About This Book
Second Kings continues the parallel histories of Israel and Judah, climaxing in both kingdoms' destruction due to persistent idolatry and covenant violation. The book opens with Elijah's final ministry and his miraculous translation to heaven in a whirlwind, leaving his prophetic mantle to Elisha. Elisha performs twice as many miracles as Elijah, demonstrating God's power and compassion through healings, provisions, and even raising the dead. During this period, both kingdoms experience political instability.
In Israel, Jehu executes God's judgment on Ahab's dynasty, eliminating Baal worship temporarily, but maintains Jeroboam's golden calf worship. Hazael of Syria oppresses Israel severely. The northern kingdom experiences a succession of mostly wicked kings, with none following God wholeheartedly. Finally, after numerous warnings through prophets, God brings judgment—Assyria conquers Israel, destroying Samaria in 722 BC and deporting the population.
Foreigners resettle the land, creating the mixed Samaritan people. Judah survives longer due to occasional righteous kings. Hezekiah institutes religious reforms, trusts God during Assyrian invasion, and sees Jerusalem miraculously delivered when God's angel destroys 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. However, Hezekiah's son Manasseh becomes Judah's most wicked king, filling Jerusalem with innocent blood and leading the nation into deep idolatry.
Though Josiah later brings revival through rediscovering God's law, it's too late—judgment is inevitable. Babylon conquers Jerusalem in 586 BC, destroys the temple, and exiles the population. The book concludes with Judah's king shown kindness in Babylonian exile, providing a glimmer of hope.