Macro-Structure of 2 Kings
Audience
Second Kings continues the histories of Israel and Judah through conquest and exile. Its account connects the kingdoms' destruction with persistent covenant unfaithfulness, while ending with a limited sign of favor toward Jehoiachin.
Key References
Explore the Structure
Explore the structure of each book.
| Section | Focus | Connection to the whole |
|---|---|---|
| Elijah's departure and Elisha's ministry 2 Kings 1:1–8:15 Interpretation | The prophetic word continues | The transition between prophets and Elisha's acts carry forward the prophetic witness within the kingdoms. |
| The kingdoms and Israel's fall 2 Kings 8:16–17:41 Interpretation | Royal succession, reform, and persistent sin | The accounts of the kings culminate in Assyria's conquest of Israel and an extended explanation of the disaster. |
| Judah before its fall 2 Kings 18:1–23:30 Interpretation | Hezekiah, Manasseh, and Josiah | The reigns contrast trust, grave unfaithfulness, and reform while the announced judgment on Judah remains in view. |
| Jerusalem falls and Judah is exiled 2 Kings 23:31–25:30 Interpretation | Destruction and a final note of favor | Babylon's conquest ends the kingdom's rule in Jerusalem; the closing notice concerning Jehoiachin leaves the reader beyond the destruction itself. |
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.