2 Kings
The Reign And Activity of Jehoachin
Nebuchadnezzar’s victory over Egypt at this time established Babylon as the strongest nation in that part of the world. This victory placed Judah under Babylonian control. In order to bring Judah securely under his rule Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah and took some captives to Baby …
Gedalliah is Made Ruler of Judah
Gedaliah, who was Josiah’s secretary of state, was appointed governor of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar. He set up his headquarters at Mizpah, which was about eight miles north of Jerusalem, because Jerusalem lay in ruins. The governor tried to convince a group of men who remaine …
The Blinded Syrians Captured
Beginning at verse eight Syrian invasions of Israel are noted. The first incident involved marauding bands of Syrians who made border raids against the Jews (vv. 8-9). Ben-haded II, king of Aram, planned to pitch his camp on the border from which he could strike unexpectedly. G …
The Lord’s Answer to Hezekiah’s Prayer
The Lord’s answer to Hezekiah’s request in the previous verses is recorded in the remaining verses of this chapter. This answer came through Isaiah and was delivered to the king by a messenger. He assured Hezekiah that he would be safe in Jerusalem and judgement would come to S …
Amaziah’s Good Reign in Judah
Amaziah began to reign in Judah about a year after Jehoash had become king of Israel and his rule extended for 29 years. He followed his father’s example by upholding the worship of the Lord but he did not remove the high places. When he avenged the murder of his father, Joash, …
Jeroboam’s Evil Reign in Israel
While Amaziah was being held prisoner in Israel, Jehoash, king of Israel, died. When this happened, Amaziah was released and returned to Judah. Azariah (referred to as Uzziah later), his son, had been acting as king while he was in prison. Now Amaziah resumes his reign over Judah …
Elisha And The Shunammite woman
God’s concern for women and their special needs can be seen in both the preceding and this incident. In contrast to the poor widow in the previous story, we find Elisha and the Shunammite woman (Near Jezrel and about 15 miles from Mount Carmel). It appears that she had gr …
Naaman Healed of Leprosy
Probably one of the best known accounts from the book of Kings is the one in this passage concerning a Gentile who had leprosy and was healed. This person was a well-known Syrian army officer named Naaman. An Israelite girl who the Syrians had taken prisoner was serving in Naama …
Israel Carried Captive to Assyria
Elisha tells Ahab that there will be no rain in the land except by his word (v. 1). Then the Lord to go and hide himself near the brook Cherith (vv. 2-3). Elishia did as the Lord told him and a drought came and the Lord fed him till the brook dried up (vv. 4-6). The last king t …
Elijah Ascends to Heaven
As this chapter begins, Elisha was still accompanying Elijah whose home base was in Gilgal (v. 1). They leave this site and go down to Bethel (v. 2). Elijah went to visit two schools of prophets for the last time. Three times Elijah, as a test, asked Elisha not to follow him, b …