2 Kings 11–14

More Wicked Kings, Part 1

The story of the kings in Israel and Judah continues in 2 Kings 11–14. The brief history of each king simply tells a short story or two that gives the reader an idea about what his kingdom was like. Note that the book of Kings never tells of a king in Israel that completely did away with idolatry. On the other hand, there are a few kings in Judah that are noted for their righteousness—but only briefly. For example, in 2 Kings 12 Jehoash is praised for his program to repair parts of the temple. We also read, however, that he took some of the most precious items made of gold and silver from the temple and gave them to the king of Syria as part of a treaty.

The prophet Elisha’s death is described in 2 Kings 13.