John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. In the twenty and third year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah , etc.] The same year he was so zealous and busy in repairing the temple, ( 2 Kings 12:6), Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria ; whereas Joash began to reign in the seventh year of Jehu, and Jehu reigned but twenty eight years, ( 2 Kings 10:36), and ( 2 Kings 12:1), this could be but the twenty first of Joash; to reconcile which it must be observed, that it was at the beginning of the seventh year of Jehu that Joash began to reign, and at the beginning of the twenty third of Joash that Jehoahaz began to reign, as the Jewish commentators observe: and reigned seventeen years ; the two last of which were in common with his son, as Junius, (see 2 Kings 13:10) Ver. 2 . And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord , etc.] Committed idolatry: and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin ; worshipping the golden calves: he departed not therefrom ; from the worship of them.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people Jehoahaz, their king, in his distress, besought the Lord; applie himself for help, but not to the calves; what help could they give him He sought the Lord. See how swift God is to show mercy; how ready to hear prayer; how willing to find a reason to be gracious; else he woul not look so far back as the ancient covenant Israel had so ofte broken, and forfeited. Let this invite and engage us for ever to him and encourage even those who have forsaken him, to return and repent for there is forgiveness with him, that he may be feared. And if the Lord answer the mere cry of distress for temporal relief, much mor will he regard the prayer of faith for spiritual blessings.
Original Hebrew בשׁנת8141 עשׂרים6242 ושׁלשׁ7969 שׁנה8141 ליואשׁ3101 בן1121 אחזיהו274 מלך4428 יהודה3063 מלך4427 יהואחז3059 בן1121 יהוא3058 על5921 ישׂראל3478 בשׁמרון8111 שׁבע7651 עשׂרה6240 שׁנה׃8141
