2 Kings

The book of 2 Kings describes the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, from the time of Elijah and Elisha to the Babylonian exile. The book begins with the death of King Ahaziah of Israel and the ascension of Elijah to heaven, followed by the prophetic ministry of Elisha. The book then describes the reigns of various kings of Israel and Judah, including Joram, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, who all did evil in the eyes of the Lord. The book also describes the ministry of Elisha, who performed many miracles and prophesied the downfall of Israel. The book then describes the reigns of King Jehu of Israel, who destroyed the house of Ahab, and King Joash of Judah, who restored the temple of the Lord. The book also describes the reigns of King Amaziah and King Azariah of Judah, who both did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but failed to remove the high places. The book then describes the reigns of King Ahaz and King Hezekiah of Judah, who both faced threats from the Assyrians, but Hezekiah trusted in the Lord and was delivered. The book then describes the reigns of King Manasseh and King Amon of Judah, who both did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and the reign of King Josiah, who restored the temple and the worship of the Lord. The book ends with the Babylonian exile, in which the temple was destroyed and the people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon.