Thirteen different kings are dealt with in chapters 11--16. Five of them were from Judah and eight from Israel. In chapter 13 we cover the life of Jehoash. In the first nine verses we read of Jehoahaz, Jehoash's father. Do not confuse this Jehoash with Joash, the young king we read about yesterday. This Jehoash was king of Israel and did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.
Chapter 13 records the death of Elisha. Elisha was God's giant in the midst of a wicked nation. If Israel had listened to Elisha, all her failures and defeats could have been averted. The scoffers and idolaters hated Elisha and caused the nation to ignore his message. They thought he was a man of no importance; what they did not realize was that he was God's man for that time. The most important man in any town is not the mayor, the political leader, or the multi-millionaire. The most important man in any city is God's man who faithfully preaches the Word and leads the local church to spiritual victories. Too often, this man is despised, as was Elisha in his day.
Chapter 14 records the reign of Amaziah. This king got off to a good start by obeying the Lord and avenging the murder of his father, Joash. He was faithful and obedient and God gave him great victories in Edom. However, II Chronicles 25:14-16 records that he brought back the heathen gods of Edom and worshipped them. We see in King Amaziah pride and idolatry. Proverbs 16:18 tells us, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Had Amaziah been true to the Lord and followed His leadership, Judah would not have been defeated and Jerusalem would not have been partially destroyed.
