2 Kings

The book of 2 Kings describes the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, from the time of Elijah's ascension to the Babylonian exile. The book begins with the prophet Elijah's interactions with King Ahaziah and his successor, and then transitions to the ministry of Elisha, who performed many miracles and prophesied the downfall of various kings. The book then describes the reigns of the kings of Israel, including Jehoram, Jehu, and Hoshea, who all did evil in the sight of the Lord. In Judah, the book describes the reigns of kings such as Joash, Amaziah, and Ahaz, who also did evil, but also includes the righteous reigns of kings such as Hezekiah and Josiah. The book concludes with the Babylonian exile, in which the kingdom of Judah was conquered and the people were taken captive. Throughout the book, the prophets Elijah and Elisha play key roles in calling the people to repentance and warning them of God's judgment.