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.