OLD TESTAMENT > HISTORY > 1 + 2 KINGS

1 + 2 KINGS

The books of 1 + 2 Kings continue the narrative from 1 + 2 Samuel, telling the history of Israel’s kings. As David nears the end of his life, the story begins to follow his son Solomon. Solomon is one of the wisest and wealthiest men who ever lived. Solomon, similar to his father David, has many moments of both righteousness and failure. During Solomon’s reign Israel is peaceful and prosperous. Solomon is tasked with building God’s temple, a beautiful place of worship in Jerusalem.

1 + 2 Samuel show the rise of Israel, developing from Saul’s wickedness to David’s righteousness, while 1 + 2 Kings show the downfall and division of the nation of Israel. Instead of remaining faithful to God, like David and Solomon, the Israelites follow corrupt leaders and turn away from God, worshiping idols and deviating from God’s desire for Israel.

After Solomon’s death, the nation split, dividing between king Rehoboam (Judah) and king Jeroboam (Israel). While Judah remains more faithful than Israel, both kingdoms failed to worship God alone. Throughout this time, God sends prophets to warn the Israelites that their rebellion and deviation from God’s law will lead them to be removed from their land. Specifically, two prophets, Elijah and Elisha, lead the way in calling the Israelites to repentance and challenging them to obey God alone.

Both kingdoms are captured. Israel is overthrown by Assyria and Judah overthrown by Babylon. Despite their desire for a righteous king, the rebellion and faithlessness of the Israelites resulted in bondage and oppression.

    • The reign of King Solomon

    • The kingdom is divided

    • Israel’s final kings

    • Babylonian exile

    • David

    • Solomon

    • Rehoboam

    • Jeroboam

    • Elijah

    • Ahab

    • Jezebel

    • Elisha

    • Author: Not explicitly stated but thought to be Jeremiah

    • Date Written: 550 BC

    • Location: Israel

    • Timeline of Events: 960–560 BC

    • Intended Audience: Jewish people living in exile

1 KINGS 1

DAVID KEEPS HIS PROMISE TO ANOINT SOLOMON AS KING

David is old in age and cannot keep warm, so a beautiful young woman named Abishag is sent to keep David warm. Although this job is very strange, it is not implied to be a sexual relationship.

After Absalom’s death, Adonijah is David’s oldest son. Adonijah put the cart before the horse, literally, and appointed himself as king over Israel. Adonijah gathers the Israelites to exalt him as king, but does not include David, Solomon, or anyone else who did not encourage him to take the throne.

Nathan and Bathsheba warn David about Adonijah’s actions, knowing David’s promise to God to make Solomon king. David intervenes and appoints Solomon, sending him into town riding on David’s mule. Solomon’s beginning as king is similar to the humble entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21).

Adonijah realizes that Solomon was appointed and becomes afraid. Adonijah fears that Solomon will have him killed for his attempt to take the throne. Instead, Solomon forgives Adonijah and lets him live.

1 KINGS 2

THE DEATH OF DAVID + REIGN OF SOLOMON

David shares his final words of advice and instruction with Solomon, encouraging him to follow God’s commands and keep the law. David wants Solomon to be strong and prosperous, letting God establish his plans.

Although David was a righteous king, David instructs Solomon to kill those who had opposed him throughout his reign, including Shimei and Joab.

After David’s final instruction to Solomon, he dies and is buried in Jerusalem. After David’s death, Solomon’s kingship is firmly established.

Adonijah wants to take Abishag, David’s servant who kept him warm, as a wife. Solomon sees this action as disrespectful or an attempt to overthrow him as king. Adonijah already attempted to take the kingship from Solomon once and Solomon is not taking any risks. Solomon has Adonijah killed, as well as Shimei and Joab as David instructed.

1 KINGS 3

GOD GRANTS SOLOMON GREAT WISDOM, WEALTH, + A LONG LIFE

In a political alliance, Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter. After the Egyptians enslaved the Israelites, this was not a righteous or wise decision for Solomon. At this time, the temple has not been built and the Israelites are making sacrifices at the high places.

Solomon has a dream where God promises to provide anything he requests. Solomon chooses the wisdom to discern good and evil. God is pleased by this request and gives Solomon wisdom as well as wealth and a long life. After the dream, Solomon brings a sacrifice directly to the ark of the covenant, instead of the high places. Solomon desires to be near God and know His ways. This account is also recorded in 2 Chronicles 1.

In order to settle a dispute, two prostitutes meet before Solomon. The women explain that they each had a child, three days apart, but one of the children died. They both claim that the living child is their own. To discern who is the mother, Solomon suggests slicing the child in two with a sword.

One woman cries out, asking Solomon not to kill the child, but the other woman demands that if she could not have him, neither of them could. Solomon knows that the child’s real mother would respond with compassion, wanting the child to live. Solomon uses his wisdom in an efficient, although odd, display of authority and discernment. Israel is in awe of Solomon’s leadership!

1 KINGS 4

SOLOMON GROWS IN STATUS AND WEALTH

Solomon appoints officials and leaders to serve with him and lead the nation of Israel.

Solomon is extremely wealthy and the whole nation thrives. They eat and drink like there is no tomorrow. Solomon accrues over 4,000 horses! In Deuteronomy 17, God forbids Israel's kings from amassing three things: wealth, women, and horses. Solomon has already gained great wealth and horses, and if he's anything like his father David, women will be next.

Solomon’s wisdom covers many topics, including animals and nature, songs and proverbs. News of Solomon’s wise words travel, and people come from all nations to hear Solomon’s wisdom.

1 KINGS 5

KING HIRAM PROVIDED SOLOMON MATERIALS FOR THE TEMPLE

As Solomon prepares to build the temple, he consults King Hiram of Tyre to obtain the highest quality materials. King Hiram had a close relationship with David and recognizes the great work that God had done in Israel. Hiram rejoices with gladness that God provided David a wise and faithful son.

King Hiram has access to beautiful cedar and cypress and supplies Solomon with everything he needs to build the temple. Solomon arranges for over 180,000 men to be laborers in constructing the temple—this was no small task! They lay the foundation of the temple, building it on large, costly stones.

1 KINGS 6

SOLOMON BEGINS CONSTRUCTING THE TEMPLE

By the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, 480 years had passed since the Israelites escaped Egypt.

Solomon spends seven years building the temple, taking time to add beautiful details. It is designed with an abundance of gold and cypress and cedar wood made with intricate carvings of palm trees, flowers, and cherubim.

Solomon makes two cherubim, gigantic angel-like figures, from olivewood. He places them in the innermost part of the temple, serving as guards in front of the curtain that separated the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies.

1 KINGS 7

SOLOMON’S PALACE + THE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION

The narrative shifts from Solomon building the temple to Solomon building his own palace. This was no humble abode—Solomon builds an extravagant palace considerably larger than the temple.

Similar to Moses, who built the tabernacle in Exodus 31, Solomon hires the most skilled and wise craftsmen to construct the temple. Hiram is chosen to build the furnishings and interiors for the temple, including bronze pillars and latticework covered in pomegranates.

1 KINGS 8

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT TRANSPORTED TO THE TEMPLE

Solomon gathers the Israelites for a feast before transporting the ark of the covenant into the temple. Earlier in 2 Samuel 6, when moving the ark of the covenant to the tabernacle, David allows the ark to be carried incorrectly and a man named Uzzah is killed in the process. Solomon follows God’s instructions carefully and appoints the priests to correctly carry the ark of the covenant.

Once they arrive, the ark of the covenant is placed inside the innermost part of the temple, called the holy of holies or most holy place. God’s presence arrives in the form of a thick cloud and becomes so overwhelming that the priests could no longer stand.

Solomon offers a blessing over the temple and thanks God for allowing him to build His dwelling place. Solomon prays for the nation of Israel, desiring for them to honor God’s authority and turn their hearts towards God. Solomon prays that people of all nations would come to know God.

Solomon acknowledges that God’s presence is far too vast to be contained by the temple, but Solomon is amazed that God wants to dwell among His people. An abundance of sacrifices are offered and the Israelites feast, rejoicing over all that God had done for them.

1 KINGS 9

GOD’S PROMISE + WARNING TO SOLOMON

After the buildings are completed, God appears to Solomon to share that His presence would dwell in the temple. God promises to support Solomon’s kingship, as long as Solomon remains faithful and lives according to the law. God warns Solomon that if the Israelites betray God, the temple will end up in ruins.

Solomon thanks King Hiram for supplying cypress, cedar, and gold for the temple. Solomon builds twenty cities in Galilee for King Hiram, but he was not pleased with this gift.

In Leviticus 25, God forbids forced labor among the Israelites. Instead, Solomon finds a way around this law and used the Canaanites as forced labor.

1 KINGS 10

THE QUEEN OF SHEBA AMAZED BY SOLOMON’S WEALTH

After completing the temple, news of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth travel quickly. The Queen of Sheba travels to Jerusalem to test Solomon’s knowledge with difficult questions. She is left speechless by Solomon’s wisdom and accomplishments. Although she does not know God, she praises Him and acknowledges Him as the source of Solomon’s wisdom!

Solomon’s wealth is growing rapidly. He has amassed great wealth and an abundance of horses, a direct disobedience to the laws of Deuteronomy 17.

1 KINGS 11

SOLOMON’S DOWNFALL + AHIJAH’S PROPHECY

Solomon has over a thousand women in his life with seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. Because many of these women worship other gods and idols, Solomon is gradually influenced away from following God. Solomon, after building the temple, builds sites to make sacrifices to false gods, some of which condone child sacrifice.

God raises up two adversaries to the nation of Israel, Hadad and Rezon. Both of these men are political leaders who hate the nation of Israel and oppose the nation throughout Solomon’s life.

Jeroboam, who was previously a servant of Solomon’s, stands up against Solomon’s leadership. Solomon respects Jeroboam’s strength and sees him as a valuable worker.

Ahijah, a prophet, tells Jeroboam that God would rip the kingdom out of Solomon’s hands and give him ten of the twelve tribes. Ahijah demonstrated this by ripping his robe into twelve pieces and giving ten of them to Jeroboam.

When Solomon hears this prophecy, he wants Jeroboam killed. To avoid Solomon, Jeroboam hides in Egypt until Solomon’s death. After a forty-year reign, Solomon dies and Rehoboam becomes the next king over Israel.

1 KINGS 12

THE NATION OF ISRAEL SPLIT INTO TWO KINGDOMS

After Solomon’s death, Rehoboam reigns and Jeroboam returns to Israel after hiding from Solomon in Egypt.

Jeroboam confronts Rehoboam about the heavy burden of forced labor that is created under Solomon’s reign. Rehoboam takes three days to decide what to do and during that time seeks advice from two groups of people, his elders and his peers. The older men encourage Rehoboam to have mercy and lighten the workload for the laborers, but the younger men encourage Rehoboam to increase their burdens and overwork them. Rehoboam makes the cruel decision to increase the labor of the workers, who compare his leadership to the sting of a scorpion.

Because of Rehoboam’s poor leadership and unrighteousness, the Israelites rebel against him and follow Jeroboam, splitting the nation in two. Two of the tribes remain loyal to Rehoboam, the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, known as the southern kingdom of Judah. The other ten tribes, led by Jeroboam are referred to as the northern kingdom of Israel.

Jeroboam worries that his people in the northern tribes would travel south to worship in the temple in Jerusalem. As an alternative, he set up golden calves as sites of worship and excluded the priests. This act of false worship was the same mistake made by the Israelites in Exodus 32.

1 KINGS 13

JEROBOAM’S REBELLION + WORSHIP OF FALSE GODS

God sends a messenger to rebuke Jeroboam for creating false places of worship. When the messenger claims that the idols will be destroyed, Jeroboam reaches out his hand to have the man seized. As Jeroboam pointed towards the man, his hand immediately withers! The messenger prays for Jeroboam to restore his hand as a sign that he is from God. Jeroboam offers to bring the man food and drinks, but the man is instructed by God not to accept any food or drink on his mission.

Instead of obeying God’s instructions, the man is later deceived by a disobedient prophet who serves him food. During his travels, the man is eaten by a lion. Even with this warning from God and graphic reminder of disobedience, Jeroboam continues making places of false worship.

