INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS2 Kings continues the history of the period of the monarchy. In chapter 2, Elijah is taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire and his mantle falls on Elisha, his assistant. Elisha was a man of both spiritual and political influence in Israel. In chapters 2-9, we learn of his ministry. In chapters 9 and 10, Jehu purges Baal worship from Israel in a bloodbath. But this did not cure the deep-rooted idolatry planted in Israel by Jeroboam, the king who made Israel to sin. The history of Northern Israel became progressively more violent, and idolatry persisted, until, in 722 BC, the Assyrians conquered Samaria. Following their regular colonial policy, they removed the Israelites from their land and brought in many people from other Assyrian colonies. The Israelites were scattered throughout the Assyrian Empire, and Northern Israel came to an end. The lamp of David continued to burn in Judah, and David's descendants sat on the throne in Jerusalem until the Babylonian conquest in 586 BC. The book of Kings and the period of the monarchy ends with the fall of Jerusalem and the exile to Babylon. After 70 years, the Babylonians were themselves conquered by the Persians, and the Jews were allowed to return and rebuild Jerusalem, but that's another story. We can see here God's faithfulness in spite of man's unfaithfulness.
IS THERE NO GOD IN ISRAEL?
1. Is there no God in Israel? (1-8)
After Ahab's death, Ahaziah was not as strong as his father. Moab rebelled against him; his kingdom was getting weak. Then he fell and injured himself. At this interval, he consulted Baal instead of God. So, God sent Elijah to intercept the messengers. Elijah gave God's message to them. "Is there no God in Israel?...You will certainly die!" (3,4) Because he did not seek God, ask God, and pray to God, God could not help him. When we encounter difficulties, we should remember God and present our requests to God with thanksgiving (Phil 4:6).
2. There is a God in Israel! (9-18)
Instead of repenting, Ahaziah tried to arrest Elijah, and Elijah was afraid. So twice he called down fire from heaven to consume the detachment of 50 soldiers who tried to arrest him. The captain of the third detachment feared God and humbly begged Elijah to respect his life and the lives of his men. God assured Elijah that he had nothing to fear, and he went with them to warn the king. According to God's word, the king died.
Application: Lord, help us to seek God, pray to God first.
One Word: Act as if there is a God!