Jehoahaz and Jehoash: The crisis of 2 Kings 9–11 is past. A descendant of David once more sits on the throne of Judah, and a new house governs Israel, with security of tenure until the fourth generation (10:30). We anticipate a period of relative calm within the two countries, even if not in their relations with other countries (cf. 8:12; 10:32–33; 12:17–18). Chapter 13 unfolds much as expected, updating us on events in Israel during the reigns of the two Israelite kings who acceded during the reign of Joash in Judah (cf. the analogous situation in 1 Kings, where the account of Asa’s reign in 15:9–24 is followed by all the happenings of 15:25–22:40). Both kings hold on to their thrones all their days, and both survive (if only just) the Aramean onslaught. Yet there are hints now of a darke…