2 Kings
Joram Restores The Shunammite’s Land
The Lord had revealed to Elisha that he would bring a seven-year famine on the land. This was a punishment for apostasy. Elisha had warned the Shunammite woman and suggested that she move temporarily to the land of the Philistines which would not be affected by the famine …
Josiah Restores True Worship
Josiah devoted himself to eradicating all forms of idolatry in Judah. He summoned all the elders, priests and prophets and all the people from the least to the greatest to the temple (v, 1). Standing by the pillar in the courtyard he led the people in a rededication of themselves …
Jotham’s Good Reign in Judah
Pekahiah, Menahem’s son, reigned two years before being killed in a conspiracy by Pekah. Pekah then assumed the throne of Israel. It seems that he had never accepted Menahem’s claim to the throne and prior to this had set up a rival government east of the Jordan River in Gilead …
Hezekiah’s Life Extended
It is probable that the events of this chapter occurred right before or during the invasion of Jerusalem by Sennacherib. God sent Isaiah to announce to Hezekiah that he was gong to die and should arrange for the handling of his personal affairs (v. l). Hezekiah did not want to …
Athaliah’s Evil Reign in Judah
Shifting to the events in Judah we find Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel in control. She came to Judah in a marriage alliance, and established a power base during her husband Jehoram’s role and continued to hold this power during the brief reign of her son, Ahazi …
Moab Rebels Against Israel
Jehoram, the second son of Ahab began reigning over Israel in the eighteenth year after Jehoshaphat began reigning as sole king of Judah. Moab’s rebellion during this time did not affect only Israel but was also a threat to the kingdom of Judah. Edom at this time was und …
Prophecy is Fulfilled
The king suspected a trap (v. 12). He calculated that since the Arameans had not been able to break into Samaria they had planned this apparent retreat to draw the Samaritans out, leaving the city open to invasion. One of Joram’s officers suggested sending only five horse …
Jehu Kills Those Who Serve Baal
In his twenty-eight-year reign, Jehu was unexcelled in his zeal to rid his people of Baal worship. Baal worship had thrived for many years under Ahab and his successors. The victory won through Elijah’s contest on Mount Carmel had been only temporary. As part of Jehu’s s …
Sennacherib Boasts Against The Lord
In an attempt to deter Sennacherib, Hezekiah paid tribute, but this did not seem to sway the Assyrian’s determination. Instead Sennacherib sent three officers with a large force to Jerusalem (v. 17) to demand complete surrender. At first they presented their demands only to Heze …
Sennacherib’s Threat And Hezekiah’s Prayer
When Hezekiah heard the report from his messengers he tore his clothing, put on sackcloth and went to the temple to pray. He also sent two of his priestly leaders to Isaiah for advice (vv. 1-2). The people were completely demoralized. It seemed as if the whole nation would di …