2 Kings - Introduction

The book of 2nd Kings continues the history of the Jewish nation under successive kings. We learned that the kingdom was divided in two with Israel in the North and Judah in the South. This was due to Solomon's half heartedness towards the Lord and his introduction of the worship of false gods. Keep in mind that all the kings of Israel were wicked and sinful, with absolutely no regard for the Lord or His law. Jeroboam, the first king of the Northern Israel introduced all sorts of pagan gods and rituals and sinful practices to the people. He became the 'standard' of just how sinful the king was. By way of contrast the kings of Judah were evaluated on the basis of how closely or not so closely they walked in the ways of David (who was a man followed the Lord wholeheartedly).Only eight of Judah's kings followed the Lord and reflected David in some measure in their respective walks with God. In the Hebrew Bible, the book of the Kings is one book. 2nd Kings continues the history of Israel after the death of Ahab and goes till they are taken captive by Assyria in 722 BC. Judah's history goes from the reign of Jehoram to Judah's captivity by Babylon in 586 BC. It is a sorted history indeed, and is meant to point us over and over to the saving work of the Lord. It is only through His grace and power that one can live a life that pleases Him and impacts those around us for good and God's glory. We also learn that sin spreads, corrupts, and ultimately leads to the judgment of God.

Key Verses: 2 Kings 17:18-19; 23:27

Themes: The Word of the Lord came.
      In the sight of the Lord.
      Man of God..
      But.

Outline:

 I.   Elijah and Elisha (1:1-8:15)
 II.  Israel and Judah from Joram/Jehoram to Israel's Exile (8:15-17:41)
 III. Judah from Hezekiah to the Babylonian Captivity (18:1-25:30)

 Note: Points one and two cover about 130 years and point three about 135 years
 Total of about 265 years (853 BC to 586 BC).