The Second Book of Kings, commonly referred to as 2 Kings, is the 12th book of the Old Testament. It is a book of narrative history that continues the account of Israel’s history after the events of the First Book of Kings. 2 Kings was written circa 550-540 BC and is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, although this is disputed. The book is named as such because it accounts for the reign of various kings of Israel and Judah. Notable individuals in this book include King Hezekiah, King Josiah, the prophets Elijah and Elisha, and the Assyrian King Sennacherib.
Background of 2 Kings
2 Kings continues the narrative from 1 Kings, depicting the history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The book focuses on themes of apostasy, divine judgment, mercy, and hope. It was likely written during the Babylonian exile to provide historical and religious context to the Israelites, explaining their current circumstances as a result of their disobedience to God’s commands.
Outline of 2 Kings
- Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 1-2): Elijah’s confrontation with Ahaziah and his ascension into heaven; Elisha’s early miracles.
- Elisha’s Ministry (2 Kings 3-13): Elisha performs numerous miracles and prophecies, including the healing of Naaman the Syrian.
- The Reigns of the Kings of Israel and Judah (2 Kings 14-17): The reigns of several kings, leading to the fall of the northern kingdom (Israel) to Assyria.
- Hezekiah’s Reforms and Sennacherib’s Invasion (2 Kings 18-20): Hezekiah’s faithfulness to God, the Assyrian threat, and God’s deliverance.
- Manasseh’s Apostasy and the Subsequent Kings of Judah (2 Kings 21-24) Apostasy and the judgment of Judah.
- The Babylonian Exile (2 Kings 25): The fall of Jerusalem and the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
Biblical Timeline
- 850 BC: Elijah’s ministry
- 848-797 BC: Elisha’s ministry
- 722 BC: The fall of the northern kingdom (Israel) to Assyria
- 701 BC: Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah
- 697-642 BC: Reign of King Manasseh
- 640-609 BC: Reign of King Josiah
- 586 BC: The fall of Jerusalem and the beginning of the Babylonian exile
Practical Lessons from 2 Kings
- Trust in God (2 Kings 2:14): Elisha’s trust in God led to many miracles
- God’s Provision (2 Kings 4:1-7; 4:42-44): The miracles performed by Elisha, like the multiplication of oil (2 Kings 4:1-7) and the increase of bread (2 Kings 4:42-44), showcase God’s providence and care for those in need.
- The Danger of Greed (2 Kings 5:20-27): Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, was stricken with leprosy after he lied and took gifts that Elisha had refused from Naaman. This serves as a warning about the dangers of greed and dishonesty
- Humility (2 Kings 5:10-14): Naaman’s healing from leprosy illustrates the need for humility before God, as Naaman had to humble himself to follow Elisha’s simple instructions
- God’s Faithfulness (2 Kings 13:23).: Despite the repeated failures of the Israelites, God remains faithful, showing mercy and offering deliverance to those who turn back to him
- Obedience to God (2 Kings 17:7-23).: The fall of Israel and Judah shows the consequences of disobedience and unfaithfulness to God’s commands
- Faithfulness (2 Kings 18:5-6): Hezekiah’s faithfulness results in God’s deliverance from the Assyrian threat
- The Power of Prayer and Repentance (2 Kings 19:14-20; 20:1-7).: Hezekiah’s prayers in the face of illness and the Assyrian threat demonstrate the power of heartfelt prayer
- Repentance (2 Kings 22:19): King Josiah’s heartfelt repentance and reforms bring a temporary reprieve from judgment
Additional Notes
Extrabiblical Support for 2 Kings
There are several archaeological findings and ancient records that support the events in 2 Kings: – Taylor Prism: An Assyrian record that describes King Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah, corroborating the account in 2 Kings 18-19.
- Tel Dan Stele: An Aramaic inscription discovered in Tel Dan, Israel, that refers to the House of David, supporting the historicity of the biblical Davidic dynasty.
- Lachish Reliefs: A set of Assyrian palace reliefs that depict the Assyrian siege of Lachish, aligning with 2 Kings 18:14, 17.
- The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III: A significant archaeological artifact from Assyria that dates to around 825 BC. It depicts the tribute of Jehu, king of Israel, to Shalmaneser III, a scene which aligns with the record in 2 Kings 9-10.
- The Moabite Stone (Mesha Stele): This stone records the story of the revolt of Mesha, king of Moab, against Israel, a narrative also found in 2 Kings 3.
- Annals of Tiglath-Pileser III: These Assyrian records mention several kings of Israel and Judah, including Pekah and Ahaz, providing extrabiblical confirmation of their existence (2 Kings 15-16).
- Annals of Nebuchadnezzar II: These Babylonian records detail the conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC, which is described in 2 Kings 25.