“The Second Book of the Kings,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 111–18
“The Second Book of the Kings,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 111–18
The Second Book of the Kings
The book of 2 Kings is the fourth and final book in the series of books that relates the history of the Israelites during the time they had kings. In 2 Kings we read of the fall and conquest of both Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom).
Sad Endings
The Assyrians conquered the kingdom of Israel in approximately 725–20 B.C. and took most of the people north to Assyria. After this “scattering” of these ten tribes of Israel, we have no record of what happened to them except for a reference in the Book of Mormon that says the Savior visited some of them (see 3 Nephi 17:4). They are known as the lost ten tribes of Israel. Then 2 Kings ends with the account of the Babylonians conquering the kingdom of Judah and carrying the people away captive into Babylon. The Babylonian captivity occurred approximately 605–587 B.C.
Getting Ready to Study 2 Kings
Because the book of 2 Kings tells about the fall, conquest, and captivity of the Lord’s covenant people, we should pay special attention as we read to what led the Israelites to these troubles so we can avoid making those same mistakes. For example, what did their prophets teach them? Did they listen and obey? What do our prophets teach us today? If we don’t listen and obey, will the same things happen to us as happened to the Israelites? These are important questions to consider as you read and study.
Outline of Major Events in 2 Kings
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Kingdom of Israel |
Kingdom of Judah |
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Chapter 2—Elijah translated; miracles of Elisha | |
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Chapter 4—Elisha raised a child from the dead | |
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Chapter 5—Elisha healed a Syrian general | |
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Chapters 6–9—War with Syria; the Lord fought their battles and protected Elisha. | |
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Chapter 12—The temple repaired | |
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Chapter 13—Death of Elisha | |
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Chapter 16—Judah made an alliance with Assyria | |
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Chapter 17—Israel taken captive by Assyria | |
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Chapters 18–20—Righteous reign of Hezekiah; Hezekiah sought counsel from the prophet Isaiah | |
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Chapter 21—Idolatry returned | |
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Chapters 22–23—Josiah reigned in righteousness; the scriptures found in the temple help the people repent | |
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Chapters 24–25—Judah taken captive by Babylonians |