 Artwork
2 Kings 13:25 - "And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel."
"And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel." - 2 Kings 13:25
2 Kings 25:13 - "And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon."
2 Kings 25:2 - "And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah."
2 Kings 13:13 - "And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 21:25 - "Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 25:28 - "And he spake kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon;"
2 Kings 2:25 - "And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria."
2 Kings 25:12 - "But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen."
Proverbs 25:2 - "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter."
2 Kings 25:20 - "And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:"
1 Kings 13:25 - "And, behold, men passed by, and saw the carcase cast in the way, and the lion standing by the carcase: and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet dwelt."
Jeremiah 25:25 - "And all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes,"
"And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah." - 2 Kings 25:2
2 Kings 25:3 - "And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land."
2 Kings 25:6 - "So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him."
2 Kings 25:14 - "And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away."
2 Kings 25:1 show King Nebuchadnezzar and the army and the Temple
2 Kings 25:1 show King Nebuchadnezzar in war zone
1 Kings 2:25 - "And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died."
2 Kings 13:22 - "¶ But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz."
2 Kings 25:10 - "And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about."
2 Kings 25:18 - "¶ And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:"
2 Kings 25:15 - "And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away."
2 Chronicles 25:26 - "Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?"
2 Kings 13:8 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
Jehoiachin is released from Babylonian jail 2 kings 25: 27
2 Kings 8:25 - "¶ In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign."
2 Kings 25:26 - "And all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the armies, arose, and came to Egypt: for they were afraid of the Chaldees."
2 Kings 25:30 - "And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life."