2 Kings at a glance

2 KINGS

 

The 12^th book in the Bible whose author is unknown. It is however known that the stories were written down or put together in Babylon, during the Great Exile. Tradition tells us that it was written between in 550 BC. The time period covered in this book is 850 BC to 575 BC and contains the story of the prophet Elijah being taken alive up to heaven.

 

The Purpose of writing this book is to demonstrate the fate that awaits all who refuse to make God their true leader.

 

The Setting of the book: The once united nation of Israel has been divided into two kingdoms. Israel and Judah, for over a century.

 

Stories told ...

 

1) The prophet Elijah is swept up to heaven. (2 Kings 2)

 

2) Elisha raises a boy from the dead. (2 Kings 4)

 

3) Naaman is cured of leprosy by dipping himself in the river Jordan seven times. Note: In God’s economy, the number 7 is the number of perfection. (2 Kings 5)

 

4) Jerusalem is plundered by the Babylonians...the Temple is destroyed... the Great Exile begins. (2 Kings 25) 

 

Important Points found in this book:

 

1) 2 Kings begins where 1 Kings leaves off.

 

2) Chapters 2 thru 7 cover the ministry of the prophet Elisha after Elijah is taken up to heaven.

 

3) Chapter 13 covers the death of Elisha.

 

4) The book covers the reigns of the kings of the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It shares with the reader brief stores of both the most good and the most evil kings.

 

5) Chapter 25, the final chapter of the book, tells of the Babylonians plunder of Judah, when the temple of Solomon was leveled. 

 

Key Verses:

 

But Elijah replied to the captain, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and destroy you and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and killed them all. - 2 Kings 1:10

 

Again and again the Lord had sent his prophets and seers to warn both Israel and Judah: “Turn from all your evil ways. Obey my commands and decrees—the entire law that I commanded your ancestors to obey, and that I gave you through my servants the prophets.” But the Israelites would not listen. They were as stubborn as their ancestors who had refused to believe in the Lord their God. - 2 Kings 17:13-14

 

Note: The 17 prophetic books at the end of the OT give great insight into the time period covered in 2^nd Kings.

 

Next time we’ll take a look at the book of 1^st Chronicles ... Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Books of the Bible at a Glance; published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 18, 2018); The Life Application Study Bible.

Note: I took my information from this lengthy compilation of bible book information for all 66 books of the Holy Bible & the margin notes from the study bible.