3 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel , and He gave them continually e into the hand of Hazael king of Aram , and into the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael . 4 Then Jehoahaz entreated the favor of the Lord , and the Lord listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel , how the king of Aram oppressed them. 5 The Lord gave Israel a deliverer , so that they escaped from under the hand of the Arameans ; and the sons of Israel lived in their tents as formerly e . 6 Nevertheless they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam , with which he made Israel sin , but walked in them; and the Asherah also remained standing in Samaria . 7 For he left to Jehoahaz of the army not more e than e fifty horsemen and ten chariots and 10,000 e footmen , for the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:3-7
Commentary on 2 Kings 13:1-9
(Read 2 Kings 13:1-9)
It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people. Jehoahaz, their king, in his distress, besought the Lord; applied himself for help, but not to the calves; what help could they give him? He sought the Lord. See how swift God is to show mercy; how ready to hear prayer; how willing to find a reason to be gracious; else he would not look so far back as the ancient covenant Israel had so often broken, and forfeited. Let this invite and engage us for ever to him; and encourage even those who have forsaken him, to return and repent; for there is forgiveness with him, that he may be feared. And if the Lord answer the mere cry of distress for temporal relief, much more will he regard the prayer of faith for spiritual blessings.