1 KINGS 14

THE DEATH OF JEROBOAM + REHOBOAM

Jeroboam’s son Abijah is very ill, so Jeroboam sends his wife to visit the prophet Ahijah in a disguise. Ahijah earlier prophesied that the kingdom would be torn in two, with ten tribes being given to Rehoboam. Abijah recognizes Jeroboam’s wife in disguise and tells her that Abijah would die and the kingdom would fall apart.

After a twenty-two-year reign, Jeroboam dies and his other son Nadab rules the northern kingdom of Israel.

Meanwhile, the southern kingdom is also living in sin and destruction. The king of Egypt plunders and steals valuable treasures from the temple, including golden shields. After a seventeen-year reign, Rehoboam dies and is succeeded by his son Abijah. (Rehoboam’s son and Jeroboam’s son are both named Abijah, but are two different people. Jeroboam’s son dies, but Rehoboam’s son is his successor.)

1 KINGS 15

ASA RULES FAITHFULLY, ABIJAH RULES REBELLIOUSLY

After Rehoboam’s death, his son Abijah takes the throne. Similar to his father, Abijah continues to live in sin and is not faithful to God. Because Abijah is David’s great-grandson, God allows him to remain on the throne. Throughout his entire life, Abijah is at war with Jeroboam. After Abijah’s death, he is followed by his son Asa.

Asa is a faithful and God-fearing king who conducts himself in honorable and righteous ways. Asa removes temple prostitutes and destroys idols and false gods. Asa goes as far as removing his own grandmother, Maacah, from her royal position because of her creation of false idols.

After Jeroboam’s reign in Israel, he is succeeded by his son Nadab. Baasha, Ahijah’s son, attacks Nadab, kills him, and takes over the throne. This fulfilled the prophecy of the previous chapter, spoken by Ahijah.

Asa and Baasha are at war with each other throughout their reign.

Asa becomes allies with Ben-Hadad, a leader in Aram, by making a treaty with gold and silver. Together, Asa and Aram overpower Baasha. Baasha reigns in Israel for twenty-four years and is openly evil and disobedient to God.

1 KINGS 16

THE REIGNS OF BAASHA, ELAH, ZIMRI, OMRI + AHAB

God delivers a message to Jehu, the son of Hanani, to give to Baasha. The message says that because of Baasha’s rebellion, he would be destroyed and killed. Jehu’s news came to pass and Baasha is killed. After his death, his son Elah is the next king over Israel.

Elah was only king for two years before he was killed by his chariot captain, Zimri. After Zimri murders Elah, he becomes king of Israel. During his reign, he fulfills what Jehu predicted and murders all of Baasha’s remaining family.

Zimri was only king for seven days, the shortest recorded reign. Because of Zimri’s violent attacks, Omri, the commander of the army, replaces Zimri as king. Omri and his army go after Zimri, but Zimri, accepting defeat, sets his house on fire, killing himself inside.

Omri reigns for twelve years and builds the city of Samaria. Omri is an evil king who disobeys God and leads others to sin. After his death, Omri’s son Ahab becomes king of Israel.

Ahab is the most evil king to date, following in his father’s footsteps. Ahab marries a non-Israelite, Jezebel. Not only does he disobey God, he denies God completely and worships another god, Baal. Ahab builds a temple to worship Baal and a shrine for Asherah, a sexual goddess. Ahab is worse than all the other kings combined and offers two of his sons as child sacrifices.

1 KINGS 17

GOD PROVIDES FOR THE PROPHET ELIJAH

A prophet named Elijah warns Ahab that there would be a severe drought in Israel. God tells Elijah to hide out east of the Jordan River. There, God would provide him with fresh water from a brook and food delivered by ravens. Eventually, the brook dries up because of the drought, so God instructs Elijah to go to Zarephath where God has prepared a widow to care for Elijah.

Upon finding the widow, Elijah asks her for food and water. The woman tells Elijah that she barely has enough flour and oil to feed herself and her son. They are so impoverished that they are about to die from starvation. Elijah encourages the woman to make food for him despite their scarce supply. Elijah knows that God will provide. Once the woman makes food for Elijah, her jar of flour and bottle of oil never run out!

Later on, the widow's son becomes ill and stops breathing. Elijah prays for him and asked God to heal him. When God restores his life, the widow recognizes Elijah as a man of God and trusts in the Lord!

1 KINGS 18

ELIJAH’S EPIC DUEL WITH AHAB

During the third year of the drought, God instructs Elijah to return to King Ahab and reveals that the drought would soon end.

Back in Israel, Ahab calls for Obadiah, one of the palace leaders. Obadiah is a faithful man who loves God. Earlier, Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, wants to kill the prophets, but Obadiah hides one hundred faithful people in a cave and provides for them.

Ahab asks Obadiah to help him search for springs and streams to provide water for their livestock. In their search, Obadiah found Elijah. Because Elijah has been hiding, Obadiah is shocked to see him. Not long afterwards, Elijah confronts Ahab, telling him that his wickedness was the cause of Israel’s troubles.

Elijah challenges Ahab, summoning him to gather his false gods, idols, and prophets for a duel. Elijah plans to show Ahad the power of the one true God! In the duel, Ahab would pray to Baal and his other false gods, while Elijah would pray to the Lord. Whoever responds with fire is deemed the true God.

After setting up altars, it is Ahab’s time to call upon Baal to bring fire on his offering. All morning long, Ahab and his people call out to Baal, praying and pleading for fire. They become desperate, jumping and stomping in frustration. As time passes, Elijah taunts Ahab, asking why his gods haven’t responded. Ahab and the Baal worshippers start cutting themselves with knives, offering their blood to Baal. After attempting everything they could fathom, there is still no response, not even a flicker of fire.

Now it is Elijah’s turn. Elijah builds his altar with twelve stones, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Elijah has so much confidence in God that he soaks the wood with water, making it even less likely to catch on fire. Not only is this a bold move, it is an insult to Ahab’s leadership, since his rebellion was the source of the drought. By pouring the water, Elijah was also mocking Baal, who was believed to be god over rain and weather.

