DAY 185: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – 2 KINGS 1-5

July 2, 2024

2 KINGS 1-5
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DAY 185: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Today we begin our journey through 2 Kings 1-5. The focus of these first 5 chapters isn’t on kings; it is on the transition from prophet Elijah to prophet Elisha.

Ask God for His understanding of 2 Kings 1-5. Read 2 Kings 1-5. Let’s journey!

The books of First and Second Kings were originally written as one text that tells the story of the kings of Israel, continuing on where we left off in 2 Samuel, with King David and his son Solomon, soon to be king. Ultimately, it is a history of the decline of the kingdom of Israel, as they move away from the Lord. The author of the Book of Kings, provides a judgment on the rule of each king, based on their worship of the Lord God and the keeping of the covenant Israel made with God. Throughout the book of Kings, we also see that prophets are raised up in an attempt to steer Israel and its kings back on the path of following the Lord.

2 Kings 1-5: Our reading today focuses on Elijah being taken to heaven and his understudy, Elisha assuming Elijah’s role as chief prophet of Israel. These chapters include stories of Elisha counseling kings, restoring life, healing leprosy, providing financial provisions. The most important element of Elisha’s ministry is that what he prophesied came to pass. These chapters also share the struggle that Gehazi, Elisha’s servant had with sin. (2 Kings 1:1-5:27)

After reading today’s reading, consider the following: What kings were present in today’s reading? Were they good or bad? How do you know? What lesson can be learned, or what warning can be taken from a study of these kings? What warnings, if any, were given by prophets? How can understanding the fall of Israel help us today in the way that we view authority figures?

Godspeace!