2 Kings

Author: Unknown

When It Happened: 896–562 BC

Chapters: 25

Key People: Elisha, Kings of Israel and Judah

Summary: The kingdom was divided. The northern kingdom of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. God sent His prophets to warn them. But after 250 years of patient warning, God finally brought judgment through the Assyrians—and Israel was no more.

The southern nation of Judah produced good and bad kings. God sent prophets to them as well, including the great prophet, Elisha. But they would not listen to God’s warning to repent. And 125 years after Israel fell to the Assyrians, Judah fell to the Babylonians.

About God: God is patient with sinners. But He hates sin, and He will finally judge it.