2 Kings

Second Kings continues the story where 1 Kings left off. Chapters 1-2 complete the presentation of Elijah’s prophetic ministry. Chapters 3-9 depict the ministry of Elijah’s successor, Elisha. Chapters 9-10 relate the defeat of Baal that occurred in Jehu’s purge and the end of the Omride dynasty. Athaliah’s seizure of the Judean throne and the restoration of Davidic rule under Joash are recounted in chapters 11-12. The rest of 2 Kings details the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to Assyria in chapters 13-17, followed by the fall of the southern kingdom of Judah to Babylon in chapters 18-25 despite the righteous reigns of Hezekiah (chapters 18-20) and Josiah (chapters 22-23).

Second Samuel continues the story of King David begun in 1 Samuel, including his military victories, centralization of the cult in the new capital of Jerusalem, and God’s promise of an eternal dynasty. David’s human failings–as a person, as a father, and as a king–as well as God’s judgment and grace, complete this portrait of Israel’s greatest king.