But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.

2 KINGS 13:22KJV
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2 Kings 13:22 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 13:22 mean?

2 Kings 13:22 means that Hazael, the king of Syria, continually pressured and troubled the people of Israel throughout the entire reign of King Jehoahaz. The verse highlights a period when Israel was under constant threat and hardship because of this foreign king’s actions.

This statement appears in a historical section of 2 Kings, where the writer is describing the challenges faced by Israel during Jehoahaz’s rule. Hazael was a powerful enemy who repeatedly attacked and dominated Israel, making life very difficult for its people. The verse sets the stage for understanding why Israel was in such a weakened and desperate state during this time.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 13:22

  • "Oppressed" (לָחַץ, lachats): This word means to press, squeeze, or put pressure on. In this context, it often refers to harsh treatment or prolonged hardship, emphasizing that Hazael’s actions were not just occasional raids but a steady, ongoing burden for Israel.
  • "Days" (יָמִים, yamim): This word means "days," but here it refers to the entire period or reign of Jehoahaz, stressing that the oppression lasted the whole time he was king.

Why 2 Kings 13:22 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Israel’s suffering under Hazael was not a brief episode but a long-term reality, which helps explain the weakened state of Israel in the following verses.
  • By naming Hazael and Syria specifically, the verse connects this oppression to earlier prophecies and stories about Syria’s rise and its impact on Israel.
  • The focus on Jehoahaz’s entire reign shows that the problems Israel faced were persistent and not easily resolved, setting up the need for later deliverance described in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“oppressed” Hebrew H3905 · used in 18 verses

  • Exodus 3:9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
  • Judges 2:18 And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.
  • 2 Kings 13:4 And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.

“Jehoahaz” Hebrew H3059 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Kings 10:35 And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 13:10 In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.
  • 2 Kings 23:34 And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.

“Hazael” Hebrew H2371 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Kings 19:15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
  • 2 Kings 8:15 And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 12:18 And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.

“Syria” Hebrew H758 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
  • 1 Kings 22:35 And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:23 And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.