(896 B.C.?) After Ahab's death, Moab revolts. Ahaziah, Israel's king, falls through lattice of his upper chamber in Samaria. Messengers sent to god of Ekron, Baalzebub, to ascertain his prognosis. Angelic appearance to Elijah with instructions for interception. Question posed of missing God for consultation in Israel. Prophesies his death and departs. Encounter with Elijah reported to king. Recognizing his description, Ahaziah summons Elijah three times before responding. (First two came in arrogance, third in humility and fear because of God's fiery response to previous.) Elijah repeats earlier prophecy to king. Ahaziah dies. Ahab's son, Jehoram, 9th king of Israel reigns. (Ahaziah was without son to ascend throne. Judah's current king also called Jehoram.)

Elijah's time now come, journeys with Elisha from Gilgal to Jordan through Bethel and Jericho. Farewell meeting with prophets at each location. Preparations for Elijah's departure. Elisha refuses to abandon Elijah. Jordan parted by Elijah with mantle, crossing on dry ground. Elisha requests double portion of Elijah's spirit. Conditions outlined for fulfillment. (Seeing his actual departure.) Elijah taken up in chariot with horsemen of fire. Elisha awed. Elijah's mantle falls from him upon Elisha as predicted sign of receiving spirit. Upon returning, Elisha parts Jordan with mantle. Met by prophets seeking Elijah. Discouraged by Elisha, finally shamed in to authorizing their search. After searching three days, return and reminded of Elisha's report. Elisha heals waters at Jericho upon city's request. Enroute to Bethel, met by unruly children mocking him. (Elisha bald headed.) After cursing them, two she bears appear from woods, devouring 42. Continues to Mt. Carmel and Samaria.

(Continuation from Chapter 1) Jehoram reigns 12 years, not as bad as parents (Ahab and Jezebel), but still evil, committing sins of Jeroboam. Moabites put to tribute. Revolts after Ahab's death. Jehoram numbers Israel. Israel and Judah unite against Moab. Edom joins them as they pass through. Elisha present and summoned. Responds only out of respect for Judah's king, Jehoshaphat. Prophecy of victory and ditches filled with water without rain fulfilled. Moab sees water as red, thinking it to be Edom and Israel's blood from battle, advances and is defeated. Moabite king, unable to escape through Edom's ranks, offers sacrifice of firstborn son on wall. Israel, Judah, and Edom return home.

(895 B.C.?) A widow of a prophet's son makes a financial appeal to Elisha. Miracle from oil sufficient for debt repayment and future needs. Shunemmite woman cares for Elisha in her home from his journeys. Turning in often, seeks to bless her. Discovering her childless, prophesies a son and one is born, but after some time grows sick and dies. Father lays him in Elisha's room. Elisha summoned from Mt. Carmel. Servant sent with staff and instructions for son's revival. Mission unsuccessful. Elisha now goes and reclines upon him, restoring him to his mother. Family grateful. (Continues at 8:1.) Elisha departs for Gilgal. Famine. Miracle of pottage for sons of prophets. Miracle from man's offering to Elisha feeds many.

(894 B.C.?) God assists Syrians against Israel. Naaman, Syrian's army leader, contracts leprosy. Captured Israelite maiden recommends Elisha for help. Following a communiqué sent to Israel, Syrian king sends Naaman to Elisha. King of Israel fearful, but Elisha receives Naaman, instructing him to wash seven times in River Jordan. Naaman arrogantly refuses at first, expecting something more elaborate, but humbly submits and is healed after hearing servants' wisdom. Naaman's conversion. His gifts offered to Elisha refused. Naaman departs but overtaken by Elisha's servant, Gehazi, deceitfully seeking gifts. Returns to Elisha, lying about trip. Elisha rebukes him and pronounces curse of Naaman's leprosy upon him and posterity. Fulfilled and parts from Elisha.

(893 B.C.?) New home requested by sons of prophets. Elisha goes with them to Jordan. While hewing wood, miracle of floating borrowed ax head. Syria wars with Israel. Elisha warns Israel of ambush. Syrian king outraged. Dispatches army for Elisha. Trapped in Dothan. Elisha shows fearful young man vision of God's army of chariots of fire. Syrians blinded at Elisha's request. Leads them to Samaria. Sight restored. Israel king requests to slay them. Denied. Elisha offers kindness with bread and water, sending them home. In time, Benhadad besieges Samaria. Famine occurs within the city. Inhabitants practice cannibalism. Woman appeals to king with plight of her son being eaten. King wroth, wants Elisha's head. Messenger sent to Elisha's house. Elisha concealed by elders.

