CHAPTER SUMMARIES & DEVOTIONS: 2 Kings

Read, study, and apply each chapter in 2 Kings as you read through the Scriptures. 

2 Kings 1: Ungodliness Leads to a Faithless End

Ahaziah, king of Israel, falls through a lattice and sends messengers to inquire of Baalzebub, the god of Ekron, about his recovery. Elijah intercepts the messengers and tells them that Ahaziah will die because he sought counsel from a false god instead of the Lord. Ahaziah sends soldiers to arrest Elijah, but fire from heaven consumes two groups. Finally, the king sends a third group, and Elijah goes with them to deliver God's message. Ahaziah dies as foretold, and Jehoram becomes king.

Trusting God is vital when facing decisions. Turning to false gods or worldly solutions will only lead us away from His will. Just as Ahaziah's fate is sealed by his choice to disregard God, our lives are shaped by the choices we make in seeking guidance. Let us look to the Lord, who alone holds the answers to life's deepest questions and avoid the false promises of this world.

2 Kings 2: Stepping with Confidence into God’s Purpose

Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha takes up his mantle as the new prophet. Elisha performs miracles, such as parting the Jordan River and healing the waters of Jericho. Some youths mock Elisha, whereupon he curses them in the name of the Lord. Two bears come out of the forest and maul 42 of them. Elisha continues his ministry in Israel, demonstrating God's power and authority through his actions.

God equips those He calls, for even human limitations do not bind His power. Just as Elisha steps into Elijah's role confidently, we, too, must step into the roles God has for us, knowing He will equip us for every task. We must respect God’s authority and demonstrate His power in our actions. Whether in leadership or service, God's purpose will be accomplished through faithful obedience.

2 Kings 3: Faith, Even in Desert Times

Jehoram, king of Israel, forms an alliance with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and the king of Edom to fight Moab. After traveling through the desert for seven days without water, they seek the prophet Elisha's guidance. Elisha promises that God will provide water and deliver Moab into their hands. The armies are victorious, and Moab is defeated. However, the king of Moab sacrifices his son to his god in desperation, leading Israel to retreat.

In times of trial and uncertainty, God’s provision and direction are sure. Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom faced a desperate situation, but they sought God through the prophet Elisha, and He provided. Similarly, we must turn to God in faith, trusting His ability to supply all our needs. Even in dire circumstances, God’s power is greater than any trial we face, and He will lead us through.

2 Kings 4: Trusting God’s Ability to Provide

Elisha performs miracles of provision and healing. First, he helps a widow by multiplying her oil to pay off her debts. Then, Elisha promises a child to a barren woman from Shunem, and the child is born. Later, the child dies, but Elisha raises him from the dead. Elisha also heals a pot of stew, making it safe to eat, and feeds 100 men with 20 loaves of bread, showing God's miraculous provision.

God’s provision and miracles reveal His care for His people. Just as Elisha’s acts were signs of God's power, we are called to trust in God's ability to provide for every need, even in impossible life situations. We can confidently approach God in prayer, knowing that He can work in miraculous ways to meet our needs and fulfill His purposes for us.

2 Kings 5: The Significance of Humility

Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, is healed of leprosy by Elisha after initially refusing to wash in the Jordan River as instructed. His pride almost keeps him from receiving God’s healing, but he eventually obeys. Elisha refuses Naaman's gifts, but Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, secretly takes them from Naaman and lies about them. Elisha confronts Gehazi, and he is struck with Naaman’s leprosy as a result.

Obedience to God's commands is crucial in receiving His blessings. Naaman’s healing came only after he humbled himself and followed God’s instructions, showing us that God’s ways are often different from our own. Pride and disobedience can lead to missed blessings, but humility and faith open the door to God’s healing and provision.

2 Kings 6: God’s Sovereignty Over Every Situation

Elisha performs more miracles, including making an axe head float and blinding an enemy army. The Syrians, under King Ben-Hadad, besiege Samaria, leading to a severe famine. Elisha prophesies that the siege will end, and it does when the Lord causes confusion among the Syrian army, causing them to flee. Israel is delivered, but the king’s officer who doubted Elisha’s prophecy is trampled to death in the chaos.

God’s sovereignty over every situation is evident in His miraculous intervention. Just as Elisha’s words are proven true, we can trust that God’s promises will be fulfilled in our lives. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, we can have confidence that God is at work, bringing His plans to fruition.

2 Kings 7: The Assurance of God’s Deliverance

Elisha's prophecy of ending the famine is fulfilled when four lepers discover the Syrian army’s abandoned camp. They report the news, and the Israelites plunder the camp, finding abundant food. The king’s officer who doubted Elisha’s prophecy is trampled as foretold. The famine ends, and Israel is restored, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His word.

God’s promises are sure, even when circumstances seem impossible. Just as Elisha’s prophecy was fulfilled despite doubt and fear, we must trust that God will keep His promises. Our faith is tested in times of scarcity, but God’s provision will always come in His perfect timing.

2 Kings 8:

2 Kings 11

2 Kings 21