Bible Book of 2 Kings | Decline and Captivity of Israel

The history of the divided kingdoms leading to their eventual fall and exile due to persistent idolatry. 2 Kings chapters with summary and commentary.

Genre: Historical Book. Theme: Decline and Captivity of Israel

  • Author: Jeremiah
  • Date: c. 560 - 538 BC
  • Read Time: 135 mins
  • Purpose: To document the decline and exile of the divided kingdoms.
  • Key Verse: 2 Kings 17:13 - Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments.
  • Christ: The Promised King who remains faithful.
  • Audience: A people in captivity seeking God's faithfulness in judgment
  • Prophetic Focus: Highlights Elijah and Elisha ministries.
  • National Fall: The total destruction of Samaria (722 BC) and Jerusalem (586 BC).
  • Miracle Cycle: The ministry of Elisha, performing double the miracles of his predecessor Elijah.

This book chronicles the spiritual freefall of the divided kingdoms, proving that national security is entirely dependent on covenant loyalty.

It functions as a spiritual autopsy of Israel and Judah, listing every king and evaluating them solely on their religious reforms or failures.

Jesus is the Promised King who remains faithful even when the earthly line of David appears to be cut off.

2 Kings 1 - Elijah Denounces Ahaziah

Ahaziah consulted Baal-zebub. Elijah said that he would die. Ahaziah sent men to Elijah but they were consumed by fire. Ahaziah died.

2 Kings 2 - Elijah chariot of fire

Elisha followed Elijah. A chariot of fire appeared and Elijah went up to heaven. Elisha took Elijah's mantle and divided the waters.

2 Kings 3 - Moab Rebels Against Israel

Israel, Judah and Edom went to fight Moab. Elisha said, "The LORD will send water and give you Moab." The Moabites were defeated.

2 Kings 4 - Elisha and the Widow's Oil

Elisha told a Shunammite woman that she would have a son. The child died but Elisha revived him. Elisha cleansed the food at Gilgal.

2 Kings 5 - Naaman's Leprosy Healed

Naaman of Aram was a leper. Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan and he was healed. Gehazi asked for a gift and became leprous.

2 Kings 6 - The Axe Head Recovered

The king of Aram sent an army to capture Elisha but the LORD blinded them. Ben-hadad besieged Samaria and there was a great famine.

2 Kings 7 - Elisha Promises Food

Elisha prophesied an end to the famine. Four lepers went and found that the Arameans had fled. The people plundered the Aramean camp.

2 Kings 8 - The Shunammite's Land Restored

Elisha told Hazael that he would rule Aram. Hazael killed Ben-hadad. Jehoram ruled Judah and did evil. Ahaziah ruled and did evil.

2 Kings 9 - Jehu Anointed as King of Israel

Elisha sent a prophet to anoint Jehu. Jehu killed Joram and Ahaziah. Eunuchs threw Jezebel out of the window and dogs ate her body.

2 Kings 10 - Jehu Slaughters Ahab's Descendants

Jehu sent a letter and had Ahab's sons killed. He killed Ahaziah's brothers and all the worshippers of Baal. Hazael defeated Israel.

2 Kings 11 - Queen Athaliah Rules in Judah

Athaliah destroyed the royal family but Jehosheba hid Joash. Jehoiada had the army proclaim Joash as king and put Athaliah to death.

2 Kings 12 - Jehoash Repairs the Temple

Joash ruled in Jerusalem and did what was right. The priests collected money to repair the temple. Joash was killed by his servants.

2 Kings 13 - Jehoahaz Reigns in Israel

Jehoahaz ruled Israel and they were oppressed by Hazael. Jehoash ruled and Elisha told him to strike the ground. Then Elisha died.

2 Kings 14 - Amaziah Reigns in Judah

Amaziah ruled Judah and did right. He challenged Jehoash but Judah were defeated. Jeroboam ruled Israel and restored the borders.

2 Kings 15 - Azariah Reigns in Judah

Azariah and Jotham ruled Judah and did what was right. Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah and Pekah ruled Israel and did evil.

2 Kings 16 - King Ahaz Reigns in Judah

Ahaz ruled Judah and did evil. Aram and Israel attacked Judah so Ahaz sent a tribute to the king of Assyria. Ahaz set up an altar.

2 Kings 17 - Hoshea the Last King of Israel

Hoshea ruled Israel. The king of Assyria invaded and settled the land. This happened because the Israelites rejected the covenant.

2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah Reigns in Judah

Hezekiah ruled Judah and did right. The Assyrians surrounded Jerusalem. Rabshakeh said, "Don't listen to Hezekiah. Come out to me."

2 Kings 19 - Isaiah Reassures Hezekiah

Hezekiah prayed, "O LORD, save us." Isaiah said, "The LORD says: I will defend the city." That night the Assyrians were struck dead.

2 Kings 20 - Hezekiah's Life Extended

Hezekiah was sick but the LORD extended his life. Envoys came from Babylon. Isaiah told Hezekiah, "Everything will be taken away."

2 Kings 21 - Manasseh Reigns in Judah

Manasseh ruled in Jerusalem and did evil. The LORD said, "I will bring disaster on Jerusalem and Judah." Amon ruled and did evil.

2 Kings 22 - Josiah Reigns in Judah

Josiah ruled and did right. He had the law read out and tore his robes. Huldah said, "The LORD says: You will be buried in peace."

2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms

Josiah destroyed the altars and high places and held Passover. He was killed in battle. Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim ruled and did evil.

2 Kings 24 - Jehoiachin Reigns in Judah

The LORD sent raiders against Judah. Jehoiachin ruled and Nebuchadnezzer took all Jerusalem captive. Zedekiah ruled and did evil.

2 Kings 25 - Fall and Captivity of Judah

Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem. Nebuzaradan burned the temple and took the people into exile. Evil-merodach released Jehoiachin.