(892 B.C.?) Messenger and king arrive. Elisha overhears, revealing himself, prophesies end of Syrian siege on the morrow. King's servant scoffs. Four lepers, expecting to die anyway, go into Syrian camp that night, discovering the Syrians had fled at God's earlier commotion, abandoning everything. Plundered spoils all night, returning early morning to inform king. Mistrusting report, chariots dispatched to discover suspected concealed Syrians. Lepers' report confirmed. City takes spoils and Elisha's prophecy fulfilled. (Siege ends and Elisha's critic trampled at the gate.)

(891 B.C.?) (Continued from 4:37.) Shunammite woman warned of famine and to take refuge wherever possible for seven years. Shunammite family resides in Philistia, returning after prophesied time. King grants her petition for restoration of prior assets after hearing Elisha's servant recount the miracle of her son. Elisha travels to Damascus (of Syria). Benhadad, sick, sends Hazael to him to inquire of his recovery. Elisha advises Hazael to speak falsely to king for he is to die. Sadly foretells Hazael's reign and evil atrocities to be done to Israel. Hazael suffocates Benhadad and reigns over Syria. Jehoram reigns as king of Judah 8 years. (Continuation from I Ki.22:50.) Does evil as Israel's kings*. (Married to daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.) Edom revolts, establishing a king. Jehoram defeats Edom. Libna revolts. Jehoram dies. 22 year old son, Ahaziah, 6th king of Judah, reigns. Also does evil. (Son-in-law of Ahab's house.) Israel and Judah unite against Syria. Joram, Israel's king, wounded in battle, seeks refuge for recovery in Jezreel. Ahaziah, Judah's king, goes also.

(884 B.C.?) Prophet sent by Elisha to Ramoth-gilead to anoint Jehu, captain of Israel's army, as next king. Jehu anointed and given instructions from God for judgment of Ahab's house. City compelled to secrecy. Jehu goes by chariot to Jezreel. Lone messengers sent alternately to Jehu from Jehoram to inquire of intentions. Joram and Ahaziah finally go out. Jehu rebukes Jehoram. Jehu's arrow completely penetrates Jehoram as he flees. Body thrown on land of Naboth for earlier injustice by Jezebel. Ahaziah is also wounded, dies in Megiddo and buried in Jerusalem. News reaches Jezebel. Jehu enters Jezreel. Jezebel thrown from window by two eunuchs responding to Jehu's call for loyalty. Her life ends horrifically as God promised.

Purge by Jehu of Ahab's house. Slays Ahaziah's brethren coming to Samaria to visit him, uninformed of latest events. Destroys all Baal worshipers in Baal Temple. Destroys all belonging to Baal. Spares the two golden calf idols in Dan and Bethel. God speaks to Jehu, but Jehu refuses to hear, continuing in evil ways of Jeroboam. Israel is reduced by God using Syria as their judge. Jehu dies after reigning 28 years. Son, Jehoahaz, 11th king of Israel, reigns. (Continues at 13:1.)

Athaliah, mother of Ahaziah, executes all successors to son's throne in Judah. Reigns as Queen. Jehosheba, daughter of king Joram, sister of slain Ahaziah, conceals Joash, Ahaziah's youngest son (baby) seven years in house of the Lord. Anointed by Jehoiada, high priest, seven years later in Temple after assembling captains and guards. Athaliah comes with accusations of treason. Removed from Temple and slain by house of David. Covenant with Judah for abolition of Baal worship. Seven year old Joash, 7th king of Judah.

(878 B.C.?) Joash reigns good 40 years. Continually guided by priest. Orders funds collected for repair of Solomon's Temple. Delayed by priests 23 years. King finally contracts work. Priests cut off from receipts and banned from Temple repair, only keeping sin and trespass offerings. Hazael of Syria advances on Gath and Jerusalem. Dedicated treasures of Temple sent by Joash in exchange for truce. Syria withdraws. Joash slain by servants at house in Millo. Son, Amaziah, 8th king of Judah. (Cont. at 14:1.)

(856 B.C.?) (Cont. from 10:35.) Israelite king Jehoahaz's reign 17 years, evil. Syria again used by God as their judge, but heavily oppresses Israel. Jehoahaz calls upon God. God intervenes, giving a savior. Peace comes, but continues in Jeroboam's sin. Israel's army vastly reduced. Jehoahaz dies. Son, Johoash, 12th king of Israel, 16 years. Wars against Judah. Dies. Son, Jeroboam II, 13th king of Israel. Elisha deathly ill. Israel's king, Johoash (also called Joash, contemporary with Joash of Judah), makes tearful plea. Elisha prophesies only three Syrian victories because of Joash's halfhearted personality demonstrated in his archery. Elisha dies. Moabites invade. Dead man thrown into Elisha's tomb revives upon contact with his bones. Hazael of Syria oppresses Israel throughout Jehoahaz's reign. Israel spared from utter destruction for now because of God's covenant with patriarchs. Hazael dies. Son, Benhadad, king of Syria. As predicted, three times Joash prevails over Benhadad, retaking Syrian-captured cities of Israel.

