Daily Tanach Monday 10h Adar Sefer Melachim 2 Chapter 13 Part 2: The reign of Yoash, the son of Yehoachaz

1. The reign of Yoash, the son of Yehoachaz:

• The years of reign of Yoash: Yoash, the son of Yehoachaz, reigned over the kingdom of Israel in the city of Shomron in the thirty-seventh year of Yoash the king of Yehudah. He reigned over Israel for a total of sixteen years.
• His deeds: Yoash performed that which was evil in the eyes of Hashem, as he followed in the ways of sin of Yeravam the son of Nevat.
• His legacy: The remaining events of Yoash and all that he accomplished and did is written in the book of chronicles of the kings of Israel. The battles that he fought with Amatziah the king of Yehudah are also written there.
• His death and burial: Yoash passed away and was buried together with his ancestors in the city of Shomron, together with all the other kings of Israel.
• His successor: Yeravam [the son of Yoash^[1]] sat on his throne after him [and became the successor of the monarchy].

2. The passing of Elisha the prophet:

• Elisha become sick: Elisha the prophet became ill with the illness from which he would eventually pass away.
• Yoash, king of Israel, goes down to visit Elisha: Yoash, the king of Israel, went down to visit Elisha. The king wept on his face, and said, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its riders.”
• Elisha gives the king a sign that he will be successful against Aram: Elisha instructed Yoash to grab a bow and arrow. After the king brought a bow and arrow Elisha told him to place his hand on the bow and then Elisha placed his hands on the king’s hands. Elisha then instructed the king to open the window to the east [opposite the nation of Aram^[2]], and he opened it. Elisha then told him to shoot the arrow and he shot it. Elisha saw that the shot was successful, and proceeded to tell the king that this is a sign from G-d that he will give them salvation and victory over the nation of Aram, and that he will successfully strike the Arameans in the city of Afek until they are completely annihilated.
• A further omen is given to the king although he fails to properly utilize it: Elisha then told the king to once again take the arrows and to use them to strike at the ground. The king thus took the arrows and struck three times on the ground and then stopped. Elisha the prophet became angered with the king telling him that if he would have struck the ground 5 to 6 times, then he would’ve been successful in striking Aram until they were completely annihilated. However, now that he only struck the ground three times, he will only be successful in striking the Arameans three times, and will not completely annihilate them.

[1] Rashi 13:13

[2] Rashi 13:17