April 14, 2025
The Miracles of Elisha
2 Kings 1-5
Nathan Dooley
Big Book Idea
The power of humility and trust in spiritual restoration
Key Verse | 2 Kings 5:14
So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
2 Kings 1-5
Chapter 1
Elijah Denounces Ahaziah
1 After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel.
2 Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria, and lay sick; so he sent messengers, telling them, “Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this sickness.” 3 But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? 4 Now therefore thus says the LORD, You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” So Elijah went.
5 The messengers returned to the king, and he said to them, “Why have you returned?” 6 And they said to him, “There came a man to meet us, and said to us, ‘Go back to the king who sent you, and say to him, Thus says the LORD, Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” 7 He said to them, “What kind of man was he who came to meet you and told you these things?” 8 They answered him, “He wore a garment of hair, with a belt of leather about his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”
9 Then the king sent to him a captain of fifty men with his fifty. He went up to Elijah, who was sitting on the top of a hill, and said to him, “O man of God, the king says, ‘Come down.’” 10 But Elijah answered the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
11 Again the king sent to him another captain of fifty men with his fifty. And he answered and said to him, “O man of God, this is the king's order, ‘Come down quickly!’” 12 But Elijah answered them, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
13 Again the king sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up and came and fell on his knees before Elijah and entreated him, “O man of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty servants of yours, be precious in your sight. 14 Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the two former captains of fifty men with their fifties, but now let my life be precious in your sight.” 15 Then the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him; do not be afraid of him.” So he arose and went down with him to the king 16 and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Because you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron—is it because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word?—therefore you shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’”
17 So he died according to the word of the LORD that Elijah had spoken. Jehoram became king in his place in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, because Ahaziah had no son. 18 Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
Chapter 2
Elijah Taken to Heaven
1 Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take away your master from over you?” And he said, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.”
4 Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. 5 The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take away your master from over you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.”
6 Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 7 Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. 8 Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground.
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” 10 And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” 11 And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more.
Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. 13 And he took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water, saying, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” And when he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over.
Elisha Succeeds Elijah
15 Now when the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho saw him opposite them, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. 16 And they said to him, “Behold now, there are with your servants fifty strong men. Please let them go and seek your master. It may be that the Spirit of the LORD has caught him up and cast him upon some mountain or into some valley.” And he said, “You shall not send.” 17 But when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, “Send.” They sent therefore fifty men. And for three days they sought him but did not find him. 18 And they came back to him while he was staying at Jericho, and he said to them, “Did I not say to you, ‘Do not go’?”
19 Now the men of the city said to Elisha, “Behold, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful.” 20 He said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him. 21 Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, “Thus says the LORD, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.” 22 So the water has been healed to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke.
23 He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” 24 And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the LORD. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys. 25 From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.
Chapter 3
Moab Rebels Against Israel
1 In the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned twelve years. 2 He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, though not like his father and mother, for he put away the pillar of Baal that his father had made. 3 Nevertheless, he clung to the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin; he did not depart from it.
4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he had to deliver to the king of Israel 100,000 lambs and the wool of 100,000 rams. 5 But when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. 6 So King Jehoram marched out of Samaria at that time and mustered all Israel. 7 And he went and sent word to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to battle against Moab?” And he said, “I will go. I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.” 8 Then he said, “By which way shall we march?” Jehoram answered, “By the way of the wilderness of Edom.”
9 So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. And when they had made a circuitous march of seven days, there was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them. 10 Then the king of Israel said, “Alas! The LORD has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.” 11 And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here, through whom we may inquire of the LORD?” Then one of the king of Israel's servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.” 12 And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the LORD is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
13 And Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No; it is the LORD who has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.” 14 And Elisha said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you nor see you. 15 But now bring me a musician.” And when the musician played, the hand of the LORD came upon him. 16 And he said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘I will make this dry streambed full of pools.’ 17 For thus says the LORD, ‘You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.’ 18 This is a light thing in the sight of the LORD. He will also give the Moabites into your hand, 19 and you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree and stop up all springs of water and ruin every good piece of land with stones.” 20 The next morning, about the time of offering the sacrifice, behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water.
21 When all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, all who were able to put on armor, from the youngest to the oldest, were called out and were drawn up at the border. 22 And when they rose early in the morning and the sun shone on the water, the Moabites saw the water opposite them as red as blood. 23 And they said, “This is blood; the kings have surely fought together and struck one another down. Now then, Moab, to the spoil!” 24 But when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose and struck the Moabites, till they fled before them. And they went forward, striking the Moabites as they went. 1 3:24 Septuagint; the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain 25 And they overthrew the cities, and on every good piece of land every man threw a stone until it was covered. They stopped every spring of water and felled all the good trees, till only its stones were left in Kir-hareseth, and the slingers surrounded and attacked it. 26 When the king of Moab saw that the battle was going against him, he took with him 700 swordsmen to break through, opposite the king of Edom, but they could not. 27 Then he took his oldest son who was to reign in his place and offered him for a burnt offering on the wall. And there came great wrath against Israel. And they withdrew from him and returned to their own land.
Chapter 4
Elisha and the Widow's Oil
1 Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” 2 And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” 3 Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. 4 Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” 5 So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. 6 When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”
Elisha and the Shunammite Woman
8 One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. 9 And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. 10 Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.”
11 One day he came there, and he turned into the chamber and rested there. 12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite.” When he had called her, she stood before him. 13 And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.” 14 And he said, “What then is to be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.” 15 He said, “Call her.” And when he had called her, she stood in the doorway. 16 And he said, “At this season, about this time next year, you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not lie to your servant.” 17 But the woman conceived, and she bore a son about that time the following spring, as Elisha had said to her.
Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son
18 When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. 19 And he said to his father, “Oh, my head, my head!” The father said to his servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died. 21 And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and shut the door behind him and went out. 22 Then she called to her husband and said, “Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again.” 23 And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.” 24 Then she saddled the donkey, and she said to her servant, “Urge the animal on; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.” 25 So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel.
When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, “Look, there is the Shunammite. 26 Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’” And she answered, “All is well.” 27 And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.” 28 Then she said, “Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me?’” 29 He said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment and take my staff in your hand and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not reply. And lay my staff on the face of the child.” 30 Then the mother of the child said, “As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he arose and followed her. 31 Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. Therefore he returned to meet him and told him, “The child has not awakened.”
32 When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. 33 So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the LORD. 34 Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. 35 Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. 36 Then he summoned Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, “Pick up your son.” 37 She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.
Elisha Purifies the Deadly Stew
38 And Elisha came again to Gilgal when there was a famine in the land. And as the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, “Set on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” 39 One of them went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine and gathered from it his lap full of wild gourds, and came and cut them up into the pot of stew, not knowing what they were. 40 And they poured out some for the men to eat. But while they were eating of the stew, they cried out, “O man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it. 41 He said, “Then bring flour.” And he threw it into the pot and said, “Pour some out for the men, that they may eat.” And there was no harm in the pot.
42 A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give to the men, that they may eat.” 43 But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the LORD, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’” 44 So he set it before them. And they ate and had some left, according to the word of the LORD.
Chapter 5
Naaman Healed of Leprosy
1 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 2 5:1 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 2 Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman's wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 5 And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.”
So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels 3 5:5 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms; a shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7 And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.”
8 But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha's house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. 12 Are not Abana 4 5:12 Or Amana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Gehazi's Greed and Punishment
15 Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.” 16 But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. 17 Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the LORD. 18 In this matter may the LORD pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon your servant in this matter.” 19 He said to him, “Go in peace.”
But when Naaman had gone from him a short distance, 20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “See, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” 21 So Gehazi followed Naaman. And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?” 22 And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me to say, ‘There have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’” 23 And Naaman said, “Be pleased to accept two talents.” And he urged him and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants. And they carried them before Gehazi. 24 And when he came to the hill, he took them from their hand and put them in the house, and he sent the men away, and they departed. 25 He went in and stood before his master, and Elisha said to him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant went nowhere.” 26 But he said to him, “Did not my heart go when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants? 27 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.
Table of Contents
Introduction to 1–2 Kings
Timeline
Author and Date
The author or authors of these two books is unknown. As the titles of the books indicate, 1–2 Kings describe the period of the monarchy in ancient Israel (970–586 B.C.), concentrating on the kings who ruled after David.
Theme
The books show that Israel suffers again and again because of its great sinfulness (2 Kings 17:7–23; 24:1–4). Yet there is still hope for the nation, because God’s chosen family of kings has not come to an end (2 Kings 25:27–30), and God remains ready to forgive those who repent (1 Kings 8:22–61).
Purpose, Occasion, and Background
The fall of Jerusalem to Babylon in 586 B.C. raised several questions: Was Israel’s God not in fact in control of history, as Moses had claimed? If the God of Moses did exist, and was good and all-powerful, how was it that God’s chosen city and temple had been destroyed, and his chosen royal family had all but come to its end?
The books of Kings respond to such questions, explaining why Israel was defeated. Israel’s God is indeed in control of nature and history. There are no other true gods anywhere. It is this good and all-powerful God who has overseen the destruction of his chosen city and his temple, and Israel’s exile to Babylon. Israel’s sin has caused these punishments.
After the division of the kingdom, the northern kingdom of Israel lasted slightly more than 200 years (931–722 B.C.), with 19 different kings, all of whom were wicked. The southern kingdom of Judah had the same number of kings, but many of them were good, and Judah lasted almost 150 years longer (931–586 B.C.). Toward the end of Judah’s monarchy came two of its best kings: Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:1–20:21) and Josiah (2 Kings 22:1–23:30). Yet the people still rebelled against the Lord, and Judah, like Israel, eventually went into exile as punishment for its sin. But hope remained, for God’s chosen royal line had not come to a complete end (2 Kings 25:27–30), and God remained ready to forgive those who repented.
Key Themes
- Yahweh is the only true God, and he controls nature. There is only one living God, and he is the Lord. He alone controls the natural order (1 Kings 17–19; 2 Kings 1:2–17; 4:8–37; 5:1–18; 6:1–7, 27).
- Yahweh controls history. The Lord rules over the past, present, and future. He alone controls the historical process (1 Kings 11:14, 23; 14:1–18; 22:1–38; 2 Kings 5:1–18; 10:32–33; 18:17–19:37).
- Yahweh demands exclusive worship. As the only God, the Lord demands exclusive worship. He alone will be worshiped, by Israelite and foreigner alike (1 Kings 8:41–43, 60; 2 Kings 5:15–18; 17:24–41).
- The content and place of true worship. Much of 1–2 Kings is concerned with exposing false religion. It speaks out against the content of false worship (1 Kings 11:1–40; 12:25–13:34; 14:22–24; 16:29–33; 2 Kings 16:1–4; 17:7–23; 21:1–9). It also exposes the wrongful place of such false worship (1 Kings 3:2; 5:1–9:9; 15:14; 22:43; 2 Kings 18:4; 23:1–20).
- The consequences of false worship. True worship of God includes obedience to the law of God. The worship of something other than God always leads to mistreating other people.
- Yahweh is the just and gracious Lawgiver. The Lord gave the law, which defines true worship, right thinking, and correct behavior. The Lord is also the one who punishes wrongdoers.
- Yahweh is the promise-giver. Israel’s God is a promise-giver. The divine promises given to the patriarchs and to David are an important theme in 1–2 Kings.
1 Kings Outline
- The Reign of King Solomon (1:1–11:43)
- The Kingdom Is Divided (12:1–14:31)
- Abijam and Asa (15:1–24)
- From Nadab to Ahab (15:25–16:34)
- Elijah and Ahab (17:1–22:40)
- Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah (22:41–53)
2 Kings Outline
- The Death of Ahaziah (1:1–18)
- Elisha and Israel (2:1–10:36)
- Joash (11:1–12:21)
- Jehoahaz and Jehoash (13:1–25)
- Amaziah, Jeroboam II, and Azariah (14:1–15:7)
- Israel’s Last Days (15:8–31)
- Jotham and Ahaz (15:32–16:20)
- The End of Israel (17:1–41)
- Hezekiah (18:1–20:21)
- Manasseh and Amon (21:1–26)
- Josiah (22:1–23:30)
- The End of Judah (23:31–25:30)
The Extent of Solomon’s Kingdom
c. 971–931 B.C.
Solomon’s reign marked the high point of Israel’s power and wealth in biblical times. Solomon’s father, David, had given him a kingdom that included Edom, Moab, Ammon, Syria, and Zobah. Solomon would later rule over the kingdom of Hamath as well, and his marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter resulted in an alliance with Egypt. Solomon controlled important trade routes between several major world powers, including Egypt, Arabia, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia (Asia Minor).
Israel and Judah in 2 Kings
c. 853 B.C.
The book of 2 Kings tells of events in Israel and Judah from the death of Ahab to the exile of Israel and Judah. The story involves Israel, Judah, Syria, Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia, as well as Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, and other kingdoms far beyond Israel’s borders.
Fact: How does Chronicles differ from Samuel and Kings?
How does Chronicles differ from Samuel and Kings? The books of 1–2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings show that the Lord drove Israel and Judah from their land because of their sin. The books of 1–2 Chronicles agree that Israel sinned and suffered exile as a result. They also show that God still had a purpose for his people.
Fact: Israel and Judah’s sins continue
Israel and Judah’s sins continue. Picking up where 1 Kings left off, Israel and Judah continued to decline through false worship and disobedience. They were led into sin by their kings, most of whom failed to follow the Lord.
Fact: “Man of God,”
“Man of God,” meaning “prophet,” is used 37 times in 1–2 Kings. Though God judged the Judean prophet’s disobedience (13:1–32), his prophecy against the temple in Bethel was fulfilled, and King Josiah preserved his burial place (2 Kings 23:15–20).
Fact: The Moabite Stone
The Moabite Stone is a small monument inscribed with details about the conflict between the Israelites and the Moabites (3:4–27). Written by the Moabites, it emphasizes their victories over Israel. More importantly, it features the earliest known reference to the Lord’s personal name (YHWH; see note on Gen. 2:4) outside of the Bible.
Fact: Bears
Though bears no longer live in the region of Palestine, the bear God used to punish the disrespectful boys (2:24) was probably of a type that could grow up to 7 feet (2 m) tall and reach 500 pounds (227 kg).
Fact: Who was Rimmon?
Who was Rimmon? Rimmon was another name for the Syrian god Baal-hadad. Known as the storm god, he was depicted as a bearded deity holding a club and thunderbolt. He was considered the most powerful god in the Syrian religion.
Israel and Judah in 2 Kings
c. 853 B.C.
The book of 2 Kings tells of events in Israel and Judah from the death of Ahab to the exile of Israel and Judah. The story involves Israel, Judah, Syria, Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia, as well as Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, and other kingdoms far beyond Israel’s borders.
