Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Kings 13:5

"(And Jehovah gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians; and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents as beforetime." — 2 Kings 13:5 (ASV)

A saviour. —Jeroboam II, the grandson of Jehoahaz, a vigorous and successful sovereign, of whom it is said that Jehovah saved Israel by his hand (2 Kings 14:27).

They went out from under the hand. —Referring to the oppressive supremacy of Syria. From these words, and from those of 2 Kings 13:22, it would appear that Israel was tributary to Syria during some part of this period.

Dwelt in their tents —that is, in the open country. In time of war they were obliged to take refuge in strongholds and fortified cities.

As before time. —See Note on 1 Chronicles 11:2; Genesis 31:2.