Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Kings 13:25

"And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash smite him, and recovered the cities of Israel." — 2 Kings 13:25 (ASV)

The cities, which he had taken — that is, which Hazael had taken. The cities referred to must have been cities on the west of Jordan (compare 2 Kings 13:3; 2 Kings 13:7), for the trans-Jordan had been subdued by Hazael in the time of Jehu (2 Kings 10:32 and following). Jeroboam II, the son of Joash, restored the ancient boundaries of Israel (2 Kings 14:25).

By war. — or, in the war.

Beat him. — rather, smite him (2 Kings 13:19).