Evaluating Kings of Israel and Judah in 1–2 Kings
The Divided Kingdom: Kings of Judah (all dates B.C.)
| King | Years of Reign | Total Years | Accession Year* | Possible Co-Reigns | References in 1–2 Kings** | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rehoboam | 931/930–915/914 | 17 | 1 Kings 12:1–24; 14:21–31 | |||
| Abijah/Abijam | 915/914–912/911 | 3 | 18 of Jeroboam I | 1 Kings 15:1–8 | ||
| Asa | 912/911–871/870 | 41 | 20 of Jeroboam I | 1 Kings 15:9–24 | ||
| Jehoshaphat | 871/870–849/848 | 25 | 4 of Ahab | with Asa from 873 | 1 Kings 22:41–50 | |
| Jehoram/Joram | 849/848–842 | 7 (8) | 5 of Joram | with Jehoshaphat from 853 | 2 Kings 8:16–24 | Married Athaliah, a daughter of Ahab (Israel) |
| Ahaziah | 842–841 | 1 (2) | 11 of Joram | 2 Kings 8:25–29; 9:21–28 | Killed by Jehu (Israel) in 841 | |
| Athaliah (Q.) | 841–835 | 6 | 2 Kings 11:1–20 | Killed by Jehoiada the priest | ||
| Joash/Jehoash | 835–796/795 | 39 (40) | 7 of Jehu | 2 Kings 12:1–21 | Hidden from Athaliah for 6 years (841–835) by Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah; protected by Jehoiada the priest | |
| Amaziah | 796/795–767 | 29 | 2 of Joash/Jehoash | 2 Kings 14:1–22 | ||
| Uzziah/Azariah | 767–740/739 | 52 | 27 of Jeroboam II | with Amaziah from 791 | 2 Kings 15:1–7 | |
| Jotham | 750–735/730 | 16 (20) | 2 of Pekah | Uzziah is alive in 750 but inactive in rule (see 2 Kings 15:5) | 2 Kings 15:32–38 | |
| Ahaz | 735/730–715 | 16 (20) | 17 of Pekah | 2 Kings 16:1–20 | ||
| Hezekiah | 715–687/686 | 29 | 3 of Hoshea | with Ahaz from 728 | 2 Kings 18:1–20:21 | |
| Manasseh | 687/686–642 | 55 | No further accession dates after fall of Israel in 722 | with Hezekiah from 697/696 | 2 Kings 21:1–18 | |
| Amon | 642–640 | 2 | 2 Kings 21:19–26 | |||
| Josiah | 640–609 | 31 | 2 Kings 22:1–23:30 | Killed by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt | ||
| Jehoahaz | 609 | 3 months | 2 Kings 23:31–34 | Taken by Pharaoh Neco to Egypt | ||
| Jehoiakim | 609–598 | 11 | 2 Kings 23:35–24:7 | Set on the throne by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt | ||
| Jehoiachin/Jeconiah | 598–597 | 3 months | 2 Kings 24:8–17; 25:27–30 | Exiled to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 597; released and honored by Evil-merodach of Babylon in 562 | ||
| Zedekiah | 597–586 | 11 | 2 Kings 24:18–20 | Zedekiah is Jehoiachin’s uncle; Jerusalem and Judah fall to Babylon in 586 |
*This chart follows the dating method found in both Kings and Chronicles: For Judah, accession to the throne is marked by a year within the reign of a king of Israel. Parentheses—e.g., 39 (40)—indicate non-accession year dating (year of accession is counted in the totals of both the predecessor and the new king). The actual number of years in a reign can be determined by subtracting 1 from the number given (40 – 1 = 39 actual years).
**The verses cited in 1–2 Kings do not include the initial mention of a ruler, which occurs in reference to the death of his father (e.g., Abijam in 1 Kings 14:31).
The Divided Kingdom: Kings of Israel (all dates B.C.)
| King | Years of Reign | Total Years | Accession Year* | Possible Co-Reigns | References in 1–2 Kings** | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeroboam I | 931/930–911/910 | 21 (22) | 1 Kings 11:26–40;12:1–14:20 | |||
| Nadab | 911/910–910/909 | 1 (2) | 2 of Asa | 1 Kings 15:25–32 | Killed by Baasha | |
| Baasha | 910/909–887/886 | 23 (24) | 3 of Asa | 1 Kings 15:27–16:7 | ||
| Elah | 887/886–886/885 | 1 (2) | 26 of Asa | 1 Kings 16:8–14 | Killed by Zimri | |
| Zimri | 886/885 | 7 days | 26 of Asa | 1 Kings 16:9–20 | Killed himself by burning the king’s house down while he was in it | |
| Omri | 886/885–875/874 | 11 (12) | 31 of Asa | Tibni reigns after Zimri for 5 years as rival to Omri | 1 Kings 16:16–17, 21–28 | |
| Ahab | 875/874–853 | 21 (22) | 38 of Asa | 1 Kings 16:29–17:1; 18:1–19:3; 20:1–22:40 | ||
| Ahaziah | 853–852 | 1 (2) | 17 of Jehoshaphat | 1 Kings 22:51–53; 2 Kings 1:1–18 | ||
| Joram/Jehoram | 852–841 | 11 (12) | 18 of Jehoshaphat | 2 Kings 3:1–27; (“king of Israel” in 6:8–7:20); 9:14–26 | Killed by Jehu in 841 | |
| Jehu | 841–814/813 | 27 (28) | 2 Kings 9:1–10:36 | |||
| Jehoahaz | 814/813–798/797 | 16 (17) | 23 of Joash/Jehoash | 2 Kings 13:1–9 | ||
| Joash/Jehoash | 798/797–782/781 | 15 (16) | 37 of Joash/Jehoash | 2 Kings 13:10–25; 14:8–16 | ||
| Jeroboam II | 782/781–753 | 41 | 15 of Amaziah | with Joash/Jehoash from 793/792 | 2 Kings 14:23–29 | |
| Zechariah | 753–752 | 6 months | 38 of Uzziah | 2 Kings 15:8–12 | Killed by Shallum | |
| Shallum | 752 | 1 month | 39 of Uzziah | 2 Kings 15:10, 13–16 | Killed by Menahem | |
| Menahem | 752–742/741 | 10 | 39 of Uzziah | 2 Kings 15:14–22 | ||
| Pekahiah | 742/741–740/739 | 2 | 50 of Uzziah | 2 Kings 15:23–26 | Killed by Pekah | |
| Pekah | 740/739–732/731 | 20*** | 52 of Uzziah | 20 years counted from 752 to include the reigns of rivals Menahem and Pekahiah | 2 Kings 15:25, 27–31 | Killed by Hoshea |
| Hoshea | 732/731–722 | 9 | 12 of Ahaz | 2 Kings 15:30; 17:1–6 | Samaria and Israel fall to Assyria in 722 |
* This chart follows the dating method found in both Kings and Chronicles: For Israel, accession to the throne is marked by a year within the reign of a king of Judah. Parentheses—e.g., 21 (22)—indicate non-accession year dating (year of accession is counted in the totals of both the predecessor and the new king). The actual number of years in a reign can be determined by subtracting 1 from the number given (22 – 1 = 21 actual years).
**The verses cited in 1–2 Kings do not include the initial mention of a ruler when it occurs in reference to the death of his father (e.g., Nadab in 1 Kings 14:20).
