2KI

Book of 2 Kings

2 Kings, written by Unknown (possibly Jeremiah)

Old Testamentnarrative Audio available25 Chapters719 verses
Create a Plan

Second Kings continues the parallel histories of Israel and Judah, showing the decline of both kingdoms due to covenant unfaithfulness. The book records Elisha's prophetic ministry, the fall of Israel to Assyria in 722 BC, occasional revivals in Judah under kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, and finally the destruction of Jerusalem and exile to Babylon in 586 BC.

Chapters in 2 Kings

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425
Read

Outline of 2 Kings

1-8Elisha's Ministry

Elijah taken to heaven, Elisha succeeds him, performs miracles, and influences kings.

9-16Decline of Both Kingdoms

Jehu's revolt, various kings, increasing wickedness in Israel, some good kings in Judah.

17Fall of Israel

Assyria conquers Israel (722 BC) because of persistent idolatry; foreigners settle in the land.

18-25Judah Alone

Hezekiah's faithfulness, Manasseh's wickedness, Josiah's reforms, fall of Jerusalem to Babylon.

Key Themes in 2 Kings

Consequences of Covenant Unfaithfulness

Both kingdoms fall because they persistently broke covenant with God through idolatry.

God's Patience and Judgment

God sends prophets and warnings before judgment, showing His patience but also His holiness.

Prophetic Ministry

Prophets like Elisha speak God's word and demonstrate His power through miracles.

Hope in Judgment

Even in exile, the book ends with a note of hope as Jehoiachin is released from prison.

Key Verses in 2 Kings

2KI 2:9
Elisha replied, 'Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.'

Elisha's bold request to continue Elijah's prophetic ministry with power.

2KI 17:13-14
The LORD warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers... But they would not listen and were as stiff-necked as their ancestors.

God's explanation for Israel's exile, showing His patience and their stubbornness.

2KI 22:13
Great is the LORD's anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book.

Josiah's response upon discovering the Book of the Law, leading to revival.

Characters in 2 Kings

Elisha
Elisha

Elijah's successor who performed many miracles and ministered to Israel's kings

Hezekiah
Hezekiah

Faithful king of Judah who trusted God against Assyria and was healed from illness

Josiah
Josiah

Reforming king who rediscovered the Law and led Judah in renewal

Naaman
Naaman

Syrian commander healed of leprosy by Elisha, demonstrating God's grace to Gentiles

Manasseh
Manasseh

Wicked king of Judah who led the nation into deep idolatry

Locations in 2 Kings

Samaria
Samaria

Capital of the northern kingdom that fell to Assyria in 722 BC

View on Map
Jerusalem
Jerusalem

Capital of Judah that was besieged by Assyria but fell to Babylon in 586 BC

View on Map
Babylon
Babylon

Empire that conquered Judah and took the people into exile

View on Map
Jordan River
Jordan River

Site of Elijah's departure and Elisha's healing of Naaman

View on Map

Christ in 2 Kings

Elisha's Miracles

Elisha's miracles (healing, feeding multitudes, raising the dead) foreshadow Christ's greater miracles.

JHN 6:1-14

Naaman's Healing

Jesus cited Naaman's healing as an example of God's grace extending to Gentiles, foreshadowing the gospel.

LUK 4:27

The Coming King

The failure of all human kings points to the need for the perfect King, fulfilled in Christ.

REV 19:16

Exile and Restoration

The exile pictures spiritual death from which Christ rescues His people, bringing true restoration.

EPH 2:1-6

Frequently Asked Questions