The Bible OverBrew - Bible in a YearSample

Week 16. Day 1. 2 Kings 12-14.

Introduction to 2 Kings 12-25.

The ministries of Elijah and Elisha were brighter moments in what has otherwise been a progressive deterioration in 1 and 2 Kings. As Kings draws to a close, ‘The Eden-like paradise under Solomon was now a distant memory.’ (Schreiner, 190) Stories of different kings come thick and fast in this final section of the books of Kings, both in the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Look for the repeated phrases that describe the sin of these kings:

• In the Northern Kingdom: sinning like Jeroboam (golden calves)
• In the Southern Kingdom: not removing the high places

A key question that this history needs to answer is this: why did the exile happen? Is it

• because God is too weak to preserve his people?
• because God doesn’t love his people?

The answer that this narrative presents is unambiguous: it is neither of these! The exile happened because of the people’s sin. This may at first seem like a negative message, but just think what it means: if exile is due to sin (not any failure on God’s part) then if God deals with human sin, the doors are open for humanity to be brought back into his presence and blessing!

2 Kings 12-14.

Ch 12. Jehoash king of Judah. Despite not removing the high places, there is much that is positive about Jehoash’s reign, in particular the repair of the temple.

How is the people’s generosity seen in this chapter?

but note v17-18. When Jehoash is attacked, he appeases his enemies by sending them treasure from the temple

Kings come thick and fast in these chapters; don’t worry if you don’t follow all the details and names. Here are a few points not to miss:

13:1-6 Notice how this mirrors the pattern in judges.

13:14-21 The death of Elisha

14:11-14 War between Israel and Judah, leading to the wealth of the temple being taken off to Samaria (capital of Israel)