***See note on 2 Kings 15:27–31.
Comparison of 1–2 Chronicles with 2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings
| 1 Chronicles | 2 Samuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Genealogies | 1:1–9:44 | |
| Death of Saul and sons | 10:1–14 | 1 Sam. 31:1–2 Sam. 1:16 |
| Lament for Saul | 1:17–27 | |
| David king of Judah | 2:1–7 | |
| War between house of Saul and David; Ish-bosheth made king | 2:8–3:1 | |
| David’s sons in Hebron | 3:2–5 | |
| Abner helps David | 3:6–21 | |
| Joab kills Abner | 3:22–39 | |
| Ish-bosheth killed | 4:1–12 | |
| David king of Judah and Israel | 11:1–3 | 5:1–5 |
| Conquest of Jerusalem | 11:4–9 | 5:6–10 |
| David’s mighty men | 11:10–47 | 23:8–39 |
| David’s men at Ziklag | 12:1–22 | |
| Celebration at Hebron | 12:23–40 | |
| Attempted return of ark; death of Uzzah | 13:1–14 | 6:1–11 |
| David’s house built | 14:1–2 | 5:11–12 |
| David’s children in Jerusalem | 14:3–7 | 5:13–16 |
| David defeats Philistines | 14:8–17 | 5:17–25 |
| Spiritual preparation for the ark’s return | 15:1–24 | |
| Ark brought to Jerusalem | 15:25–16:6 | 6:12–19 |
| David and Michal | 6:20–23 | |
| David’s psalm of praise | 16:7–43 | |
| David’s desire to build the temple | 17:1–2 | 7:1–3 |
| Davidic covenant | 17:3–15 | 7:4–17 |
| David’s prayer of praise | 17:16–27 | 7:18–29 |
| David’s victories | 18:1–13 | 8:1–14 |
| David’s officials | 18:14–17 | 8:15–18 |
| David helps Mephibosheth | 9:1–13 | |
| Ammonites defeated | 19:1–15 | 10:1–14 |
| Syrians defeated | 19:16–19 | 10:15–19 |
| Ammonites defeated | 20:1–3 | 11:1; 12:26–31 |
| David and Bathsheba | 11:2–12:25 | |
| Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom | 13:1–14:33 | |
| Absalom’s rebellion | 15:1–19:43 | |
| Sheba’s rebellion | 20:1–26 | |
| Famine; death of Saul’s sons | 21:1–14 | |
| War with Philistines; the Philistine giants | 20:4–8 | 21:15–22 |
| David’s psalm of deliverance | 22:1–51 | |
| David’s last words | 23:1–7 | |
| David’s census | 21:1–27 | 24:1–25 |
| David plans for the temple | 21:28–22:5 | |
| David’s charge to Solomon and the leaders | 22:6–19 | |
| David organizes temple personnel | 23:1–26:32 | |
| Israel’s military | 27:1–15 | |
| Israel’s leaders | 27:16–34 | |
| David’s charge to Israel; affirmation of Solomon | 28:1–10 | |
| Pattern for the temple | 28:11–21 | |
| Offerings for the temple | 29:1–9 | |
| David’s prayer of thanks for the temple | 29:10–19 | |
| 1 Kings | ||
| David and Abishag | 1:1–4 | |
| Adonijah claims the throne | 1:5–27 | |
| Solomon’s coronation | 29:20–25 | 1:28–40 |
| David instructs Solomon | 2:1–9 | |
| Death of David | 29:26–30 | 2:10–11 |
| Solomon establishes his kingdom | 2:12–46 | |
| 2 Chronicles | ||
| Solomon marries Pharaoh’s daughter | 3:1–3 | |
| Solomon at Gibeon | 1:1–6 | 3:4 |
| God gives Solomon wisdom | 1:7–12 | 3:5–14 |
| Solomon’s wise judgment | 3:16–28 | |
| Solomon’s prosperity | 1:14–17 | 4:20–34 |
| Preparations for the temple | 2:1–18 | 5:1–18 |
| Temple built | 3:1–5:1 | 6:1–38;7:13–51 |
| Solomon’s palace | 7:1–12 | |
| Ark brought to the temple | 5:2–12 | 8:1–9 |
| God’s glory fills the temple | 5:13–14 | 8:10–11 |
| Solomon blesses the people | 6:1–11 | 8:12–21 |
| Solomon consecrates the temple | 6:12–42 | 8:22–61 |
| Fire from the Lord consumes the sacrifices | 7:1–3 | |
| Solomon and the people offer sacrifices | 7:4–7 | 8:62–64 |
| Feast of Tabernacles | 7:8–10 | 8:65–66 |
| The covenant confirmed | 7:11–22 | 9:1–9 |
| Solomon’s territory increases | 8:1–6 | 9:10–19 |
| Solomon’s enemies defeated | 8:7–10 | 9:20–23 |
| Solomon’s religious practices | 8:11–16 | 9:24–25 |
| Solomon’s economic operations | 8:17–18 | 9:26–28 |
| Queen of Sheba visits | 9:1–12 | 10:1–13 |
| Solomon’s wealth | 9:13–28 | 10:14–29 |
| Solomon’s apostasy and adversaries | 11:1–40 | |
| Death of Solomon | 9:29–31 | 11:41–43 |
| Division of the kingdom | 10:1–11:23 | 12:1–33 |
| Man of God from Judah warns Jeroboam (Israel) | 13:1–34 | |
| Ahijah’s prophecy against Jeroboam | 14:1–18 | |
| Death of Jeroboam | 14:19–20 | |
| Shishak invades Judah | 12:1–12 | 14:25–28 |
| Reign of Rehoboam (Judah) | 12:13–16 | 14:21–24,29–31 |
| War between Judah and Israel | 13:1–22 | 15:1–8 |
| Evaluation of Asa (Judah) | 14:1–8 | 15:9–12 |
| Ethiopians defeated | 14:9–15 | |
| Azariah the prophet | 15:1–7 | |
| Asa’s reforms | 15:8–19 | 15:13–15 |
| Asa defeats Syria | 16:1–10 | 15:16–22 |
| Death of Asa | 16:11–14 | 15:23–24 |
| Reigns of Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri (Israel) | 15:25–16:28 | |
| Ahab becomes king (Israel) | 16:29–34 | |
| Elijah | 17:1–19:18;21:17–29 | |
| Call of Elisha | 19:19–21 | |
| Ahab conquers Syria, acquires Naboth’s vineyard | 20:1–21:29 | |
| Evaluation of Jehoshaphat (Judah) | 17:1–9 | |
| Expansion of Judah | 17:10–19 | |
| Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab; death of Ahab | 18:1–34 | 22:1–40 |
| Jehoshaphat’s reforms, crisis, and deliverance | 19:1–20:30 | |
| Reign of Jehoshaphat | 20:31–37 | 22:41–50 |
| Reign of Ahaziah (Israel) | 22:51–53 | |
| 2 Kings | ||
| Death of Ahaziah; Elijah’s prophecy | 1:1–18 | |
| Elijah and Elisha | 2:1–25 | |
| Evaluation of Jehoram (Israel) | 3:1–3 | |
| Moab rebels | 3:4–27 | |
| The widow’s oil | 4:1–7 | |
| The Shunammite woman | 4:8–37 | |
| Miracles for the prophets | 4:38–44 | |
| Naaman healed | 5:1–27 | |
| The axe head recovered | 6:1–7 | |
| Chariots of fire | 6:8–23 | |
| Siege of Samaria | 6:24–7:20 | |
| Shunammite’s land restored | 8:1–6 | |
| Hazael kills Ben-hadad | 8:7–15 | |
| Evaluation of Jehoram (Judah) | 21:1–7 | 8:16–19 |