Elijah prays to God, remembering his ancestors and calling Him the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Elijah asks God to answer him boldly and prove that He is the one true God. Immediately upon Elijah’s prayer, God brings fire to the altar, burning up the offering! God did what only God can do! Everyone sees what happened and falls to the ground in awe and reverence, proclaiming that God is the one true God.

All of the prophets of Baal are killed, while the followers of God celebrate in victory! Just as God told Elijah, a cloud starts forming above Israel, showing that rain was on the way and the drought was over.

1 KINGS 19

GOD SPEAKS TO ELIJAH IN A SUBTLE WHISPER

After attempting to flee, Ahab reports back to his wife, Jezebel, telling her of the altar battle and the death of the prophets of Baal. Jezebel is furious and sends a death threat to Elijah.

Elijah is afraid and flees to Beersheba, a city at the far south end of Judah. Elijah is so distraught, he no longer wants to live and asks God to take his life. Exhausted, Elijah falls asleep under a bush. He is awakened by an angel, who brings him bread and water. A snack and a nap can go a long way! Elijah is ready to continue his journey. He continues traveling for forty days and ends in a cave in Mount Horeb.

Elijah cries out to God, saying that despite his efforts, the people of Israel abandoned God. God instructs Elijah to stand on the mountaintop to hear more from God. On top of the mountain, there is a hurricane, great winds, and fire, but Elijah does not hear from God. After the hurricane, winds, and fire, Elijah hears from God in a gentle whisper. God does not show up in the way Elijah expects, but instead speaks in a smaller, more subtle way.

God tells Elijah that he is to make Hazeal ruler of the kingdom of Aram, Jehu the ruler of the kingdom of Israel, and Elisha to succeed Elijah as a prophet. God tells Elijah that he is preserving the seven thousand who never worshiped Baal or other gods.

Elijah goes to Elisha, summoning him for his new role as a prophet. Elisha shares a meal with his family before following Elijah and becoming his successor.

1 KINGS 20

AHAB DEFEATS THE ARAMEANS

Ben-Hadad, the King of Aram, builds up his army and prepares for war. Ben-Hadad submits his requests to Ahab, the king of Israel. Ben-Hadad demands all of his wives and sons, as well as his gold and silver.

Ahab is outraged by this demand and denies Ben-Hadad of his request. Ben-Hadad is angered and tells Ahab that the city of Samaria will be turned to rubble. Ben-Hadad drinks heavily and makes the impaired decision to attack Israel’s capital city.

A prophet tells Ahab that God will provide for them and not allow them to be overthrown. God instructs Ahab to attack first, starting the battle between Aram and Israel. Ben-Hadad and the Arameans are defeated by Ahab and Israel’s army, despite being larger in size.

The two nations battle again, this time in the hills where chariots are less effective. Israel is victorious in the valley, but Aram is confident they would win in the mountainous terrain. Just as the prophet told Ahab, Israel wins the battle once again, killing off a great number of Ben-Hadad’s army. Despite corrupt leadership, God provides for the Israelites.

God tasks Ahab with killing Ben-Hadad, but instead lets him live. Because of his disobedience, a prophet tells Ahab that he will be the one to die instead.

1 KINGS 21

AHAB + JEZEBEL MURDER THEIR NEIGHBOR FOR HIS VINEYARD

A man named Naboth owns a vineyard that neighbors King Ahab’s palace. Ahab offers to buy the vineyard from Naboth, but Naboth refuses to sell his family farm. Ahab is frustrated by this response and throws a fit, refusing to eat or drink.

Jezebel wants Ahab to have anything he desires, so she tricks Naboth into attending a feast where he is stoned to death. Jezebel is a murderer, but is also a devious liar. Once Naboth was dead, Ahab claims the vineyard as his own.

Meanwhile, God speaks to Elijah, telling him to confront Ahab about Naboth’s death and the theft of his vineyard. God tells Elijah to tell Ahab that the very place where Naboth was stoned, Ahab would also die. Jezebel and Ahab’s ancestors could anticipate the same disastrous fate, anyone who associated with Ahab would perish because of his wickedness.

When Ahab hears this news, he is distraught. Ahab rips his clothes to shreds and fasts, acting submissive and remorseful. Because of Ahab’s repentance, God allows him to live, but keeps his promise of afflicting Ahab’s son.

1 KINGS 22

AHAB’S REBELLION LEADS TO HIS DEATH IN BATTLE

For three years, Aram and Israel are at peace. In the third year, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, meets with Ahab, king of Israel to form an alliance against Aram and their leader Ben-Hadad.

When deciding if they should attack the city of Ramoth Gilead, Jehoshaphat wants to ask God for guidance. Instead, Ahab asks 400 false prophets for guidance. The prophets encourage Ahab to attack, prophesying that Israel will be successful. Jehoshaphat is resistant to the advance of the false prophets and wants to consult Micaiah, a prophet of God. Ahab hates Micaiah because he has previously delivered bad news to the Israelites.

Micaiah knows the false prophets are lying and warns Ahab and Jehoshaphat not to attack Aram. Micaiah knows the disaster that awaits them if they were to attempt war with Aram. Micaiah is struck by a man named Zedekiah and imprisoned for rebuking Ahab’s plans. Micaiah is confident in God’s wisdom and knows that Ahab will not return from battle alive.

Jehoshaphat wore his royal robes into battle, making him a more obvious target. Ahab, wanting to remain discrete, was deceptive and entered the battle disguised. One of the Arameans shot off an arrow, by accident and without aim, and killed Ahab! No disguise or battle plan is greater than the prophecy of God—His Word always comes to pass!

Jehoshaphat survives the battle and continues to live as a righteous king, following in the footsteps of his father Asa. After Jehoshaphat’s death, his son Jehoram becomes king of Judah.

After Ahab’s death, his son Ahaziah becomes king over Israel. He also follows in his father’s footsteps and becomes increasingly evil and faithless.

2 KINGS 1

GOD SENDS ELIJAH TO TELL OF AHAZIAH’S DEATH 

After the death of Ahab, Ahaziah takes the throne as king over Israel. Ahaziah suffers an injury from falling through a lattice and asks Baal-zebub, a false god, if he would recover.

