2 Kings 13 continues the account of the divided kingdom of Israel. In the twenty-third year of Joash's reign over Judah, Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, became king over Israel in Samaria. Jehoahaz did evil in the sight of the Lord, and Israel suffered under the oppression of Hazael, the king of Syria. Jehoahaz sought the Lord's favor, and God heard his plea by sending a deliverer to save Israel from Syria's control.
Jehoahaz's son, Joash, succeeded him as king and reigned for sixteen years. Joash also did evil in the sight of the Lord, but the Lord showed mercy to Israel due to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. During Joash's reign, he engaged in battles against Syria, eventually recapturing cities from their control.
Joash's death is mentioned briefly, and he was succeeded by his son Jeroboam, who reigned for forty-one years. The chapter concludes with the passing of Elisha, the prophet, who was ill and visited by Joash before his death. Elisha prophesied that Israel would defeat Syria three times but expressed sorrow over the limited effort of Joash in striking the ground with arrows.