| Edom and Libnah rebel | 21:8–11 | 8:20–22 |
| Warning of Elijah | 21:12–15 | |
| Invasion of Philistia and Arabia | 21:16–17 | |
| Death of Jehoram | 21:18–20 | 8:23–24 |
| Reign of Ahaziah (Judah) | 22:1–9 | 8:25–29; 9:15–16, 27–28; 10:12–14 |
| Reign of Jehu (Israel) | 22:7–9 | 9:1–10:36 |
| Reign of Athaliah (Judah) | 22:10–23:15 | 11:1–16 |
| Jehoiada’s reforms (Judah) | 23:16–21 | 11:17–20 |
| Evaluation of Joash (Judah) | 24:1–3 | 11:21–12:3 |
| Joash repairs the temple | 24:4–14 | 12:4–16 |
| Death of Jehoiada | 24:15–16 | |
| Jehoiada’s son killed | 24:17–22 | |
| Syria invades Judah | 24:23–24 | 12:17–18 |
| Death of Joash | 24:25–27 | 12:19–21 |
| Reign of Jehoahaz (Israel) | 13:1–9 | |
| Reign of Jehoash (Israel) | 13:10–13 | |
| Elisha’s final prophecy and death | 13:14–25 | |
| Reign of Amaziah (Judah) | 25:1–16 | 14:1–20 |
| Israel defeats Judah | 25:17–24 | 14:8–14 |
| Death of Amaziah | 25:25–28 | 14:17–20 |
| Evaluation of Uzziah (Judah) | 26:1–5 | 14:21–22; 15:1–5 |
| Reign of Jeroboam II (Israel) | 14:23–29 | |
| Victories of Uzziah | 26:6–15 | |
| Sinful offering of Uzziah | 26:16–21 | |
| Death of Uzziah | 26:22–23 | 15:6–7 |
| Reign of Zechariah (Israel) | 15:8–12 | |
| Reign of Shallum (Israel) | 15:13–16 | |
| Reign of Menahem (Israel) | 15:17–22 | |
| Reign of Pekahiah (Israel) | 15:23–26 | |
| Reign of Pekah (Israel) | 15:27–31 | |
| Reign of Jotham (Judah) | 27:1–9 | 15:32–38 |
| Evaluation of Ahaz (Judah) | 28:1–4 | 16:1–4 |
| Israel defeats Judah | 28:5–21 | 16:5–9 |
| Ahaz’s idolatry and death | 28:22–27 | 16:10–12 |
| Fall of Israel | 17:1–23 | |
| Resettlement of Israel | 17:24–41 | |
| Evaluation of Hezekiah (Judah) | 29:1–2 | 18:1–8 |
| Hezekiah cleanses the temple | 29:3–19 | |
| Hezekiah restores temple worship | 29:20–36 | |
| Hezekiah restores Passover | 30:1–27 | |
| Hezekiah destroys idols, organizes priests | 31:1–21 | |
| Fall of Israel (restated) | 18:9–12 | |
| Assyria invades Judah | 32:1–23 | 18:13–19:37 |
| Hezekiah’s illness and restoration | 32:24–26 | 20:1–11 |
| Hezekiah’s wealth and foolish pride | 32:27–31 | 20:12–19 |
| Death of Hezekiah | 32:32–33 | 20:20–21 |
| Reign of Manasseh (Judah) | 33:1–9 | 21:1–18 |
| Manasseh’s repentance | 33:10–20 | |
| Reign of Amon (Judah) | 33:21–25 | 21:19–26 |
| Evaluation of Josiah (Judah) | 34:1–2 | 22:1–2 |
| Josiah’s early reforms | 34:3–7 | |
| Josiah repairs the temple | 34:8–13 | 22:3–7 |
| Book of Law discovered; Josiah’s reforms | 34:14–33 | 22:8–23:20 |
| Passover celebrated | 35:1–19 | 23:21–27 |
| Death of Josiah | 35:20–27 | 23:28–30 |
| Reign of Jehoahaz (Judah) | 36:1–3 | 23:31–33 |
| Reign of Jehoiakim (Judah) | 36:4–8 | 23:34–24:7 |
| Reign of Jehoiachin (Judah); Babylonian captivity | 36:9–10 | 24:8–17 |
| Evaluation of Zedekiah (Judah) | 36:11–12 | 24:18–20 |
| Destruction of Jerusalem | 36:13–21 | 25:1–21 |
| Remnant flees to Egypt | 25:22–26 | |
| Jehoiachin released | 25:27–30 | |
| Proclamation by Cyrus | 36:22–23 |
Elisha
Elisha was Elijah’s disciple and assistant and, eventually, his successor. He served as a prophet for 55 years and became famous for the many miracles he performed. Among these miracles was the healing of Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army. Naaman was a leper and came to Israel seeking to be healed. Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. At first, Naaman felt insulted by these simple instructions, but when he finally obeyed, he was healed instantly. Elisha’s God-given power did not end at his death. When a fallen soldier was thrown into Elisha’s grave, the soldier came back to life as soon as his body came into contact with the prophet’s bones (13:20–21). (2 Kings 5:8–14)
2 Kings 1:2 Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel from the time of Omri (1 Kings 16:24) until the fall of the northern kingdom (2 Kings 17). Ekron was an important Philistine city about 25 miles (40 km) west of Jerusalem. Baal-zebub means “lord of the flies.” It is probably a deliberate misspelling of “Baal-zebul,” which means “Baal the exalted” or “Baal, master of the dwelling” (see note on Matt. 10:25). This change expresses the authors’ disrespect for this false god.
2 Kings 1:3–4 In a scene similar to the opening verses of 1 Kings 19, when Ahaziah sends messengers (2 Kings 1:2), the Lord responds by sending an angel.
Fact: Israel and Judah’s sins continue
Israel and Judah’s sins continue. Picking up where 1 Kings left off, Israel and Judah continued to decline through false worship and disobedience. They were led into sin by their kings, most of whom failed to follow the Lord.
2 Kings 1:8 He wore a garment of hair. Since the Hebrew word for “hair” could refer to either animal or human hair, some translators have thought it was describing Elijah as being long-haired or bearded.
2 Kings 1:9–12 a captain of fifty men with his fifty. . . . another . . . with his fifty. A hundred soldiers die as a result of Ahaziah’s choice to turn from God. The sins of leaders often lead to tragic consequences for those whom they lead (see note on 2 Sam. 24:17).
Evaluating Kings of Israel and Judah in 1–2 Kings
1:1–18 The Death of Ahaziah. King Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, has been injured. He wants to know whether he will live. Elijah obeys God and delivers a message to the king.
2 Kings 1:13–18 third captain. This man shows Elijah respect as a prophet of the Lord. Ahaziah has his desired meeting with Elijah, but it changes nothing: the king dies. His brother Jehoram succeeds him (v. 17; see 3:1). On the Chronicles of the Kings, see note on 1 Kings 14:19.
