Context & Key Themes 2 Kings 5 is Naaman’s chapter, and it is one of the most theologically rich individual stories in the historical books. A Syrian military commander — powerful, honored, victorious, a man his king trusts — has leprosy. A captured Israelite slave girl tells his wife that the prophet in Samaria could…
Context & Key Themes 2 Kings 4 is Elisha’s miracle chapter — four distinct acts of divine provision and resurrection collected together to show who this prophet is and what the God he serves does in the lives of ordinary people. A widow’s debt is paid by multiplying oil. A Shunammite woman who showed hospitality…
Context & Key Themes 2 Kings 3 is a chapter of uneasy alliance and unexpected deliverance. Joram king of Israel, Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and the king of Edom combine forces against Moab, which has rebelled since Ahab’s death. After seven days of march through the wilderness they have no water for the army or…
Context & Key Themes 2 Kings 2 is the chapter of Elijah’s departure and Elisha’s beginning, and it is one of the most vivid passages in the prophetic literature. Elijah knows he is about to be taken. The company of prophets at Bethel and Jericho knows it too. Elisha knows it and will not leave…
Context & Key Themes 2 Kings opens where 1 Kings left off — Ahab is dead, his son Ahaziah is on the throne, and the pattern of the northern kingdom continues without interruption. Ahaziah falls through a lattice, is injured, and sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron whether he will recover….