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.

2 KINGS 13:4KJV
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2 Kings 13:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 13:4 mean?

2 Kings 13:4 describes how Jehoahaz, the king of Israel, earnestly pleaded with the LORD for help, and the LORD listened to him because He saw how badly the king of Syria was oppressing Israel. The verse shows that God responded with compassion when He saw the suffering of His people under foreign oppression.

Jehoahaz is the king of Israel during a time when the nation is being harshly treated by the king of Syria. The verse records Jehoahaz turning to the LORD (the God of Israel) in prayer, seeking relief from this hardship. The focus is on God's awareness of Israel's suffering and His willingness to listen and respond when His people call out to Him in distress.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 13:4

  • "besought" — חָלָה (chalah): This word often means to become weak or sick, but here it carries the sense of earnestly pleading or seeking favor, showing Jehoahaz's desperation and humility before God.
  • "hearkened" — שָׁמַע (shama‘): This word means to listen or pay attention, but it often implies not just hearing, but responding favorably. The verse emphasizes that God did not ignore Jehoahaz’s plea.
  • "oppression" — לַחַץ (lachats): This word refers to severe pressure or distress, highlighting the intensity of the suffering Israel was experiencing under Syrian rule.
  • "oppressed" — לָחַץ (lachats): This is the verb form, meaning to press or afflict, reinforcing the ongoing and active nature of Syria’s harsh treatment of Israel.

Why 2 Kings 13:4 matters

  • The verse clarifies that even flawed leaders like Jehoahaz can turn to God in times of trouble, and God may still respond with mercy.
  • It highlights that God is attentive to the suffering of His people, not just to their leaders or their obedience, but to their real-life hardships.
  • This verse sets the stage for the following events, showing that God’s intervention is motivated by compassion for Israel’s suffering, not necessarily by their faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“oppression” Hebrew H3906 · used in 10 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:26 And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.
  • Psalms 43:2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

“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 13:22 But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.

“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 13:22 But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.
  • 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.

“besought” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 48:1 And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
  • 2 Kings 20:12 At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.
  • Isaiah 39:1 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.