The Divided Kingdom: Kings of Israel (all dates B.C.)
| King | Years of Reign | Total Years | Accession Year* | Possible Co-Reigns | References in 1–2 Kings** | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeroboam I | 931/930–911/910 | 21 (22) | 1 Kings 11:26–40;12:1–14:20 | |||
| Nadab | 911/910–910/909 | 1 (2) | 2 of Asa | 1 Kings 15:25–32 | Killed by Baasha | |
| Baasha | 910/909–887/886 | 23 (24) | 3 of Asa | 1 Kings 15:27–16:7 | ||
| Elah | 887/886–886/885 | 1 (2) | 26 of Asa | 1 Kings 16:8–14 | Killed by Zimri | |
| Zimri | 886/885 | 7 days | 26 of Asa | 1 Kings 16:9–20 | Killed himself by burning the king’s house down while he was in it | |
| Omri | 886/885–875/874 | 11 (12) | 31 of Asa | Tibni reigns after Zimri for 5 years as rival to Omri | 1 Kings 16:16–17, 21–28 | |
| Ahab | 875/874–853 | 21 (22) | 38 of Asa | 1 Kings 16:29–17:1; 18:1–19:3; 20:1–22:40 | ||
| Ahaziah | 853–852 | 1 (2) | 17 of Jehoshaphat | 1 Kings 22:51–53; 2 Kings 1:1–18 | ||
| Joram/Jehoram | 852–841 | 11 (12) | 18 of Jehoshaphat | 2 Kings 3:1–27; (“king of Israel” in 6:8–7:20); 9:14–26 | Killed by Jehu in 841 | |
| Jehu | 841–814/813 | 27 (28) | 2 Kings 9:1–10:36 | |||
| Jehoahaz | 814/813–798/797 | 16 (17) | 23 of Joash/Jehoash | 2 Kings 13:1–9 | ||
| Joash/Jehoash | 798/797–782/781 | 15 (16) | 37 of Joash/Jehoash | 2 Kings 13:10–25; 14:8–16 | ||
| Jeroboam II | 782/781–753 | 41 | 15 of Amaziah | with Joash/Jehoash from 793/792 | 2 Kings 14:23–29 | |
| Zechariah | 753–752 | 6 months | 38 of Uzziah | 2 Kings 15:8–12 | Killed by Shallum | |
| Shallum | 752 | 1 month | 39 of Uzziah | 2 Kings 15:10, 13–16 | Killed by Menahem | |
| Menahem | 752–742/741 | 10 | 39 of Uzziah | 2 Kings 15:14–22 | ||
| Pekahiah | 742/741–740/739 | 2 | 50 of Uzziah | 2 Kings 15:23–26 | Killed by Pekah | |
| Pekah | 740/739–732/731 | 20*** | 52 of Uzziah | 20 years counted from 752 to include the reigns of rivals Menahem and Pekahiah | 2 Kings 15:25, 27–31 | Killed by Hoshea |
| Hoshea | 732/731–722 | 9 | 12 of Ahaz | 2 Kings 15:30; 17:1–6 | Samaria and Israel fall to Assyria in 722 |
* This chart follows the dating method found in both Kings and Chronicles: For Israel, accession to the throne is marked by a year within the reign of a king of Judah. Parentheses—e.g., 21 (22)—indicate non-accession year dating (year of accession is counted in the totals of both the predecessor and the new king). The actual number of years in a reign can be determined by subtracting 1 from the number given (22 – 1 = 21 actual years).
**The verses cited in 1–2 Kings do not include the initial mention of a ruler when it occurs in reference to the death of his father (e.g., Nadab in 1 Kings 14:20).
***See note on 2 Kings 15:27–31.
2 Kings 2:1 The idea of going up to heaven at the end of one’s earthly life does not appear often in the OT (compare Gen. 5:24). More common is the idea of “going down” to Sheol, the world of the dead (e.g., Job 7:9; see note on 1 Sam. 2:6). Other passages speak of the dead being “gathered to their people” (e.g., Gen. 25:7–8; 1 Kings 2:10). This does not mean, however, that OT believers had no hope for eternal life. Various passages describe a hope for continuing fellowship with God after death (2 Kings 2:11; Ps. 16:10–11; 17:15; 23:6; 115:17–18; Eccles. 12:7). In the NT, Jesus implied that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were alive and in God’s presence (Matt. 22:32); Moses and Elijah appeared talking with Jesus (Matt. 17:3); and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus described Lazarus as being in Abraham’s presence immediately after death (Luke 16:22–25).
2 Kings 2:2 Bethel is identified with Jeroboam’s spiritual unfaithfulness in 1 Kings 12–13. Please stay here. It is never made clear why Elijah keeps trying to get Elisha to remain behind on the day when he is to inherit Elijah’s prophetic ministry. It is probably a testing of Elisha’s worthiness for the task.
2 Kings 2:3 The sons of the prophets are not their physical descendants but groups of prophets usually affiliated with a more prominent prophet (see 1 Sam. 19:20; 2 Kings 4:38; 6:1). They must have received special revelations from God (see Deut. 18:18, 20; Jer. 14:14), though none of their prophecies are recorded in Scripture.
2 Kings 2:1–4 It is not clear why the Lord sends Elijah from Gilgal to Bethel, and then on to Jericho, but there are prophetic communities at all three cities (vv. 3, 5; 4:38), and Elijah is probably their leader. (Later, Elisha will be their leader.)
2 Kings 2:3–4 keep quiet. It is disrespectful for the prophets to speak of Elijah’s death while he is still with them.
2 Kings 2:4–5 Jericho was in the Jordan Valley about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of the Dead Sea. It was the first city conquered by the Israelites in Canaan.
2 Kings 2:6–8 The Jordan River runs along a short stretch of a geological fault that starts in the north in Syria and extends southward into Africa. This miraculous crossing of the Jordan recalls Moses leading Israel across the Red Sea (Ex. 14:15–31).
2 Kings 2:9 Elisha asks Elijah to give him what an eldest son in Israel would expect from his father: a double portion of the inheritance (see Deut. 21:15–17). In this case, however, the inheritance is not land but spiritual power.
2 Kings 2:10 You have asked a hard thing. It is unclear how Elisha’s request can be hard, since Elisha has been chosen by God to succeed Elijah.
2 Kings 2:11–13 chariots of fire and horses of fire. The divine army, last seen waging war on Ahab (1 Kings 22:1–38), has come for Elijah. Elisha took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. This is perhaps part of a mourning ritual (compare Gen. 37:34; 2 Sam. 13:30–31), but it also suggests leaving his old life behind, as he picks up the cloak of Elijah. Compare 1 Kings 19:19–21, where Elijah threw his cloak upon Elisha to symbolize his being called to be a prophet.
2 Kings 2:14 the water was parted . . . and Elisha went over. Elisha is Elijah’s true successor. Empowered by the Spirit, he is able to repeat Elijah’s parting of the waters (v. 8).
2 Kings 2:16 Please let them go and seek your master. The sons of the prophets do not fully understand what has happened. They wonder whether the Spirit of the LORD has simply caught Elijah up and cast him upon some mountain or into some valley. They want to retrieve his body for burial.
2 Kings 2:19–22 the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful. Jericho was ideal for settlement because of a permanent spring which watered the land around it. Now, however, the water supply had become contaminated. (The city had been rebuilt under the shadow of Joshua’s curse; see Josh. 6:26; 1 Kings 16:34). The use of salt here is symbolic; the water was healed by supernatural means: Thus says the LORD, I have healed this water.
2 Kings 2:23–24 The city of Bethel played a key role in Israel’s rebellion against God (see 1 Kings 12:25–13:34). It is no surprise, therefore, to find young people from this city disrespecting a prophet of the Lord ( jeered at him). baldhead. Elisha might have been naturally bald, or perhaps some prophets shaved their heads. he cursed them. . . . And two she-bears . . . tore forty-two of the boys. Though this judgment may at first seem harsh, the group probably posed a physical threat to Elisha.
Fact: Bears
Though bears no longer live in the region of Palestine, the bear God used to punish the disrespectful boys (2:24) was probably of a type that could grow up to 7 feet (2 m) tall and reach 500 pounds (227 kg).
