Introduction Our narrator is telling us about the kings of Israel. After David, there was Solomon. And he was a great king; and the kingdom prospered under his reign; and his people enjoyed peace and quiet while he was king. But after Solomon's death, the one kingdom of Israel was divided into two: there was … Continue reading 2 Kings 14 →

Introduction Last week's chapter was about Joash who became king of the southern kingdom of Judah. In case you've forgotten, let me remind you that after the death of Solomon, the one kingdom of Israel was divided into two: there's the northern kingdom which continued to be known as Israel; and there's the smaller, southern … Continue reading 2 Kings 13 →

Introduction It's been a while since we were studying 2 Kings together. But you might remember how Jehu had been anointed king of the northern kingdom of Israel; and he went immediately and killed Joram, his predecessor, and Ahaziah, who was the king of the southern kingdom of Judah. Joram and Ahaziah were both wicked … Continue reading 2 Kings 12 →

Introduction The focus of chapters 9 and 10 was on the northern kingdom of Israel. As the Lord foretold, Jehu became king. And he immediately went and killed Joram, who had been king before him. He also killed Ahaziah, who was the king of the southern kingdom of Judah. He also killed Jezebel, who was … Continue reading 2 Kings 11 →

Introduction When we studied chapter 9 a couple of weeks ago, I said that it was an unpleasant chapter. It was an unpleasant chapter because, after recording that Jehu was to be king of Israel in place of Joram, the newly anointed king went immediately to Jezreel, where he killed Joram and where he also … Continue reading 2 Kings 10 →

Introduction Back in chapter 5 there was the story of the healing of Naaman. Do you remember? He was the commander of the Syrian army. He was a mighty warrior and people admired him. But he had leprosy. However, he heard from his wife's servant that there was a prophet in Israel who could heal … Continue reading 2 Kings 09 →

Introduction You might recall that all the stories in last week's passage made clear that the Lord is in control. He is the great and mighty God who made all things and who rules over all things and nothing is too hard for him. He rules over small events, like what happens to a lost … Continue reading 2 Kings 08(07–29) →

Introduction Today's passage contains four true stories. There's the story of the axe-head which was recovered from the river. There's the story of the Aramean soldiers who were blinded when they came to capture Elisha, the Lord's prophet. There's the story of the famine in Samaria, which was brought to an end in a miraculous … Continue reading 2 Kings 06(01)–08(06) →

Introduction In 2 Kings 4, which we studied last week, we had four stories about miracles. There was the story of the widow's oil. Though she only had a little oil, Elisha told her to collect as many jars as possible. And when she began to pour out the oil, she was able to fill … Continue reading 2 Kings 05 →

Introduction Our narrator is once again taking a break from telling us about the kings of Israel and Judah and he's focussing instead on Elisha who succeeded Elijah as the Lord's prophet in those days. And in today's chapter he records for us four stories of the miracles which Elisha performed. And it almost feels … Continue reading 2 Kings 04 →