2 Kings Commentary

Second Kings continues the narrative begun in First Kings, tracing the history of the divided kingdoms of Israel (in the north) and Judah (in the south). Though the exact authorship is not explicitly stated, many believe it was written by one or more prophets or scribes who documented these events around the time of the nation’s exile. This book places a strong emphasis on the spiritual condition of the kingdoms, showing how idolatry and unfaithfulness led ultimately to the fall of Israel to Assyria and later the fall of Judah to Babylon.

A significant transition takes place early in 2 Kings when the prophet Elijah is taken up into heaven, and his protégé, Elisha, receives a double portion of his spiritual authority. Through a series of miracles, Elisha demonstrates God’s power to guide, provide for, and judge His people. One of the key events involves the rise of Jehu to the throne of Israel, who executes judgment on the corrupt house of Ahab. During these chapters, the northern kingdom continues on a downward spiritual path despite God’s repeated warnings, summarized by the stern declaration, “So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from His sight; none was left except the tribe of Judah.” (2 Kings 17:18)

In 722 BC, the Assyrian Empire conquered Israel and took many of its inhabitants into exile, effectively ending the northern kingdom. The geographical region of Samaria, located in the central part of the land west of the Jordan River, became an Assyrian province and was repopulated with foreign settlers. This resulted in a mixed population that continued to have religious confusion and division, shaping the historical and spiritual landscape for years to come.

The southern kingdom of Judah experienced temporary spiritual revivals under kings such as Hezekiah (715–686 BC) and Josiah (640–609 BC), both of whom sought to restore worship of the one true God. However, over time, Judah’s leaders and people also persisted in idolatry. Eventually, in 586 BC, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and carried many Judeans into captivity. Second Kings closes with the tragic dismantling of Judah, reminding readers of the severe consequences of rejecting God’s covenant, yet leaving a glimmer of hope in God’s enduring promise to restore His people in the future.