The Book of 2nd Kings - Hope in Exile

"Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you." –2 Kings 20:5b

The book of Second Kings, as the name suggestions, is a continuation of the story of Israel that was begun in First Kings.  This second book tells the story of Israel’s fall.  The northern kingdom is first defeated by the Assyrians and then the southern kingdom is defeated by the Babylonians.

Scholars believe that this book was written while the Israelites were experiencing the sorrow of exile.  As they asked questions about their current, dire situation, these stories of Israel’s history were compiled as a way of explaining how the unfaithfulness of Israel and their unwillingness to listen to God led to their current plight.

Second Kings does not just offer a history lesson, it also includes the story of the prophet Elisha and his ministry and words of hope.   The words of the prophet helped remind those in exile and us today that God sees our suffering, hears our prayers, and promises to bring healing, restoration, and hope to us all.