How to Read 2 Kings
The first eight chapters of 2 Kings, full of excitement and adventure, read easily. They focus on the last days of the prophet Elijaah and on the long life of his successor Elisha. But beginning with chapter 9, the book can become very confusing. It switches back and forth between two histories: that of Israel in the North and Judah in the South.
Israel was strong initially, with 10 of the 12 tribes united there. But it proved less faithful to God and was ultimately destroyed by Assyria. Chapters 18-25 cover the period after the Assyrian invasion, when only Judah existed.
One important reason for studying the books of Kings and Chronicles is that they give historical background on the prophets. Elijah and Elisha appeared at a crucial turning point in the history of the Northern Kingdom, just as Ahab was changing the official religion from worship of God to worship of Baal. Other prophets, who wrote books of the Bible, were also active during this time.
Amos and Hosea concentrated their work in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The following prophets lived and preached in the Southern Kingdom of Judah: Obediah, Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Zaphaniah, Jeremiah, and Habakkuk. More prophets came later, when the Israelites were still captive in Babylon or after they had returned to their homeland.
Second Kings, like its companion books, makes brief and sweeping judgements of each king or queen. As you read, look for what pleased God and what displeased him. The 39 rulers comprise a fine study of leadership of all kinds, from the inspiring to the degenerate.
People You’ll Meet in 2 Kings
Elisha
Jezebel
Josiah
Zedekiah
Israel was strong initially, with 10 of the 12 tribes united there. But it proved less faithful to God and was ultimately destroyed by Assyria. Chapters 18-25 cover the period after the Assyrian invasion, when only Judah existed.
One important reason for studying the books of Kings and Chronicles is that they give historical background on the prophets. Elijah and Elisha appeared at a crucial turning point in the history of the Northern Kingdom, just as Ahab was changing the official religion from worship of God to worship of Baal. Other prophets, who wrote books of the Bible, were also active during this time.
Amos and Hosea concentrated their work in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The following prophets lived and preached in the Southern Kingdom of Judah: Obediah, Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Zaphaniah, Jeremiah, and Habakkuk. More prophets came later, when the Israelites were still captive in Babylon or after they had returned to their homeland.
Second Kings, like its companion books, makes brief and sweeping judgements of each king or queen. As you read, look for what pleased God and what displeased him. The 39 rulers comprise a fine study of leadership of all kinds, from the inspiring to the degenerate.
People You’ll Meet in 2 Kings
Elisha
Jezebel
Josiah
Zedekiah
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