2 Kings 2:1–25 In these verses, the prophetic responsibility passes from Elijah to Elisha.
Elisha
Elisha was Elijah’s disciple and assistant and, eventually, his successor. He served as a prophet for 55 years and became famous for the many miracles he performed. Among these miracles was the healing of Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army. Naaman was a leper and came to Israel seeking to be healed. Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. At first, Naaman felt insulted by these simple instructions, but when he finally obeyed, he was healed instantly. Elisha’s God-given power did not end at his death. When a fallen soldier was thrown into Elisha’s grave, the soldier came back to life as soon as his body came into contact with the prophet’s bones (13:20–21). (2 Kings 5:8–14)
2 Kings 3:2 Although Jehoram allowed his people to worship Baal (see v. 13; 9:22; 10:18–28), he himself did not worship Baal as did his father and mother (that is, Ahab and Jezebel). Instead, he removed Baal’s pillar from the temple (see 1 Kings 14:23).
Evaluating Kings of Israel and Judah in 1–2 Kings
2 Kings 3:4–5 Mesha was a ninth-century B.C. king of Moab. He began his reign under the authority of Israel and was required to give Israel a percentage of his agricultural produce (lambs and wool). After Ahab’s death, Mesha rebelled.
2 Kings 3:7–9 Confronted with the Moabite rebellion, Jehoram, like his father Ahab before him, seeks help from Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Jehoshaphat responds to Jehoram just as he did to Ahab: I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses (compare 1 Kings 22:4). However, unlike on that earlier occasion, this time Jehoshaphat fails to seek the Lord’s will (contrast 1 Kings 22:5). They plan to attack Moab from the south, through the wilderness of Edom, rather than from the north. This is possible because Edom is under Judean rule (1 Kings 22:47) and her king is Jehoshaphat’s deputy rather than an independent monarch. The combined armies get lost, however, caught in a circuitous march. Not surprisingly, a military venture undertaken without prophetic advice faces disaster.
2 Kings 3:11–14 Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Faced with disaster, Jehoshaphat finally seeks divine guidance (compare 1 Kings 22:7). They find Elisha, the one who poured water on the hands of Elijah (probably a reference to Elisha’s having been Elijah’s servant).
2 Kings 3:15–19 bring me a musician. Music plays a part in Elisha receiving his message from God (compare 1 Sam. 10:5–11). The immediate crisis (no water, 2 Kings 3:9) is to be dealt with by a miracle, as the nearby streambed shall be filled with water from a mysterious source (neither wind nor rain). God will give the alliance a complete victory over Moab. They will attack every fortified city and every choice city, devastating the land as they move through it. Deuteronomy 20:19–20 prohibits this kind of destruction in normal cases, but here the Moabites as a nation are to be destroyed (see note on Deut. 20:16–18), rather than simply conquered.
2 Kings 3:20–24 Water mysteriously flows from the direction of Edom. This fools the Moabites into thinking Israel and Judah have slaughtered each other, because in the morning sunlight the water appears red as blood.
2 Kings 3:1–27 Like Elijah before him, Elisha becomes involved in politics. Here, he is consulted about a military campaign (compare 1 Kings 22:1–28).
2 Kings 3:27 Just as Israel seemed to have defeated him, Mesha offered his son as burnt offering on the wall. As a consequence, there came great wrath against Israel. This does not refer to divine anger. Instead, it seems, Mesha’s troops respond to his desperate act with an anger against Israel that carries them to victory against all the odds.
The Divided Kingdom: Kings of Israel (all dates B.C.)
| King | Years of Reign | Total Years | Accession Year* | Possible Co-Reigns | References in 1–2 Kings** | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeroboam I | 931/930–911/910 | 21 (22) | 1 Kings 11:26–40;12:1–14:20 | |||
| Nadab | 911/910–910/909 | 1 (2) | 2 of Asa | 1 Kings 15:25–32 | Killed by Baasha | |
| Baasha | 910/909–887/886 | 23 (24) | 3 of Asa | 1 Kings 15:27–16:7 | ||
| Elah | 887/886–886/885 | 1 (2) | 26 of Asa | 1 Kings 16:8–14 | Killed by Zimri | |
| Zimri | 886/885 | 7 days | 26 of Asa | 1 Kings 16:9–20 | Killed himself by burning the king’s house down while he was in it | |
| Omri | 886/885–875/874 | 11 (12) | 31 of Asa | Tibni reigns after Zimri for 5 years as rival to Omri | 1 Kings 16:16–17, 21–28 | |
| Ahab | 875/874–853 | 21 (22) | 38 of Asa | 1 Kings 16:29–17:1; 18:1–19:3; 20:1–22:40 | ||
| Ahaziah | 853–852 | 1 (2) | 17 of Jehoshaphat | 1 Kings 22:51–53; 2 Kings 1:1–18 | ||
| Joram/Jehoram | 852–841 | 11 (12) | 18 of Jehoshaphat | 2 Kings 3:1–27; (“king of Israel” in 6:8–7:20); 9:14–26 | Killed by Jehu in 841 | |
| Jehu | 841–814/813 | 27 (28) | 2 Kings 9:1–10:36 | |||
| Jehoahaz | 814/813–798/797 | 16 (17) | 23 of Joash/Jehoash | 2 Kings 13:1–9 | ||
| Joash/Jehoash | 798/797–782/781 | 15 (16) | 37 of Joash/Jehoash | 2 Kings 13:10–25; 14:8–16 | ||
| Jeroboam II | 782/781–753 | 41 | 15 of Amaziah | with Joash/Jehoash from 793/792 | 2 Kings 14:23–29 | |
| Zechariah | 753–752 | 6 months | 38 of Uzziah | 2 Kings 15:8–12 | Killed by Shallum | |
| Shallum | 752 | 1 month | 39 of Uzziah | 2 Kings 15:10, 13–16 | Killed by Menahem | |
| Menahem | 752–742/741 | 10 | 39 of Uzziah | 2 Kings 15:14–22 | ||
| Pekahiah | 742/741–740/739 | 2 | 50 of Uzziah | 2 Kings 15:23–26 | Killed by Pekah | |
| Pekah | 740/739–732/731 | 20*** | 52 of Uzziah | 20 years counted from 752 to include the reigns of rivals Menahem and Pekahiah | 2 Kings 15:25, 27–31 | Killed by Hoshea |
| Hoshea | 732/731–722 | 9 | 12 of Ahaz | 2 Kings 15:30; 17:1–6 | Samaria and Israel fall to Assyria in 722 |
* This chart follows the dating method found in both Kings and Chronicles: For Israel, accession to the throne is marked by a year within the reign of a king of Judah. Parentheses—e.g., 21 (22)—indicate non-accession year dating (year of accession is counted in the totals of both the predecessor and the new king). The actual number of years in a reign can be determined by subtracting 1 from the number given (22 – 1 = 21 actual years).
**The verses cited in 1–2 Kings do not include the initial mention of a ruler when it occurs in reference to the death of his father (e.g., Nadab in 1 Kings 14:20).
***See note on 2 Kings 15:27–31.
Fact: The Moabite Stone
The Moabite Stone is a small monument inscribed with details about the conflict between the Israelites and the Moabites (3:4–27). Written by the Moabites, it emphasizes their victories over Israel. More importantly, it features the earliest known reference to the Lord’s personal name (YHWH; see note on Gen. 2:4) outside of the Bible.
2 Kings 4:1–7 the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves (v. 1). In ancient Israel, indebtedness could lead to loss of property and even the loss of one’s freedom (see Neh. 5:4–5). Persons and property ending up in the hands of creditors could often be bought back by a “kinsman-redeemer” (see Lev. 25:35–55; Ruth 4:1–12; Jer. 32:6–15). Apparently the widow in this story lacks such a redeemer, so Elisha takes on that role for her.
