The Book of 2nd Kings
in a Nutshell
The Book of 2nd Kings
in a Nutshell
Embedded Files
in a Nutshell
The Book of 2 Kings continues the history of the divided kingdoms of Israel (in the north) and Judah (in the south), tracing their decline and eventual downfall. Despite prophetic warnings and moments of reform, both kingdoms spiral into idolatry, injustice, and political instability. The book emphasizes God's justice in judgment but also His patience and mercy through the ministry of His prophets.
The story opens with the final days of the prophet Elijah, who is taken to heaven in a whirlwind, and the succession of Elisha, who carries on his work with miracles and messages of warning and hope. Elisha ministers during a time of rampant corruption and violence, especially in Israel. Though some kings listen briefly, most continue in the sins of their predecessors.
In the northern kingdom, every king continues the idolatry initiated by Jeroboam. Despite victories in battle and temporary prosperity, their unfaithfulness leads to disaster. In 722 B.C., the Assyrian empire conquers Samaria and scatters the ten tribes of Israel. This fall is portrayed as the result of persistent covenant-breaking and refusal to heed God’s prophets.
In Judah, some kings attempt reforms, most notably Hezekiah and later Josiah, who seek to restore worship of the true God and eliminate idolatry. But these revivals are short-lived, and Judah also falls into corruption. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah call the people to repentance, but the warnings go unheeded. In 586 B.C., Jerusalem is conquered by Babylon, the Temple is destroyed, and the people are exiled.
2 Kings is a sobering account of how disobedience and idolatry lead to national ruin. Yet it also highlights the persistent voice of the prophets and God’s willingness to forgive. The book ends with a glimmer of hope: a descendant of David is released from prison in Babylon, hinting that God's promises are not forgotten, and a future restoration is still possible.
JJ Bowks, ©CDMI
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
Hebrew Scriptures
Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament Books)
Outline of the Book of 2nd Kings
Outline of the Book of 2nd Kings
I. The Reigns of Elijah and Elisha (1:1–13:25)
A. The End of Elijah’s Ministry (1:1–2:11)
1. Elijah confronts King Ahaziah of Israel (1:1–18)
2. Elijah is taken to heaven in a whirlwind (2:1–11)
A. The End of Elijah’s Ministry (1:1–2:11)
1. Elijah confronts King Ahaziah of Israel (1:1–18)
2. Elijah is taken to heaven in a whirlwind (2:1–11)
B. The Beginning of Elisha’s Ministry (2:12–8:15)
1. Elisha succeeds Elijah and performs miracles (2:12–25)
2. Elisha helps Israel defeat Moab (3:1–27)
3. Elisha’s miracles: widow’s oil, Shunammite’s son, poison stew, bread (4:1–44)
4. Naaman the Syrian healed of leprosy (5:1–27)
5. Miracles: floating axe, blinded Arameans (6:1–23)
6. Siege and famine in Samaria, deliverance foretold (6:24–7:20)
7. Elisha’s dealings with the Shunammite woman and Ben-Hadad (8:1–15)
C. The Reigns of Jehoram to Joash (8:16–13:25)
1. Jehoram and Ahaziah in Judah (8:16–29)
2. Jehu’s bloody purge in Israel (9:1–10:36)
3. Athaliah’s usurpation and Joash’s rise in Judah (11:1–21)
4. Joash’s reign and temple repairs (12:1–21)
5. Jehoahaz and Jehoash in Israel; Elisha’s death (13:1–25)
II. The Decline and Fall of the Northern Kingdom (14:1–17:41)
A. Amaziah and Azariah in Judah (14:1–22)
B. Jeroboam II and Zechariah in Israel (14:23–15:12)
C. Menahem to Pekah in Israel (15:13–31)
D. Jotham and Ahaz in Judah (15:32–16:20)
E. Hoshea and the Fall of Israel (17:1–41)
1. Assyria invades and exiles Israel (17:1–23)
2. Foreigners settle Samaria (17:24–41)
III. The Reigns of Hezekiah and Josiah: Reformers in Judah (18:1–23:30)
A. Hezekiah’s Reign and Reforms (18:1–20:21)
1. Religious reforms and trust in Jehovah (18:1–8)
2. Assyrian invasion and Sennacherib’s threats (18:9–19:37)
3. Hezekiah’s illness and pride (20:1–21)
B. Manasseh and Amon: Apostasy and Idolatry (21:1–26)
1. Manasseh’s wicked reign (21:1–18)
2. Amon continues in evil (21:19–26)
C. Josiah’s Righteous Reign and Reform (22:1–23:30)
1. Discovery of the Book of the Law (22:1–20)
2. National covenant renewal and Passover (23:1–27)
3. Josiah’s death in battle (23:28–30)
IV. The Final Kings and the Fall of Judah (23:31–25:30)
A. Jehoahaz to Jehoiakim: Vassals of Egypt and Babylon (23:31–24:7)
1. Jehoahaz taken to Egypt (23:31–34)
2. Jehoiakim’s submission to Babylon (23:35–24:7)
B. Jehoiachin and the First Deportation (24:8–17)
C. Zedekiah’s Reign and Rebellion (24:18–25:7)
1. Babylon’s final siege (24:18–25:7)
D. The Destruction of Jerusalem (25:8–21)
1. The temple and city are burned (25:8–17)
2. Leaders are executed (25:18–21)
E. The Aftermath and Exile (25:22–30)
1. Gedaliah’s governorship and assassination (25:22–26)
2. Jehoiachin released from prison in Babylon (25:27–30)
Page updated
Report abuse