Historical narrative · 25 chapters
2 Kings
Prophetic warnings and occasional reforms cannot halt persistent covenant rebellion. Exile is the culmination, but a final glimpse of mercy leaves hope open.
Historical & literary context
Author unnamed. Set in Israel and Judah until the Assyrian destruction of the north in 722 BC and Jerusalem’s fall to Babylon in 586 BC.
Introduction and study notes are commentary, not Scripture.
The shape of the book
- 1–8 · Elisha and the kingdoms
- 9–17 · Israel’s decline and exile
- 18–25 · Judah’s decline and exile
A passage to begin with
2 Kings 17:13-14
13Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.” 14But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God.
Berean Standard Bible · Public domain
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What makes repeated warnings difficult to hear?