The long decline of Israel and Judah, ending in exile.
Second Kings continues the parallel history of the two kingdoms, recording the fall of the northern kingdom to Assyria and, over a century later, the fall of Judah and Jerusalem to Babylon.
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ReadElijah's successor and a run of unstable dynasties.
Learn MoreAssyria conquers Samaria and deports its people.
Learn MoreReform under Josiah, then Babylon destroys Jerusalem.
Learn MoreThe book opens with Elisha succeeding Elijah and continues the prophetic tradition of intervening in politics, warfare, and daily life. The northern kingdom of Israel passes through a series of short-lived dynasties and coups, which the narrative links to persistent official worship of other gods.
The Assyrian empire captures the northern capital of Samaria and deports much of the population, ending the kingdom of Israel. The book explains the defeat as the outcome of long-standing religious and political failures, and notes that new settlers were brought into the territory, changing its makeup.
In the south, King Hezekiah and later King Josiah attempt religious reforms, and Josiah's reign includes the discovery of a law scroll in the temple. After Josiah's death, Judah comes under Babylonian control, rebels, and is crushed: Jerusalem and the temple are destroyed and the leading families are exiled to Babylon. The book ends on a small note of hope with an exiled king released from prison.