II Kings
Old Testament • Book #12
The decline and fall of both Israel and Judah, ending in exile.
"Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab."
— II Kings 1:1
About the Book of II Kings
Second Kings continues the tragic history of the divided kingdom. Prophet after prophet warns Israel and Judah to repent, but most kings lead their people further into idolatry. The northern kingdom falls to Assyria in 722 BC, and Judah falls to Babylon in 586 BC. Yet even in judgment, sparks of revival under kings like Hezekiah and Josiah show that God still responds to sincere repentance.
Background
- Author
- Unknown (possibly Jeremiah)
- Date Written
- ~550 BC
- Genre
- Historical Narrative
Key Themes in II Kings
- ▸Consequences of persistent sin
- ▸God's judgment and mercy
- ▸The power of prophetic ministry
- ▸Revival is always possible
- ▸Exile as discipline
Famous Verses from II Kings
“I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee.”
— 2 Kings 20:5
“Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”
— 2 Kings 6:16
“Yet the Lord testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways.”
— 2 Kings 17:13
“Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord.”
— 2 Kings 22:19
“Behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”
— 2 Kings 2:11
Chapters in II Kings
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