The Book of 2 Kings

2 Kings continues to trace the moral, spiritual and political decline of both Israel and Judah. The book records the two national tragedies that led to the fall of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. 1. The destruction of Israel's capital, Samaria, and the nation's deportation to Assyria and, 2. the destruction of Judah's capital, Jerusalem, and their deportation to Babylon. 2 Kings covers the last 130 years of Judah's 345 year history. Many Old Testament prophets ministered during the time recorded in 2 Kings. As God's representatives, they reminded, warned, challenged and encouraged the kings concerning their responsibilities to God. Amos and Hosea prophesied in Israel while Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephanial and Jeremiah prophesied in Judah. Their prophetic books provide important revelations not found in 2 Kings.


The history of 2 Kings divides into two major eras: 1. the history of both kingdoms before the collapse of Israel and 2. the history of Judah after Israel's downfall until Judah's own collapse. In comparing the two kingdoms, Israel had a more constant succession of kings who "did evil in the eyes of the Lord" than Judah did. 2 Kings records that during Israel's continuous rebellion, God raised up mighty prophets such as Elijah and Elisha to challenge the nation and its leaders to return to God and once again be faithful to His covenant.


In contrast, Judah had some godly rulers like Hezekiah and Josiah who made great efforts toward turning the nation back to God. Still, such kings were unable to permanently prevent the people from following false gods, behaving immorally and committing violence. After Josiah's death, Judah's move toward destruction was rapid, ending with Nebuchadnezzar's capture of the people and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.


Five major features characterize 2 Kings. 1. It emphasizes the importance of the prophets as God's main messengers to the kings and people of Israel and Judah. Among these godly individuals were Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, Isaiah, and Huldah. Elisha's miraculous ministry is highlighted throughout much of the first half of the book. The book describes only two kings in all of Israel and Judah who received God's complete approval for being faithful to Him and the people: Hezakiah and Josiah. It reveals that unrighteous leaders will in the end, lead people to ruin. This portrays the enduring principle that "righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).


2 Kings clearly reveals that the sin and unfaithfulness of Judah's kings resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem and the kingdom of David. The New Testament makes it equally clear, however, that God was faithful to fulfill His covenant promise to David through Jesus Christ, "the Son of David" (Matt. 1:1; 9:27-31), whose reign and kingdom will never end.