Because Ahaziah inquires from Baal-zebub instead of God, God sends the prophet Elijah a messenger who tells him that Ahaziah would not recover and that he would die.

When Ahaziah’s messengers return with the news from Elijah, Ahaziah is not pleased. Twice, Ahaziah sends groups of fifty men to confront Elijah and arrest him. Elijah calls upon God and the men are burned up in a fire from heaven.

Ahaziah sends a third group of men to Elijah, but they ask for mercy. Elijah spares them and repeats the news that Ahaziah will die.

Just as God told Elijah, Ahaziah does not recover and dies. Because Ahaziah had no sons, Ahab’s son Joram becomes king after Ahaziah's death.

2 KINGS 2

ELIJAH’S DEPARTURE + ELISHA’S LEADERSHIP

Elijah and Elisha, the two prophets, travel to Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan River together. With his cloak, Elijah is able to part the water of the Jordan River for them to cross, similar to Moses and Joshua (Exodus 14, Joshua 3).

Knowing his time with Elisha is short, Elijah asks what he could provide for Elisha before his departure. Elisha asks for a double portion of God’s spirit upon him, so that he could continue lead and prophecy in the same way as Elijah.

Just as Elijah predicted, he is taken away with a fiery chariot sent by God. Elijah was not thought to be dead, but instead taken up to heaven. As he is carried away, his cloak is left behind and Elisha is able to part the river, just as Elijah had done.

Fifty men set out to find Elijah, but are unsuccessful. Elisha is seen as Elijah’s successor as a prophet in Israel. Elisha adds salt to water, making it clean, as a sign of his desire to purify God’s nation.

Later on, many young boys mock Elisha for his baldness. The young boys are then attacked and eaten by bears.

2 KINGS 3

ISRAEL + JUDAH JOIN FORCE AGAINST MOAB

Joram, the son of Ahab, is ruler over Israel for twelve years. Overall, Joram is an evil king, but he righteously removes a pillar made for Baal worship.

Mesha, the king of Moab, a sheep farmer, owes Ahab 100,000 lambs. Once Ahab dies, the Moabites rebelled against the Israelites. Joram approaches Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, about teaming up against Moab.

The armies of Israel and Judah join together, but are unable to find water for seven days. Jehoshaphat wants to consult a godly man for advice, so he calls upon Elisha.

Elisha instructs them to dig trenches and God would fill them with water. Elisha also prophesies that they would be victorious over Moab.

When the trenches fill with water, the Moabites see them and think they are filled with the blood of their enemies. Bold assumption, Moab! While the Moabites celebrate, the armies of Israel and Judah attack them and overthrow the Moabites. God provides water and victory, just as Elisha predicted.

During the battle, the king of Moab offers up his oldest son as a child sacrifice. This is disgraceful to the Israelites who know this act was offensive to God.

2 KINGS 4

THROUGH ELIJAH, GOD PERFORMS MANY MIRACULOUS ACTS

Elisha is approached by a widow who asks for help paying off her debts. Elisha asks what she had to offer, and she only possessed a small amount of oil. Elisha tells her to collect as many containers as she can find, borrowing jugs and jars from neighbors.

Elisha instructs her to place some of her oil in each container. Upon doing this, she is miraculously able to fill all of the containers! This allows her to pay off her debts and live off of the excess. God honors her expectant heart with abundance.

When Elisha is traveling near Shunem, there is a woman is hospitable and generous, giving him a place to stay whenever he passed through. Elisha asks what he could do for her, and she asks for the ability to have a son. A year later, the woman conceives a son. When the child grows up, he suffers from terrible head pain and dies at a young age. Elisha stretches out, laying over the boy, and God restores his life.

During a famine, Elisha is able to purify a pot of stew that was accidentally made with poisonous deadly herbs. Later, he is able to multiply a small amount of food into an amount that can feed one hundred men. The miraculous acts of God done through Elisha foreshadow the future miracles of Jesus!

2 KINGS 5

NAAMAN IS HEALED OF LEPROSY + TURNS TO GOD

Naaman, the army general of the kingdom of Aram, contracts leprosy. Naaman sends a letter to the king of Israel, asking for help. Although the king does not come to his aid, Elisha is willing to meet with him.

Elisha sends his servant Gehazi to meet Naaman, who instructs him to bathe in the Jordan River seven times to bring healing to his leprosy. Naaman is angry with this news, wanting to meet with Elisha face-to-face and be healed immediately, not told to wash himself in a dirty river. Naaman’s servants convince him to try bathing in the river seven times as Elisha instructed, and he is healed!

Because of his healing, Naaman goes to find Elisha to share; he now believes that the God of Israel is the one true God! God heals Naaman before he became a believer and Naaman responds in faith. Naaman is so confident in God’s presence in Israel, he asks Elisha for some of the dirt off the ground in Israel.

Naaman wants to give Elisha a gift, but Elisha gives God credit for the healing and does not accept any gifts or compensation. Instead, Gehazi, the messenger and servant, runs after Naaman to accept the gift instead. Naaman generously gives Gehazi one hundred and fifty pounds of gold and silver. Gehazi lies about the gifts that he received when confronted by Elisha. Because of his greed and dishonesty, Gehazi becomes infected with leprosy!

2 KINGS 6

DESPITE ELISHA’S MIRACLES, SAMARIA IS OVERTHROWN

Elisha is approached by a group of prophets who want to build a larger living space in Jordan. Elisha agrees to help them build their new accommodations. As they are chopping down trees, one of the prophets loses the head of a borrowed ax. The ax had fallen in the river and sunk to the bottom, unable to be retrieved. Elisha takes a branch and throws it at the spot where it fell, and it miraculously floats back to the top! God uses Elisha in both big and seemingly small ways.

The next instance of Elisha’s miracle working takes place during a war between Aram and Israel. One of Elisha’s servants is alarmed when he sees the Aram army approaching with horses and chariots. Elisha comforts him, telling him not to be alarmed. Elisha prays for him to have eyes to see what God is doing around them. The servant realizes that God filled the entire mountainside with horses and chariots of fire!

