2 Kings — Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
2 Kings 1 – Elijah and King Ahaziah
King Ahaziah of Israel seeks guidance from Baal-Zebub instead of the LORD. Elijah announces his death. Fire from heaven consumes arrogant soldiers, proving God’s authority.
2 Kings 2 – Elijah Taken Up; Elisha Succeeds
Elijah is taken to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha receives a double portion of Elijah’s spirit and performs his first miracles, confirming God’s power with him.
2 Kings 3 – War Against Moab
Israel, Judah, and Edom fight Moab. Elisha prophesies victory and miraculous provision of water. Moab is defeated by God’s intervention.
2 Kings 4 – Elisha’s Miracles
Elisha performs several miracles: multiplying oil for a widow, raising the Shunammite woman’s son, purifying poisoned food, and feeding a hundred men.
2 Kings 5 – Naaman Is Healed
Naaman, a Syrian commander, is healed of leprosy after obeying Elisha’s instruction to wash in the Jordan River. Gehazi’s greed brings judgment upon him.
2 Kings 6 – God Protects Elisha
Elisha makes an iron axe head float and reveals enemy plans. God blinds the Syrian army, showing divine protection over His prophet.
2 Kings 7 – Deliverance from Famine
Elisha predicts the end of a severe famine in Samaria. God causes the Arameans to flee, providing food for the starving city.
2 Kings 8 – Political Changes and Prophecies
Elisha foretells famine and anoints Hazael king of Aram. Joram rules Israel; Ahaziah rules Judah. Political instability increases.
2 Kings 9 – Jehu Anointed King
Jehu is anointed king of Israel and executes judgment on the house of Ahab. Jezebel is killed, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy.
2 Kings 10 – Jehu Destroys Baal Worship
Jehu kills all remaining members of Ahab’s family and wipes out Baal worship. However, he continues Israel’s golden-calf idolatry.
2 Kings 11 – Athaliah and Joash
Athaliah seizes Judah’s throne and kills royal heirs. Joash is secretly preserved, crowned king, and Athaliah is executed.
2 Kings 12 – Repairs to the Temple
King Joash repairs the Temple. Faithful leadership brings temporary spiritual improvement.
2 Kings 13 – Decline of Israel
Israel suffers under Aramean oppression. Elisha dies but performs a final miracle through his bones. Israel’s strength continues to fade.
2 Kings 14 – Mixed Leadership
Amaziah rules Judah with partial obedience. Jeroboam II brings political success to Israel but not spiritual reform.
2 Kings 15 – Rapid Turnover of Kings
Both kingdoms experience instability. Many kings rule briefly and are assassinated. Assyria begins to invade Israel.
2 Kings 16 – Ahaz’s Unfaithfulness
King Ahaz of Judah allies with Assyria and introduces pagan worship into the Temple, leading Judah further into sin.
2 Kings 17 – Fall of Israel
Assyria captures Samaria. Israel is exiled due to persistent idolatry and rejection of God. The chapter explains the spiritual reasons for Israel’s fall.
2 Kings 18 – Hezekiah’s Faith
Hezekiah becomes king of Judah and trusts God. Assyria threatens Jerusalem, but God promises deliverance.
2 Kings 19 – God Defeats Assyria
God miraculously destroys the Assyrian army. Jerusalem is saved, proving that trust in God brings protection.
2 Kings 20 – Hezekiah’s Pride
Hezekiah is healed but later shows pride by displaying treasures to Babylonian envoys. Isaiah foretells future exile.
2 Kings 21 – Manasseh’s Wicked Rule
Manasseh leads Judah into extreme idolatry and violence. God declares that Jerusalem will be destroyed because of his sins.
2 Kings 22 – Book of the Law Found
Josiah becomes king. The Book of the Law is discovered in the Temple, bringing conviction and spiritual renewal.
2 Kings 23 – Josiah’s Reforms
Josiah destroys idols, restores true worship, and celebrates Passover. Despite reforms, God’s judgment on Judah is not reversed.
2 Kings 24 – Babylon Invades Judah
Babylon captures Jerusalem and deports many people. Jehoiachin is taken captive.
2 Kings 25 – Fall of Jerusalem
Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed. Judah is exiled to Babylon. The book ends with Jehoiachin released from prison—signaling hope.
✨ One-Sentence Summary
2 Kings shows how persistent rebellion leads to exile, yet God remains faithful to His promises and preserves hope even in judgment.