When Kingdoms Crumble and Faith Stands Tall

Welcome to Day 99 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are continuing the book of 2 Kings. In 2 Kings 17-19, these chapters mark a pivotal turning point in the history of Israel and Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel falls to Assyria due to persistent sin and idolatry, a tragic end to years of rebellion against God. In contrast, Judah faces similar threats but with a very different outcome under the leadership of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah's faith and reforms stand in stark contrast to Israel’s disobedience, demonstrating the power of repentance and reliance on God. As Assyria turns its attention to Judah, threatening to destroy it, Hezekiah turns to the Lord in prayer. God responds with miraculous deliverance, reminding readers of His power and willingness to rescue those who trust in Him.

2 Kings 17: This chapter chronicles the tragic fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. After years of unfaithfulness, God allows Assyria to conquer Israel and deport its people. King Hoshea's rebellion against Assyria leads to the siege of Samaria, and after three years, the city falls. The writer explains the spiritual reasons behind this downfall: Israel rejected God's commands, worshiped idols, and followed pagan nations. The chapter closes with the introduction of new settlers in Samaria, who bring their own gods, further distorting the land’s spiritual condition. God sends lions among them as a judgment, prompting a superficial attempt to learn about “the god of the land,” but true worship never returns.

2 Kings 18: Hezekiah rises as a godly leader in Judah, tearing down idols and trusting fully in the Lord. His bold spiritual reforms are met with success, and Judah prospers under his early reign. Trouble comes when Assyria begins its conquest, taking over much of Judah. To buy peace, Hezekiah pays tribute using treasures from the temple. However, Assyria is not satisfied and sends a commander to Jerusalem to intimidate the people. The chapter ends with this official publicly mocking God and questioning whether Hezekiah’s God can save them from destruction like the gods of other nations failed to do.

2 Kings 19: Hezekiah’s response to the threats from Assyria is powerful and faith-filled. He tears his clothes, seeks the prophet Isaiah, and prays earnestly to God. Isaiah delivers a word from the Lord promising deliverance, assuring Hezekiah that God will defend His name. When the Assyrian king tries again to intimidate Hezekiah through a threatening letter, the king brings the matter before God in prayer. The Lord responds by declaring judgment on Assyria and sending an angel to destroy their army. The chapter closes with Judah's miraculous deliverance and the humiliation and eventual assassination of the Assyrian king.

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name 2 Kings continues from 1 Kings, as both books were originally one single work in the Hebrew Bible. The title "Kings" comes from the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) translation of the Hebrew word Melekhim, meaning “Kings.” It records the reigns of various monarchs in Israel and Judah, detailing their faithfulness or rebellion against God.

Purpose of the Book:

The purpose of 2 Kings is to document the spiritual and political decline of Israel and Judah, ultimately leading to their exiles. It highlights the consequences of disobedience to God’s covenant, contrasting faithful and unfaithful kings. The book serves as a historical and theological lesson that obedience to God brings blessings, while disobedience leads to judgment.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The authorship of 2 Kings is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, though this is not explicitly stated in the text. Several pieces of evidence support this claim:

1. Internal Biblical Evidence:

   • 2 Kings 24–25 closely parallels Jeremiah 39 and 52, describing the fall of Jerusalem.

   • Jeremiah was a prophet during the final days of Judah and personally witnessed the Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 1:1-3).

2. External References & Historical Sources:

   • The Talmud (Baba Bathra 15a) credits Jeremiah as the author of 1 & 2 Kings.

   • 2 Kings frequently refers to historical records such as:

     • The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (2 Kings 8:23, 12:19, etc.)

     • The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel (2 Kings 1:18, 10:34, etc.)

While some scholars suggest a later anonymous compiler from the exilic period, the traditional view holds that Jeremiah, or a disciple influenced by him, compiled the book using these historical records under divine inspiration.

Key People:

1. Elijah – A prophet of God who ascends to heaven without dying (2 Kings 2).

2. Elisha – Successor of Elijah, performing many miracles (2 Kings 2-13).

3. Jehu – A king of Israel who eradicates Ahab’s family and Baal worship (2 Kings 9-10).

4. Hezekiah – A righteous king of Judah known for his reforms and miraculous healing (2 Kings 18-20).

5. Manasseh – A wicked king of Judah who later repents (2 Kings 21).

6. Josiah – A godly king who restores worship and finds the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22-23).

7. Nebuchadnezzar – King of Babylon who conquers Judah and exiles its people (2 Kings 24-25).

8. Zedekiah – The last king of Judah before the Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 24-25).

Conclusion

The book of 2 Kings concludes with the tragic fall of both Israel and Judah due to their persistent disobedience to God’s covenant, culminating in the Babylonian exile. Despite the judgment, a glimmer of hope remains as King Jehoiachin of Judah is shown mercy in Babylon (2 Kings 25:27-30), hinting at God’s ongoing plan for restoration. This ending reinforces the book’s central theme: faithfulness to God brings blessings, while rebellion leads to downfall, yet His mercy endures beyond judgment.