(839 B.C.?) (Cont. from 12:21.) Amaziah reigns 29 years over Judah, partly good. Executes assassins of his father, carefully observing Mosaic law in process (spares children). Conquers Edom. His arrogance incites Israel to war. Joash defeats Amaziah and spoils Jerusalem, breaking down its wall. Returns to Samaria. Dies. Son, Jeroboam II, reigns. Amaziah, humiliated, flees to Lachish in response to conspiracy against him. Assassinated and buried in Jerusalem. Son, Azariah, crowned 9th king of Judah. Builds Elath. Jeroboam II reigns 41 years over Israel, evil. (Restored coast of Israel after prophet Jonah appears.) Israel's end delayed by God through Jeroboam. Dies. Son, Zachariah, 14th king of Israel.

(810 B.C.?) Azariah (Uzziah) rules Judah 52 years, partly good. Contracts leprosy. Son, Jotham, co-judges Judah. Azariah dies. Jotham, 10th king of Judah. Zachariah rules Israel 6 months, evil. Slain by Shallum. (Prophecy fulfilled of end of fourth generation of Jehu.) Shallum, 15th king of Israel, reigns 1 month. Slain by Menahem. Menahem, 16th king of Israel. Commits evil slaughter of Tizrah. Reigns 10 years, evil. King Pul of Assyria comes against Israel. Menahem purchases freedom. Assyria withdraws. Menahem dies. Son, Pekahiah, 17th king of Israel, reigns 2 evil years. Slain by Pekah. Pekah, 18th king of Israel, rules evil 22 years. Assyria captures much of Israel. Hoshea slays Pekah, becoming 19th king of Israel. Jotham rules Judah 16 years, mostly good. Israel and Syria used by God to judge Judah. Jotham dies. Son, Ahaz, 11th king of Judah.

(742 B.C.?) Ahaz rules Judah 16 evil years. Sacrifices son to Molech. Syria and Israel besiege Jerusalem. Elath taken by Syria. Ahaz, sending gifts, petitions Tiglath-pileser of Assyria for assistance. Assyria accepts and captures Damascus of Syria. Ahaz personally visits Assyrian king in Damascus. Blueprints of Damascus pagan altar sent by Ahaz to Jerusalem for replication by priest Urijah. Upon return makes various offerings upon pagan altar. Brasen Altar relocated. Priests instructed to use Damascus altar for sacrifices. Pollutes Temple and Altar. Ahaz dies. Son, Hezekiah, 12th king of Judah.

(730 B.C.?) Hoshea rules Israel 9 evil years. Established as a vassal to Shalmaneser, king of Assyria. Hoshea imprisoned for conspiracy with Egypt against Assyria. Samaria besieged 3 years. Israelites captured and dispersed into many Assyrian held nations as God's judgment upon them after their evil becoming full (circa 721 B.C.). Jeroboam's initial actions in erecting the calves at their borders and subsequent actions condemned for leading Israel astray. Israel (northern 10 tribes) utterly cut off from house of David by God. Occupied by supplanted foreigners. Land hostile. Wild beasts numerous; kills inhabitants. Fearful, they petition Assyria for instructions in God's laws. Priest sent to Bethel for their instruction, however, choosing to erect their own national gods. Though God's Covenant recalled and instructed in His ways, their ways were double-minded, fearing God, yet serving others simultaneously.

(726 B.C.?) Hezekiah rules Judah 22 years, mostly good. Renews land. God with him. Stayed Assyria. Smites Philistines to Gaza. Restatement of Israel's end. Sennacherib, Assyrian king, attacks Judah, besieging cities, including Jerusalem. Payment for peace demanded and received. Temple despoiled. Messengers sent from Sennacherib at Lachish to Hezekiah for ultimatum of submission or death, claiming to speak for God, but actually reproaching Him. Hezekiah's court officers ask letter be read in Syrian to prevent Hebrews from panic. Denied with louder shouts. Officers, without responding as earlier instructed, inform Hezekiah.

(710 B.C.?) Hezekiah humbles himself in Temple, sending request for prayer to prophet Isaiah. Isaiah sends encouraging word from God. Assyrian messengers, hearing their king had been summoned to battle in Libnah, returned to Lachish. Sent again to Hezekiah after report from Egyptian king of Hezekiah's regained confidence in God. Receiving Assyrian letter of demand, lays it before God in Temple, praying for deliverance. God's answer is given through Isaiah to Hezekiah. God's response to Sennacherib and associated signs stated. Promises His own defense of Jerusalem. 185,000 Assyrians slain by angel. Sennacherib retreats to Assyrian capital of Nineveh. Assassinated by two sons who flee to Armenia; third son, Esarhaddon, ascends father's throne.

