2 Kings

The book of 2 Kings describes the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah from the time of Elijah and Elisha to the Babylonian exile. The book begins with Elijah's ascension to heaven and Elisha's ministry, which included many miracles and prophecies of Israel's downfall. The reigns of various kings of Israel and Judah are described, including those who did evil in the sight of the Lord, such as Jehoram and Hezekiah, and those who did what was right, such as Josiah, who led a revival in Judah. The book concludes with the Babylonian conquest of Judah, the destruction of the temple, and the exile of the people, ending on a note of hope with the kindness shown to the former king Jehoiachin by the new king of Babylon.