In contrast to the prayer for the servant to see, Elisha prays for the Arameans to be blind. God responds to Elisha’s prayer and the entire army is struck blind. Although Elisha had the ability and motive to kill the Aram army, he instead responds with kindness and makes a feast for his enemies. Because of his humility and generosity, the Arameans make peace with Israel.

Much later, after the peace with Aram has ended, Ben-Hadad the king of Aram launches a siege of Samaria. With their capital city overthrown, a terrible famine comes upon Israel. Desperation rules in Israel throughout the famine, causing the people of Samaria to resort to eating donkey heads, bird feces, and even their own children.

2 KINGS 7

ELISHA PREDICTS THE END OF THE FAMINE

Elisha is nearly killed during the time of the famine, but he provides good news that the famine and high food prices would soon subside. One of the king's attendants does not believe Elisha and questions where the food would come from.

Four men with leprosy decide that living in Samaria is worse than being taken captive by the Arameans, so they take a chance by entering the camp of their enemies. The Arameans hear someone coming and get spooked, thinking the Egyptians or Hittites are coming after them. Because the Arameans fled, the four men plunder all that they left behind. Instead of keeping it all for themselves, they return to Samaria to share the good news that the Arameans had left.

Elisha’s prophecy was correct: the famine is over, food prices dropped, and the people of Samaria are able to loot the Aramean campsite. The man who doubted Elisha was responsible for guarding the city gate and as the people rushed towards the food, he is trampled to death.

2 KINGS 8

ELISHA WEPT OVER ISRAEL'S WICKED LEADERS

Previously, Elisha stays in the home of a wealthy woman from Shunam and warns her of the famine (2 Kings 4). Once the famine is over, the woman and her family return home. While Gehazi is reporting Elisha’s great deeds to the king, the woman arrives to ask for the restoration of her land. Upon hearing that Elisha brought her son back to life, the king is amazed and restores the woman’s land and provides her with the profits it produced while she was away during the famine.

Elisha travels to Damascus, where Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram was living. Ben-Hadad is very ill at the time and orders Hazael to meet with Elisha. Elisha says that although Ben-Hadad would recover from his current illness, he would soon face death.

Elisha weeps when delivering this news to Hazael, knowing that Hazael would become the next king of Aram and cause great destruction to Israel. Hazael, using a wet blanket, suffocates and killed Ben-Hadad, taking the throne of Aram.

Back in Judah, Jehoshaphat’s son, Jehoram, becomes king. Jehoram marries into the family of Ahab and follows his wicked actions. Because he is from the line of David, God does not remove him from the throne despite his rebellion. During his reign, the Edomites revolt and establish their own kingdom. After Jehoram’s death, his son Ahaziah becomes king over Judah. Ahaziah continues the streak of unfaithful and sinful kings.

2 KINGS 9

THE FATE OF JEZEBEL

Following God’s instruction, Elisha shares the news that Jehu would be anointed as king over Israel. Elisha commissions him to wipe out Ahab’s entire line of descendants. Jehu does as Elisha directs and kills both Joram and Ahaziah by shooting them with an arrow.

Just as Elijah predicted in 1 Kings 21, Jezebel suffers a terrible death. Jezebel is thrown out of her window and her body is devoured by dogs.

2 KINGS 10

THE FATE OF AHAB’S DESCENDANTS + BAAL WORSHIPPERS

Jehu corresponds with Israel, asking their leaders to help him in his mission to kill Ahab’s descendants. Because Ahab has seventy sons still alive in Samaria, this is no small task. Israel’s officials kill all seventy of the sons on Jehu’s behalf, beheading them and delivering them to Jehu as proof.

Jehu removes the guilt from those who killed Ahab’s descendants, reminding them that this was under God’s instruction and authority. Jehu continues to kill anyone who was associated with Ahab’s family, wiping out all of his close friends and allies. As Jehu travels, he meets some of Ahab’s distant relatives and kills them as well. There are no survivors related to or aligned with Ahab; his legacy is completely wiped out.

Next, Jehu gathers all the people who were prophets of Baal by pretending to be a Baal worshiper himself. He confirms that there were no worshippers of God in the midst before murdering the entire lot. Jehu is determined to wipe out the Baal worshippers and their shrines. Jehu destroys the temple of Baal and puts a toilet in its place!

Although Jehu carried out what God had commanded of him, he still does not worship God whole-heartedly. After twenty-eight years on the throne, Jehu dies.

2 KINGS 11

JEHOSHEBA PROTECTS JOASH, JUDAH’S YOUNGEST KING

When Athaliah sees that her son Ahaziah is dead, she takes over the throne, serving as the Queen over Judah. Athaliah, in her wickedness, slaughters her entire family including her children and grandchildren. Unknown to Athaliah, Ahaziah’s sister Jehosheba saves one of Ahaziah's children, Joash, and hides him in safety.

Jehosheba, who saved Joash, is married to the priest Jehoiada. Jehoiada gathers army officials and Levites to conspire against Athaliah and appoint Joash as king over Judah. Their plan works! Athaliah is shocked to see Joash is still alive and she is quickly killed after he is appointed.

Because Joash was only seven years old, Jehoiada leads the way in restoring Judah’s faithfulness. Jehoiada has the temple of Baal destroyed and kills the leader of Baal worship. This account is also recalled in 2 Chronicles 23.

2 KINGS 12

JOASH REIGNED IN JUDAH + REPAIRED THE TEMPLE

Joash reigns as king over Judah. Although Joash is a faithful king, he does not remove the high places of idol worship and sacrifice.

Joash instructs the priests to give temple offerings to make repairs, keeping good records and being responsible with the money. After many years, the temple had not been restored or updated. Workmen are hired to repair the temple and prove to be more trustworthy with the money than the priests.

Meanwhile, Hazael, the king of Aram, attacks the city of Gath and starts heading towards Jerusalem. Instead of allowing Hazael to attack Judah’s capital city, Joash sent him some valuable treasures to appease him and stop the attack.

After a forty-year reign, Joash is attacked and killed by two of his servants who conspired against him. After his death, his son Amaziah becomes king over Judah.

2 KINGS 13

THE REIGN OF JEHOAHAZ + JEHOASH

Back in Israel, Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, reigns for seventeen years. Jehoahaz is wicked and lives an evil life. Because of his unfaithfulness, God allows Israel to be repeatedly defeated by the kingdom of Aram.

Jehoahaz turns to God and prays for favor upon Israel. God responds and saves Israel, bringing them out of the oppression of Aram. Even after experiencing God’s faithfulness, the people of Israel continue to live in sin and worship other gods.

After Jehoahaz dies, his son Jehoash succeeds him as king over Israel. Jehoash reigns for sixteen years and lives an evil life, similar to Jeroboam years prior.

Meanwhile, the prophet Elisha becomes very ill and is nearing his death. Jehoash goes to visit him in his sickness. Elisha tells him to get a bow and arrow and shoot the bow out the window towards the east, symbolizing Israel’s future victory over the Arameans. Then, Elisha instructs Jehoash to strike the ground with an arrow and Jehoash struck the ground three times, symbolizing the three future victories over Aram. After his final prophecy, Elisha dies and is buried.

After some time had passed, the Moabites invade the land near Elisha’s burial. The Moabites lay a dead body near the grave of Elisha. When the body touches Elisha’s remains, he is revived and brought back to life!

Hazael, king of Aram, continues to oppress Israel. God does not allow Hazael to completely destroy Israel, keeping His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. After Hazael dies, his son Ben-Hadad rules Aram. Joash defeats him three times, just as Elisha prophesied.

2 KINGS 14

AMAZIAH OF JUDAH + JEROBOAM II OF ISRAEL

Amaziah, son of Joash, reigns as king over Judah. Although he is faithful in some ways, his heart is divided. He kills the servants who murder his father and leaves up the high places of worship for false gods.

Amaziah defeats Edom in battle, giving him confidence. After his victory, Amaziah wants to pick a fight with Israel. His decision is a prideful and poor decision, leaving the people of Judah defeated and afraid.

Jehoash, Israel’s king, captures Amaziah and plunders Judah in his absence. Amaziah escapes captivity, but is found, captured again, and killed. After his death, his son Azariah becomes king over Judah and helps restore the land.

After the death of Jehoash, his son Jeroboam II becomes king over Israel. Jeroboam II continues Israel’s streak of evil kings, leading Israel into further rebellion. Jeroboam II restores Israel’s borders, fulfilling the prophecy God gave to Jonah. God sees that Israel is struggling, but uses Jeroboam to maintain the kingdom and protect them from being wiped out entirely. Jeroboam II dies and his son Zechariah becomes the next king over Israel.

2 KINGS 15

MANY WICKED RULERS REIGN IN ISRAEL

In Judah, Azariah serves as a righteous king. Despite his righteousness, he does not remove the high places in Judah and people continue to worship and make offerings to false gods. Because of this, God gives Azariah leprosy, causing him to live separately for the rest of his life. After Azariah’s death, his son Jotham rules in his place.

Back in Israel, the kings are overturning quickly, causing quick reigns and questionable leadership. After Jeroboam II, Zechariah rules as king over Israel for only six months. Zechariah is killed by Shallum, the following king, who has an even shorter reign of only one month.

Shallum is struck down by Menahem, who reigns for ten years after his murder. Menahem is an evil leader and lives a sinful life. After Menahem’s death, his son Pekahiah rules in his place. After only two years, Pekahiah is murdered by his military captain, Pekah.

Pekah rules in Israel for twenty years, living an evil and unfaithful life. During his reign, Assyria invades Israel and captures seven cities within Israel. After the invasion, Hoshea assassinates Pekah and becomes the next king of Israel.

Back in Judah, Jotham faithfully rules for sixteen years. Aram and Israel start to attack Judah during Jotham’s reign. After his death, his son Ahaz is the next king.

2 KINGS 16

AHAZ LEADS JUDAH INTO FURTHER WICKEDNESS

Ahaz, king of Judah, does not rule in righteousness, but instead creates false idols, worships other gods, and offers heinous child sacrifices. Ahaz participates in all of the antics that the previous rulers attempted to wipe out, leading Judah more astray than ever.

The Edomites and Philistines attack Judah. Instead of turning to God to save them, Ahaz asks the Assyrians for help. In direct disrespect to God, Ahaz replaces an altar for God with an altar to worship other gods. Ahaz ravages the temple and removes anything that is offensive to the king of Assyria. Ahaz fears what others think more than he fears God.

Ahaz is remembered as a notoriously bad king. After his death, his son Hezekiah takes over the throne.

2 KINGS 17

ISRAEL OVERTHROWN BY ASSYRIA + TAKEN INTO CAPTIVITY

After Hoshea murders Pekah, he rules as an unrighteous king over Israel. Because the king of Assyria does not trust Hoshea, he is captured and Assyria invades Israel. During this time, Samaria is seized, and the Israelites are carried away to Assyria.

Because the Israelites acted like the rebellious nation of Canaan whom God originally drove out of the Promised Land, they too would be removed from the land. Israel’s sin and faithlessness cause them to fall, even after all God had done to protect and provide for them. God warned the Israelites through the prophets that this time was coming, but the Israelites dismissed the warnings with their stubbornness and pride. Israel is exiled from the Promised Land and suffers captivity in Assyria.

The Assyrians resettle the city of Samaria with people from other nations once the Israelites are removed. The new inhabitants do not worship God, so God sends lions to attack! The people recognize this warning from God, and the king of Assyria sends a priest to Samaria. The foreigners in Samaria are more responsive to God’s warnings than the Israelites had been. Although some worship God, the people’s hearts are divided and distracted by other false gods.

God restores the Israelites time and time again, but they reject Him and abandon their loyalty to Him. God wants to deliver the Israelites from their enemies, but their rebellion leads them to less than what God had for them.

2 KINGS 18

HEZEKIAH MISUSES THE GOLD OF THE TEMPLE DOORS

Back in Judah, Hezekiah reigns as a righteous king. Hezekiah follows God’s law and removes the high places of idol worship.