(713 B.C.?) Hezekiah deathly ill. (See Isa.38.) Isaiah prophesies his immediate death. Hezekiah prays after Isaiah's departure. Isaiah intercepted in exit for return prophecy of answered prayer for Hezekiah (life extended 15 years). Sign given of 10º return of sundial shadow. Babylon sends messengers and gifts to Hezekiah for comfort after illness. Hezekiah imprudently gives tour of his assets. Isaiah prophesies against Hezekiah and a Judean captivity by Babylon. Not affecting him personally, Hezekiah concedes. His accomplishments. Dies. Son, Manasseh, 13th king of Judah.

(698 B.C.?) Manasseh rules Judah 55 years, evil. Guilty of gross idolatry, human sacrifices of sons. Provokes God. Prophets condemn him. God's judgment against Judah pronounced. Manasseh dies. Son, Amon, 14th king of Judah, rules 2 years, evil. Slain by servants. Servants slain by the people. Crowned son, Josiah, 15th king of Judah. Amon buried.

(641 B.C.?) Josiah, age 8, rules 31 years, mostly good. At 26, orders Temple repaired. Priests faithful in financial receipts. Book of Moses' Law found in Temple by Hilkiah the high priest and read by a scribe, Shaphan. Shaphan reports and reads Law to king. King, repentant, desires counsel from God concerning their failure of its instructions and its application to himself, the people, and Judah. Priests consult Huldah, a prophetess, who confirms the curses recorded in the Law for those who forsake God. Judah will be made desolate, but Josiah will not see it, living out his life in peace. King so informed.

(624 B.C.?) Josiah assembles the elders and congregation. Law read to all. King reestablishes Covenant of purely monotheistic life for Judah. Orders complete purge of Baal from Temple, land, and people. Sodomites residing adjacent to Temple evicted; houses leveled. Human sacrifices abolished; Molech destroyed in Valley of Hinnom (south side of Jerusalem). Degree of Temple pollution shown. High places built by Solomon and successors for pagan worship destroyed. Bethel calf altar erected by Jeroboam, first king of Israel (northern 10 tribes), destroyed. Prophecy of I Ki.13:2 fulfilled. Graves razed and bones burned. Prophet's tomb excluded. Idolatrous priests slain and burned upon altars as prophesied. Passover unobserved from Judges' era reinstituted. Witchcraft abolished. Mosaic law observed in entirety. Josiah's repentant heart unlike any king before and after him; however, Judah's judgment irreversible. Egypt advances on Assyria to Euphrates. Unwisely, Josiah engages them; slain in Megiddo and buried in Jerusalem. Son, Jehoahaz, 16th king of Judah, rules 3 months, evil. Captured by Egypt, and half-brother, Eliakim, made vassal by Pharaoh-necho of Egypt, changing name to Jehoiakim. Judah pays tribute. Jehoahaz exiled and dies in Egypt. Jehoiakim, 17th king of Judah, reigns 11 years, evil.

(607 B.C.?) Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon advances on Judah. Jehoiakim appointed vassal to Babylon. Rebels after three years. Multiple nations sent by God against him as continuing judgment on Judah for their unforgivable sins. Jehoiakim dies. Son, Jehoiachin, 18th king of Judah. Babylon withdraws. Egypt repressed to her own borders by Babylon. Jehoiachin rules 3 months, evil. Jerusalem besieged by Babylon. Surrendered by Jehoiachin. Temple and king's treasures seized. Jehoiachin, family, and all Jerusalem and Judah's productive citizens taken captive to Babylon, leaving only the poor. Josiah's younger son, Mattaniah (age 21), appointed vassal to Babylon, changing his name to Zedekiah. Zedekiah, 19th king of Judah, rules 11 years, evil. Later revolts against Babylon.

(590 B.C.?) Jerusalem besieged from Zedekiah's 9th to 11th yr. by Babylon. City suffers severe famine. Judah's army and king escapes at night over walls. Pursued by the Chaldeans. Overtaken in Jericho and scattered. Zedekiah captured and taken to Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah. Forced to watch sons' execution, and then, with his eyes gouged, chained and taken to Babylon. Nebuzardan, Nebuchadnezzar's captain, burns Temple, palaces, houses, and city, and with the aid of Chaldeans, levels Jerusalem's walls. All taken captive to Babylon, save the poor. Holy vessels taken. Priests and guards slain in Riblah. Judah's kingdom ends. Now only Babylonian governor, Gedaliah (grandson of Shaphan, Josiah's scribe, 22:8) appointed over remaining indigents. Escaped army leaders, encouraged by Ammonites, assassinate Gedaliah and slay Jews and Chaldeans with him. Remnant flees to Egypt (with Jeremiah, Je.43:6). Jehoiachin freed in his 37th year of captivity in Babylon. Obtains higher favor at king's court and table over other captured kings.

* See additional studies: Kings of Judah and Kings of Israel.