The Book of 2 Kings continues the historical narrative of Israel and Judah, focusing on the rulers who led the divided kingdoms after the reign of Solomon. It highlights the spiritual and moral decline of both nations, the ministry of prophets like Elijah and Elisha, and God’s ongoing call to repentance. The book demonstrates how covenant obedience brings blessings, while disobedience results in judgment. It concludes with the fall of Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon, emphasizing God’s justice and mercy. Through these events, 2 Kings reminds readers of the need for faithfulness and reliance on God’s sovereign plan.

 

PURPOSE: 2 Kings records the decline of Israel and Judah as they fall into idolatry, disobedience, and eventual exile, demonstrating the consequences of turning away from God. It highlights God’s faithfulness in sending prophets to call His people to repentance, even as He executes His righteous judgment.

 

AUTHOR: According to Jewish tradition, the authorship of 2 Kings is traditionally attributed to an unknown prophet, possibly Jeremiah (See 1 Kings Introduction for more detail). Written during the Babylonian exile, it recounts the fall of Israel and Judah. The book emphasizes God’s judgment on unfaithfulness while highlighting the prophets’ role in calling the people back to Him.

 

ADDRESSEE: It is written to the people of Israel and Judah.

 

DATE: The earliest date for the writing of 2 Kings is around 561 BC. This conclusion is based on internal evidence, as the book ends with the release of Jehoiachin from prison during the reign of Evil-Merodach of Babylon (2 Kings 25:27-30). Since this event occurred after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, the book could not have been completed before this time.

 

SETTING: 2 Kings continues the narrative of Israel’s and Judah’s history, beginning where 1 Kings ends. It spans approximately 300 years, from the death of Ahab (around 850 BC) to the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The book covers the reigns of various kings in both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, emphasizing their faithfulness or disobedience to God’s covenant.

 

The ministry of prophets, particularly Elisha, is prominently featured as they act as God’s messengers to confront kings, perform miracles, and call the people back to repentance. The book highlights the consequences of idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, leading to Israel’s exile by Assyria in 722 BC and Judah’s exile by Babylon in 586 BC. Ultimately, it demonstrates God’s justice and faithfulness to His promises, even in judgment.

 

KEY VERSES:

2 Kings 2:11, This verse highlights the miraculous transition of Elijah into heaven, emphasizing God’s power and the continuation of His work through Elisha.

“Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”

2 Kings 17:13, This verse underscores God’s patience and faithfulness in calling His people to repentance through His prophets.

“Yet the Lord testified against Israel and against Judah, by all of His prophets, every seer, saying, ‘Turn from your evil ways, and keep My commandments and My statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by My servants the prophets.’”

2 Kings 22:19, This verse reflects the humility and repentance of King Josiah, demonstrating the power of a contrite heart before God.

“‘Because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,’ says the Lord.”

BASIC STORYLINE & CHAPTER CONTENT:

 

Chapters 1–2: Elijah’s Ministry Ends, Elisha Succeeds

  1. Ahaziah’s death after seeking Baal-Zebub’s counsel; Elijah rebukes him (1).
  2. Elijah is taken to heaven in a chariot of fire; Elisha receives Elijah’s mantle and begins his ministry (2).

 

Chapters 3–8: Miracles and Ministry of Elisha

  1. Elisha advises Jehoram of Israel during his alliance with Judah and Edom to defeat Moab (3).
  2. Elisha performs miracles: providing oil for a widow, raising a Shunammite’s son, and purifying poisoned stew (4).
  3. Naaman is healed of leprosy; Gehazi is punished for greed (5).
  4. Elisha causes an iron ax head to float; he protects Israel through prophetic warnings (6).
  5. Elisha prophesies the end of a famine; God delivers Samaria from the Arameans (7).
  6. Elisha predicts Hazael’s rise in Syria and foretells doom for Israel; a famine strikes (8).

 

Chapters 9–10: Jehu’s Reign and Zeal

  1. Jehu is anointed king, killing Joram of Israel, Ahaziah of Judah, and Jezebel (9).
  2. Jehu eradicates Ahab’s family and Baal worship but fails to follow God fully (10).

 

Chapters 11–12: Restoration in Judah

  1. Athaliah seizes the throne; Joash is crowned king of Judah under Jehoiada’s guidance (11).
  2. Joash repairs the temple but later turns away from God (12).

 

Chapters 13–14: Decline and Partial Restoration

  1. Jehoahaz and Jehoash reign in Israel; Elisha dies, and Israel partially recovers (13).
  2. Amaziah of Judah defeats Edom but is later defeated by Israel (14).

 

Chapters 15–17: Political and Spiritual Decline

  1. Several kings of Israel and Judah reign with mixed obedience; Israel continues its decline (15).
  2. Ahaz of Judah adopts pagan practices and allies with Assyria (16).
  3. Assyria conquers Israel due to persistent idolatry; the people are exiled (17).

 

Chapters 18–20: Hezekiah’s Reforms and Deliverance

  1. Hezekiah of Judah implements reforms and trusts God during Assyria’s invasion (18).
  2. Hezekiah prays for deliverance; God defeats Assyria’s army (19).
  3. Hezekiah’s illness, miraculous recovery, and prideful display to Babylon (20).

 

Chapters 21–23: Manasseh, Josiah, and Judah’s Decline

  1. Manasseh and Amon lead Judah into idolatry (21).
  2. Josiah repairs the temple and discovers the Book of the Law (22).
  3. Josiah restores true worship and renews the covenant but cannot avert judgment (23).

 

Chapters 24–25: Fall of Judah

  1. Babylon invades Judah; Jehoiachin is taken captive (24).
  2. Babylon besieges and destroys Jerusalem; the people are exiled (25).