2 Kings 13:25 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jehoash defeats Benhadad in three battles and recovers the cities of Israel that Syria had seized, fulfilling Elisha's prophecy.
The Context of 2 Kings 13:25
This verse completes the cycle of promise and fulfillment that began with Elisha's prophecy. The king who had struck the arrows only three times will now achieve exactly three victories, recovering the territory Israel had lost. Jehoash is also called Joash, his shortened name.
What Does 2 Kings 13:25 Mean?
The young king, who once hesitated and struck the arrows with uncertain faith, now stands in victory. Three times he brings his army against Benhadad, and three times the enemy falls back. Each victory restores cities to Israel, reclaiming the land that Hazael had conquered. The prophecy is fulfilled precisely as Elisha spoke it. The number is exact: three battles, three victories, three times restored. There is no leftover oppression, no partial recovery, only the exact measure of blessing that corresponds to the king's faith.
This is the vindication of Elisha's teaching. The prophet had said that the number of times the king struck would determine the extent of his victory. Now we see that word come to pass. God's promises are not vague or conditional on circumstances beyond our control. They are precise, measurable, and will come to pass exactly as spoken. When we step forward in faith, no matter how hesitantly, God honors our faith and brings His word to completion.
2 Kings 13:25 in the Original Language
natzal (נצל), 'took again' or 'rescued' -- to snatch away, to deliver from an enemy's hand
How to Apply 2 Kings 13:25 Today
Claim the promises God has made to you. Stand in faith, even if your faith seems small, and God will bring those promises to completion with precision and generosity. Your inheritance is secure because it rests on God's word, not on your strength or circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 13:25
What does 2 Kings 13:25 mean?
Jehoash defeats Benhadad in three battles and recovers the cities of Israel that Syria had seized, fulfilling Elisha's prophecy.
What is the context of 2 Kings 13:25?
This verse completes the cycle of promise and fulfillment that began with Elisha's prophecy. The king who had struck the arrows only three times will now achieve exactly three victories, recovering the territory Israel had lost. Jehoash is also called Joash, his shortened name.
How can I apply 2 Kings 13:25 today?
Claim the promises God has made to you. Stand in faith, even if your faith seems small, and God will bring those promises to completion with precision and generosity. Your inheritance is secure because it rests on God's word, not on your strength or circumstances.