(Following this reading is a list of the kings of Judah and Israel.)
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2 Kings – Part 1
Introduction to 2 Kings:
Writer: Unknown. Theories proposing a possible writer, or writers, of the books of Kings can be regarded as speculation.
Scope: 2 Kings is the direct extension of 1 Kings. (See the Introduction to 1 Kings.) The theological/political history of the Israelites presented in 2 Kings picks up about the year 853 B.C. and extends to 586 B.C. with the capture of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.
Chapter 1. Brief
The reign of Ahab’s son, Ahaziah, is brief:
Chapter 2. Whirlwind
Elisha is determined not to leave Elijah’s side:
Chapter 3. Allies
For years Moab has been paying taxes to Ahab in Israel:
Chapter 4. Miracles
Elisha stays busy performing miracles throughout the region:
Chapter 5. Restored
Elisha gives the command; a man’s leprosy is healed:
Chapter 6. Disaster
Elisha is blamed for a disaster in Samaria, he needs a miracle:
Chapter 7. Retreat
In the night the Aramean army suddenly retreats, goes home:
END OF PART 1 OF 2 KINGS
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The era of the Judges ends with Samson in 1055 b.c.
The era of the Kings begins with the United Kingdom in 1050 b.c.:
King Saul: 1050 – 1010 b.c.
King David: 1010 – 970 b.c.
King Solomon: 970 – 930 b.c.
Followed by the Divided Kingdom starting in 930 b.c.
(Note: Some short-term rulers are not mentioned in the Bible.)
Southern Kingdom – Judah Northern Kingdom – Israel
930-915 Rehoboam 930-909 Jeroboam I
915-912 Abijah Nadab
912-870 Asa 908-886 Baasha
870-848 Jehoshaphat Elah
848-842 Jehoram Zimri
842-840 Ahaziah (Jehoahaz) Tibni (pretender)
840-836 Athaliah (Queen) 885-874 Omri
836-796 Jehoash 874-853 Ahab
796-767 Amaziah 853-852 Ahaziah
767-750 Uzziah(Azariah) 852-841 Joram
750-735 Jotham 841-814 Jehu
735-716 Ahaz Jehoahaz
716-687 Hezekiah Jehoash
687-643 Manasseh 793-753 Jeroboam II
643-640 Amon Zechariah
640-609 Josiah Shallum
609 Jehoahaz 752-742 Menahem
609-598 Jehoiakim(Eliakim) 742-740 Pekahiah
598-597 Jeconiah(Jehoiachin) 740-732 Pekah
597-586 Zedekiah(Mattaniah) 732-722 Hoshea
722 Northern Kingdom falls
Riches of Heaven 