Intro to Second Kings

Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.” 

2 Kings 22:13

Just like many movies based off of multi-book series, they tend to divide the last book in the series into multiple movies (think Harry Potter or The Hunger Games). The book of Second Kings can be considered the final book of four (1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings) which chronicles the saga of the people of God and, if it were turned into a movie, could easily be divided into multiple parts. The first part (1-8) would cover the life and ministry of Elisha and it easily transitions us from 1 Kings. After Elijah takes a “ride” to heaven and Elisha sends two she bears to obliterate 42 boys who had called him a baldy (possibly one of my favorite stories in the Scriptures), we see how the Lord uses Elisha to demonstrate to the world that He is the one who controls the destinies of man.

In the second section of the book (9-17), we are further disappointed in the kings of Israel (the Northern Kingdom). Ultimately, in this section we see this kingdom spiraling further and further down and eventually ending in their exile which is a result of their idolatry (17:1-41). In the final section (18-25), we return to the southern kingdom of Judah to see how things are faring there. Although Israel collapses, Judah seems to be in a much better position. Most of the attention is placed on Hezekiah and Josiah, who can be considered two of the better kings of Judah. Both of seek to reform the people and both of them act opposite to the kings of Israel in removing the high places and idols. However, sandwiched between these two good kings is the most evil, wicked king, Manasseh. In fact, it is because of his wickedness that the writer says is the reason for the downfall of Jerusalem (22:12-17).

So what do we learn? Well firstly, we learn the history of the nation of Israel from their early beginning, eventual rejection of God, the appointing of their first king, the appointing of their best king, the appointing of their wisest king, and the eventual downfall of both Israel and Judah. Specifically in Second Kings, we learn how God is just in bringing about their demise as the people continuously are lead astray and into idolatry. And God truly is the one who is sovereign as we read the phrase “according to the word of the LORD” numerous times (for example, 1:17; 10:17; see 9:25–26, 36–37; 10:10; 14:25; 15:12; 17:18–23). But this book is not just doom and gloom, but contains a very prominent theme of hope and the grace of God. For example, in the end we read of how Jehoiachin, a descendant of David, is still alive and we can hold on to hope that God will restore Israel and fulfill the covenant that was made with David. And God does do so by the sending of His Son, Jesus. God is faithful always, but we too often turn away from Him and disobey the words that He has given to us. May we learn from the examples we read in the book of Second Kings, fix our eyes on the perfect Son, and walk in righteousness.

Grace and Peace,
Alex Galvez

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