After Assyria attacks and seizes Israel, Judah is Assyria’s next target. In efforts to pay off Assyria and avoid an attack on the city, Hezekiah strips the temple doors of their gold. 2 Chronicles 29-31 records many of Hezekiah’s faithful and righteous acts, but this chapter acknowledges his capacity for making poor choices.

The Assyrians accuse Judah of relying on the Egyptians or another nation for their wealth and success. Because they do not know God’s character, they cannot comprehend why Judah views God as trustworthy. Instead of responding with alarm, Hezekiah encourages them to trust that God will deliver them from Assyria.

2 KINGS 19

JUDAH’S VICTORY OVER ASSYRIA

Isaiah brings a message from God, telling Hezekiah not to worry. God would allow confusion over the king of Assyria, causing him to turn around and leave Judah. When Hezekiah hears the news that Assyria is threatening Judah, his response is to turn to God in prayer asking for protection.

God has already determined the fate of Judah and the timing in which they would be captured. It did not matter that Assyria had defeated other larger and stronger nations, God’s plans comes to pass, and Judah is spared once again. Of the Assyrian army, 185,000 are killed, including their king Sennacherib.

2 KINGS 20

HEZEKIAH WILL DIE BEFORE THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY

Hezekiah becomes ill and is nearing death. Hezekiah pleads with God asking Him to spare his life and remember that he was a faithful king. God tells Isaiah that he heard the cries of Hezekiah and would extend his life for fifteen years, protecting him from the Assyrians. God uses a sundial reversing in time as a sign to Hezekiah that He would keep His promise to extend his life.

Hezekiah responds to God’s grace by honoring God and rejoicing in prayer. Isaiah instructs Hezekiah to apply figs to his boils to heal them.

After hearing of his illness and miraculous recovery, the king of Babylon visits Hezekiah. Hezekiah welcomes him and showcased his many treasures, including silver and gold, spices and oils, and other precious things.

Isaiah later confronts Hezekiah and warns him that one day all of his belongings will be taken by the Babylonians and that his sons will one day be exiled in Babylon. Hezekiah responds to this news by saying that God’s news is good and that there would be peace and security all of his days. It is debated if his response is selfless or selfish. It is possible his response displays trust in God, but he is also glad that he would not be alive to see the coming destruction.

2 KINGS 21

THE REIGN OF MANASSEH + AMNON

After Hezekiah’s death, his son Manasseh begins his reign in Judah at the young age of twelve. Manasseh angers God with his evil ways. He rebuilds the high places, creates altars of Baal, consults mediums and fortune tellers, and participates in child sacrifice. Even the temple, once used to honor God, is made into a place of idol worship. Manasseh undoes the good deeds of the previous righteous kings, leading Judah further into sin and rebellion. Through the voice of the prophets, God sends a warning of denouement against Manasseh’s reign.

After the death of Manasseh, his son Amnon rules in Judah for two years. Amnon is wicked and unfaithful to God. During his reign, his servants conspire against him and murder him, making his son Josiah the new king over Judah.

2 KINGS 22

KING JOSIAH MOURNS UPON READING GOD’S LAW

Josiah is only eight years old when he begins his reign over Judah. Although he is young, Josiah rules as a righteous king. Josiah provides money to the Levite priests to help rebuild and restore the temple. During this time, Hilkiah, the priest, finds the Book of the Law that God had given to Moses.

Upon hearing the contents of the book, Josiah mourns and tears his clothes in repentance. Josiah knows that God’s wrath would be great, according to the Law in contrast with Judah’s disobedience. After reading God’s desire for the Israelites, Josiah grieves how the nation has drifted into sinfulness and rebellion.

God shows compassion on Josiah for his repentance and humility. God promises Josiah that his wrath will not come upon Israel until after Josiah’s death.

2 KINGS 23

JOSIAH FOLLOWS GOD’S WORD + LEADS WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS

Instead of pride, Josiah responds with obedience and follows God’s law for the remainder of his life. Josiah rules as a righteous king over Judah, removing high places and altars of Baal. Maintaining the integrity of the temple, Josiah destroys the false idols and removes the corrupt priests. The pillars once used as a place of idol worship are cut down and filled with the remains of bodies and bones, showing how idolatry leads to death. Similarly, altars and high places of sin are defiled and burned to dust.

Following God’s word, Josiah honors the Passover with an elaborate celebration. Although Josiah is a righteous and faithful leader, God’s wrath is still impending upon Judah for the nation’s continual disobedience.

Later, Josiah is killed in battle against Egypt. After his death, his son Jehoahaz reigns as king over Judah. Only three months after taking the throne, Egypt overthrows Jehoahaz and institutes his brother, Eliakim as king. The Egyptians change Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim.

2 KINGS 24

JUDAH OVERTHROWN BY BABYLONIAN + TAKEN INTO CAPTIVITY

During Jehoiakim’s reign, Babylon invades Judah. Jehoiakim made an alliance with Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, but rebels against him three years later. Babylon isn’t the only nation after Judah, the Arameans, Moabites, and Ammonites are all aiming for Judah’s destruction.

After his death, Jehoikim’s son Jehoiachin follows in his footsteps as a wicked ruler over Judah and surrenders to Babylon. Because of Judah’s defeat, the Babylonians carry away valuable items from the temple and capture most of the remaining people of Judah.

After Nebuchadnezzar’s victory with Babylon, Zedekiah is made king over Judah. Although he swears to be loyal to Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah ultimately rebels against Babylon. Zedekiah never repents or turns toward God, but instead brings God’s wrath upon Jerusalem.

2 KINGS 25

A GLIMMER OF HOPE IN A DESPERATE TIME

Zedekiah serves as the final king over Judah, as the remaining people are either killed or exiled by Babylon. Zedekiah witnesses the death of his sons and is made blind.

The empire takes over, murdering the people and plundering the temple. Just as the prophets warned, this is the start of the seventy-year exile for the Israelites.

After thirty years in exile, Evil-Merodach becomes king of Babylon and releases Jehoichin from prison. Instead of leaving him imprisoned or killing him, Evil-Merodach replaces his prison clothing and invites him to eat at the king’s table for the rest of his life. The book of Kings ends on a hopeful note that serves as an image of God’s invitation to His people—to be freed from bondage and invited into His presence.