2 Kings 4:10 a small room on the roof. Roofs in ancient Israel were typically flat and served as important areas in the life of the family (see Josh. 2:6–8; 2 Sam. 11:2; 2 Kings 23:12). Occasionally, they provided accommodations for guests (see 1 Sam. 9:26; 2 Sam. 16:22). The structure here, however, is more permanent (it has walls).
2 Kings 4:13 a word spoken on your behalf. Elisha offers to help the Shunammite woman secure benefits from government officials. She has no need of their help, however, because she is wealthy (v. 8) and has the support and protection of her own people.
2 Kings 4:23 Her husband’s response implies that it was customary in Israel to consult prophets only on particular days—the new moon and the Sabbath (see 1 Sam. 20:5–34; Amos 8:5). This woman’s business, however, will not wait. All is not really well, but she does not want either her husband or Gehazi (2 Kings 4:26) getting in her way as she seeks Elisha’s help.
2 Kings 4:27 the LORD has hidden it from me. Elisha did not know this would happen. Prophets are not all-knowing. They depend always on God’s revelation.
2 Kings 4:29 Tie up your garment. As the woman had arrived at Carmel in great haste (v. 24), Elisha sends Gehazi back to Shunem in similar haste, his garment tied up so he can run (compare 1 Kings 18:46).
2 Kings 4:30–31 I will not leave you. The woman does not accept Elisha’s plan to resurrect the boy from a distance, by his staff. She wants his personal attention, which in the end does prove crucial.
2 Kings 4:34 Elisha’s actions vividly picture God restoring breath to the child (putting his mouth on his mouth), as well as sight (his eyes) and strength (his hands).
2 Kings 4:38 A general state of famine does not imply a complete absence of food (see, e.g., vv. 42–44).
2 Kings 4:40–41 death in the pot. As with the salt thrown into the water at Jericho (2:21), the flour is a visible sign of the Lord’s power working through Elisha.
2 Kings 4:1–44 Several more miracles by Elisha remind the reader of the miracles performed by his predecessor, Elijah.
2 Kings 4:42–44 bread of the firstfruits. The second miracle of the chapter also concerns provision for people who depend on Elisha. A limited amount of food is multiplied (compare vv. 1–7). The God of Elisha heals, provides, and brings life from death.
2 Kings 5:1 the LORD had given victory to Syria. Israel’s God is responsible for victory or defeat in battles, no matter which gods may be worshiped by the victorious or defeated peoples (see Dan. 1:1–2). Naaman, by whom God had given the Syrians victory on this occasion, was a leper. He suffered from some skin disorder, though not necessarily what is known today as “leprosy” (see note on Luke 5:12).
2 Kings 5:5–7 a letter to the king of Israel. There is an uneasy truce between Syria and Israel. There is sufficient tension, however, for Israel’s king to be concerned that Syria’s king is seeking a quarrel by asking him to perform a task (cure him of his leprosy) that only God can accomplish. The tearing of clothes can indicate frustration, sorrow, or spiritual conviction (see 22:11–13). Ten talents of silver represents about 750 pounds (341 kg), compared with 150 pounds (68 kg; six thousand shekels) of gold. He could give a greater quantity of silver because of its lesser value, compared to gold.
2 Kings 5:9–12 stood at the door. Naaman clearly expects personal, immediate attention from Elisha. However, Elisha addresses him only through a messenger and sends him to wash in the Jordan. Moreover, Naaman was looking for a cure, and Elisha apparently offers only ritual cleansing (wash . . . be clean). He could have done this at home by bathing in the rivers of Damascus.
2 Kings 5:13 Has he actually said . . . ? Naaman’s servants have been listening more carefully, for Elisha did not speak only of ritual cleansing but of healing (“your flesh shall be restored,” v. 10).
Elisha
Elisha was Elijah’s disciple and assistant and, eventually, his successor. He served as a prophet for 55 years and became famous for the many miracles he performed. Among these miracles was the healing of Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army. Naaman was a leper and came to Israel seeking to be healed. Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. At first, Naaman felt insulted by these simple instructions, but when he finally obeyed, he was healed instantly. Elisha’s God-given power did not end at his death. When a fallen soldier was thrown into Elisha’s grave, the soldier came back to life as soon as his body came into contact with the prophet’s bones (13:20–21). (2 Kings 5:8–14)
2 Kings 5:14–15 a little child. The “great man” (v. 1) had a problem, to which the “little girl” (v. 2) had the solution. The solution involved Naaman’s becoming, like her, “a little child.” He had to submit to the authority of the prophet and acknowledge his new faith (I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel).
2 Kings 5:16 I will receive none. For Elisha to accept a gift would have suggested that he had performed the miracle by his own power.
2 Kings 5:17 two mule loads of earth. The earth is to be used to construct a mud-brick altar (see Ex. 20:24–25) for Naaman’s worship of the Lord.
2 Kings 5:18 may the LORD pardon. Naaman’s dilemma is that he will still be required by his official duties to attend the temple of Rimmon.
2 Kings 5:20–22 I will run . . . and get something from him. Gehazi tries to profit from the miracle (compare Joshua 7; Acts 8:18–24).
2 Kings 5:26 Was it a time to accept . . . ? Just as kings can misuse their power, so can the servants of prophets.
2 Kings 5:1–27 The account of Elisha’s miracles continues with a story that again recalls the ministry of Elijah: the Lord is God not only of Israelites but also of foreigners (compare 1 Kings 17:17–24); he is, in fact, the only true God (compare 1 Kings 18:20–40).
What are we to make of Elijah going up to heaven in chariots of fire? Is this a parallel to Jesus' ascension?
Listen NowDive Deeper | 2 Kings 1-5
In 2 Kings 1-5, Elisha, the prophet who succeeded Elijah, performed miracles that demonstrated God's power during a time of Israel's national decline. This decline eventually led to the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to the Assyrians. These events were a result of Israel's disobedience, yet even during this time of judgment, Elisha's miracles served as reminders of God's grace and power. Among these miracles were the purifying of the waters of Jericho (2 Kings 2:19-22), the multiplication of a widow's oil (2 Kings 4:1-7), and the raising of a child from the dead (2 Kings 4:32-37).
One of Elisha's most significant miracles was the healing of Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, who suffered from leprosy. His healing began when a young servant girl, taken captive from Israel, spoke to Naaman's wife. Despite her captivity, this girl showed great faith in God's power and concern for her master, setting in motion the events that led to Naaman's healing.
Initially, Naaman approached Elisha with pride, expecting an elaborate healing ritual. However, his pride was challenged when he was told simply to wash in the Jordan River. Only after humbling himself and following God's instructions was Naaman healed.
In the same way, we must humble ourselves and trust in Christ for spiritual restoration. Naaman's physical healing foreshadows the spiritual healing offered through Jesus Christ, who delivers us from the brokenness of sin. Elisha's miracles remind us that even in times of personal or national crisis, God's power and grace are still at work, offering hope to those who come to Him in faith.
This month's memory verse
"God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock?" (NLT)
– 2 Samuel 22:31-32
Discussion Questions
1. How does the servant girl's concern for Naaman challenge our understanding of grace and humility?
2. Despite her captivity, the young girl showed compassion toward her master. How can we, even in difficult circumstances, be used by God to bring grace to others? In what ways do her humility and faith challenge us to show grace?
3. Elisha's miracles occurred while Israel was under judgment and facing national decline. How does God's willingness to heal and restore Naaman, a foreigner, reveal His patience and grace? How can we remain hopeful of God's grace in times of personal or national crisis?
4. How does Naaman's journey from pride to obedience mirror our own faith journey?
5. Naaman's healing required him to humble himself and follow simple instructions, which he initially resisted. How does this story challenge us to trust in God's ways even when they seem unexpected or difficult?