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What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet. 

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 2 Kings 17, God's character is revealed as holy, just, and patient. Though He had sent prophets repeatedly to warn Israel, the people continued to rebel and worship idols, provoking God's righteous anger. His justice demanded action, resulting in the exile of the northern kingdom. Yet, even in judgment, we see God’s faithfulness to His covenant, showing He does not act hastily but with purpose and long-suffering. God desires a relationship with His people and calls for exclusive devotion, not spiritual compromise.

The Hebrew name for God implied in this chapter is YHWH (Yahweh)—the covenant-keeping, self-existent God. This name appears repeatedly in the historical narrative, highlighting that it was Yahweh the people rejected in favor of false gods. The lesson God teaches here is that continual disobedience leads to consequences, and syncretism—mixing God with idols—is unacceptable to a holy God. Yahweh desires full allegiance, and ignoring His voice will eventually lead to separation and exile, both physically and spiritually.

In 2 Kings 18, God’s character is revealed through His faithfulness and favor toward those who trust in Him. Hezekiah’s deep devotion sets him apart from past kings, and God's blessing is evident in the way Judah prospers under his leadership. God honors Hezekiah’s reforms and stands with him, even as foreign threats rise. Unlike Israel, Judah experiences God's nearness and protection because of Hezekiah’s righteous leadership and dependence on the Lord.

The Hebrew name emphasized in this chapter is Yahweh Elohei Yisrael—“The LORD God of Israel.” This title underscores God’s identity as both sovereign and relational. He is not a distant deity but one actively involved with His people. The lesson God teaches here is that obedience, trust, and wholehearted devotion lead to His presence and protection. When we tear down idols and turn fully to Him, God stands with us—even when the odds are stacked against us.

In 2 Kings 19, God’s character is revealed as Deliverer, Defender, and Sovereign King. When Hezekiah seeks the Lord in humility and prayer, God responds with power and authority. He is not intimidated by earthly kingdoms or military might; rather, He upholds His name and protects His people. God's compassion is shown in how He hears and answers Hezekiah’s prayer, and His power is displayed in the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army.

The Hebrew name revealed most clearly here is Yahweh Tseva’ot—“The LORD of Hosts.” This name reflects God as the commander of heaven’s armies, mighty in battle and supreme over all nations. The lesson God teaches is that prayer moves His heart and He fights for those who rely on Him. When enemies rise and fear threatens to overwhelm, Yahweh Tseva’ot steps in to defend His people and glorify His name.

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Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

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Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?

1. What does God’s response to Israel’s disobedience in 2 Kings 17 reveal about His holiness and justice?

2. How does God demonstrate patience before bringing judgment to the northern kingdom?

3. In 2 Kings 18–19, what aspects of God’s character are revealed through His response to Hezekiah’s faith?

4. How does the name “Yahweh Tseva’ot” (The LORD of Hosts) shape your understanding of God's power and authority?

5. What can we learn about God's faithfulness from the way He honored Hezekiah's obedience?

6. How do these chapters show that God is both relational and sovereign over nations?

7. How do we see God responding differently to rebellion versus repentance in these passages?

Questions About Themes:

1. What major theme is revealed in the fall of Israel to Assyria in 2 Kings 17?

2. How is the theme of obedience vs. disobedience developed across these three chapters?

3. What role does idolatry play in the downfall of nations according to these passages?

4. How does the contrast between Israel and Judah highlight the consequences of faith versus rebellion?

5. In what ways do these chapters emphasize the importance of spiritual leadership?

6. How is the theme of divine protection evident in the face of overwhelming odds in 2 Kings 18–19?

7. What do these chapters reveal about God’s desire for exclusive worship?

Reflective Application Questions:

1. Are there any areas in your life where you may be compromising with “modern idols”? What would it look like to tear them down like Hezekiah did?

2. How do you respond when facing a spiritual or personal crisis—do you seek God first like Hezekiah, or try to fix things on your own?

3. Is your trust in God strong enough to withstand intimidation or pressure from the world around you?

4. When God delays in answering prayer, do you grow impatient or continue to trust His timing and justice?

5. How can you lead others into greater faithfulness, like Hezekiah led Judah into reform?

6. What steps can you take to grow in confidence that Yahweh Tseva’ot is fighting for you today?

7. If you were to write a letter of prayer to God like Hezekiah did, what would you lay before Him right now?

   
   

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans