The Second Book of Kings

The book of 2 Kings continues the story started in 1 Kings. It tells what happened to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah after King Ahab. The book begins with the end of Elijah’s time and the start of Elisha’s work as prophet. These two prophets spoke God’s word, performed signs, and challenged kings to turn back to God.

2 Kings shows how both kingdoms struggled to stay faithful. Many kings did not follow God’s ways. They worshiped false gods and ignored the covenant. The prophets tried to warn them, but most leaders would not listen. This led to trouble for both Israel and Judah.

Israel, the northern kingdom, fell first. The people were taken away by the Assyrians. Later, Judah also fell. The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and took the people into exile. The book ends with this sad moment in Israel’s history. But it also leaves a small hope that one day things might change.

This book teaches that turning away from God leads to destruction. It reminds us that faithfulness matters, even when times are hard. Through all the ups and downs, God remained present. He sent prophets to guide and warn. Even in exile, His people were not forgotten.

2 Kings was written during a very hard time for God’s people. It was likely finished after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. The people of Judah had been taken into exile in Babylon. Their land was destroyed. Their temple was gone. Many felt lost and confused. This book helped them remember what led to this point.

The author of 2 Kings is not named. But many believe it was written by someone who knew the history well. It may have been a prophet or a priest. Some think it was part of a larger group of writings called the Deuteronomistic History. These books teach that being faithful to God brings blessings. Turning away from Him brings sorrow.

The writer collected stories about kings, prophets, battles, and signs from God. These stories were passed down by others and put together in this book. The writer wanted the people to learn from their past. He showed how choices—both good and bad—shaped the future.

This book is not just a list of facts. It tells a story with meaning. It reminds us that God calls His people to walk in His ways. Even in hard times, His promises still stand. 2 Kings helps us see the bigger picture behind the fall of a nation.

The book of 2 Kings is written like a history book, but it is more than just dates and events. It tells stories. These stories are short, simple, and to the point. They focus on what each king did and whether he followed God’s ways or not.

The book also includes many stories about prophets. Elijah and Elisha are the most well-known. These stories are full of action. People are healed, rivers part, and even the dead are raised. The writer uses these events to show God’s power and mercy. The prophets are shown as brave messengers who speak the truth, even when it is risky.

Each king’s reign is introduced with a pattern. The writer says who the king was, how long he ruled, and if he did what was right or evil. This helps readers compare the kings and see how their choices affected the people.

The tone of the book is serious. It warns readers about what happens when people turn away from God. But it also shows that God keeps sending help. Through all the stories, the message is clear: listen to God, stay faithful, and do what is right.

2 Kings has many lessons that connect with Catholic faith. It shows how God stays with His people, even when they make bad choices. It also reminds us to trust God and follow His ways.

• Faithfulness matters
  The kings who followed God brought peace and blessing. The ones who turned away brought harm. This shows how faith and obedience lead to good.
• God sends help
  God does not leave His people alone. He sends prophets like Elisha to guide, teach, and remind them of the truth. In the Church, we also have teachers, saints, and leaders to help us.
• Judgment and mercy
  When the people ignored God again and again, their kingdom fell. But God did not forget them. He still watched over them in exile. Catholics believe that even when we sin, God waits for us to return.
• Hope in hard times
  The book ends in sadness, but not without hope. A king from David’s line is shown kindness in exile. This reminds us of the promise that a Savior would come. As Catholics, we see Jesus as that Savior.

2 Kings is a hard story, but it calls us to stay close to God. It reminds us that God is just, but also full of mercy. When we listen, trust, and obey, we grow stronger in faith.

2 Kings is a long book with many stories. It can be helpful to look at the main parts to understand how the book is put together. These sections follow the time of the prophets and the fall of two kingdoms.

• The Last Days of Elijah and the Work of Elisha (2 Kings 1:1–8:29)
  Elijah is taken up to heaven. Elisha becomes the main prophet. He performs many signs and gives messages from God.
• The Fall of the Kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 9:1–17:41)
  Jehu becomes king and brings change. But later kings lead the people away from God. In 2 Kings 17, the northern kingdom is taken by Assyria.
• The Kingdom of Judah Alone (2 Kings 18:1–25:30)
  Judah continues on its own. Some kings, like Hezekiah and Josiah, try to bring people back to God. But others lead them into sin. In the end, Jerusalem is destroyed, and the people are taken to Babylon.

Each section shows how leaders’ choices affected everyone. It also shows how God stayed involved, sending prophets and giving chances to return. The book teaches us to listen, trust, and stay close to Him.

Here is a list of the main kings mentioned in the Book of 2 Kings and which kingdom they ruled:

Kingdom of Judah (Southern Kingdom):

• Jehoshaphat – Son of Asa; tried to follow God and brought peace
• Jehoram (Joram) – Son of Jehoshaphat
• Ahaziah – Son of Jehoram
• Athaliah – Queen who ruled after her son died
• Joash (Jehoash) – Hidden as a child; became king and repaired the temple
• Amaziah – Son of Joash
• Azariah (Uzziah) – Long reign; strong king
• Jotham – Son of Azariah
• Ahaz – Turned to foreign help instead of trusting God
• Hezekiah – Good king who trusted the Lord
• Manasseh – Long reign but led Judah into sin
• Amon – Son of Manasseh; ruled briefly
• Josiah – Found the Book of the Law; tried to lead reform
• Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah – Last kings of Judah before Babylon destroyed Jerusalem

Kingdom of Israel (Northern Kingdom):

• Ahaziah – Son of Ahab; ruled after him
• Joram (Jehoram) – Brother of Ahaziah
• Jehu – Anointed by a prophet; ended Ahab’s family line
• Jehoahaz – Son of Jehu
• Joash (Jehoash) – Son of Jehoahaz
• Jeroboam II – A strong king who brought peace for a time
• Zechariah – Last of Jehu’s line
• Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, Pekah, and Hoshea – Last kings of Israel; many short and troubled reigns
• Hoshea – The final king of Israel before Assyria took over

2 Kings shows the fall of both kingdoms. Israel falls first, and later Judah is taken into exile. Many kings do not follow God. A few, like Hezekiah and Josiah, try to do what is right.

Even though 2 Kings was written long ago, it still speaks to us today. The stories of kings and prophets remind us of real choices we all make. They help us think about how we live and who we follow.

Many leaders in 2 Kings made selfish or harmful choices. We still see this today in the world. But we also see people like Elisha and Josiah, who listened to God and helped others. Their stories show that even in dark times, we can choose what is good and true.

2 Kings also reminds us that turning away from God leads to pain. But when people came back, God forgave them. This is true in our lives too. The Church teaches us to go to confession, pray, and begin again when we mess up.

Most of all, 2 Kings teaches us to trust God. Even when things fall apart, He stays with His people. That is still true today. When we follow Him, we find a better way to live.

Parts of 2 Kings are read during Mass in the Roman Catholic Church. These readings help us reflect on God’s work through the prophets and remind us of His faithfulness in hard times. The stories are chosen to fit with the message of the other readings for the day.

Some readings focus on Elisha. He heals the sick, feeds the hungry, and brings hope. These stories are often paired with Gospel readings that show Jesus doing similar things. This helps us see how the Old and New Testaments connect.

Other passages tell about the fall of the kingdoms. These remind us of the cost of turning away from God. They invite us to pray, repent, and trust in His mercy.

When we hear these readings at Mass, we are not just learning about history. We are invited to listen, reflect, and follow God more closely. The stories from 2 Kings still speak to our lives today.

Click on a link below for more information and resources for a specific reading.

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

A Promise for the Childless Woman

In 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16A, a kind woman from Shunem welcomes the prophet Elisha into her home. She and her husband even prepare a special room for him so he can rest when he visits. She shows great respect and care for Elisha, even though she asks for nothing in return.

Elisha wants to thank her. He learns that she has no son and that her husband is old. He promises that she will have a child within a year. This moment shows how generosity and faith can lead to unexpected blessings. It also reminds us that God sees our needs, even when we do not ask.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Food That Does Not Run Out

In 2 Kings 4:42-44, a man brings food to the prophet Elisha—twenty barley loaves and some grain. There are many people to feed, and Elisha tells his servant to give it to the crowd. The servant is unsure because the food does not seem like enough.

Elisha insists, and the people eat. Not only is there enough for everyone, but some food is left over. This story shows how God provides, even when things look small or weak. It also reminds us to trust, even when we do not understand how something will work out.

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Washed and Made New

In 2 Kings 5:14-17, Naaman, a commander from another land, washes in the Jordan River just as the prophet Elisha told him. After doing so, he is healed of his skin disease. His body becomes clean, like that of a child.

Naaman returns to Elisha, grateful and changed. He says that he now believes in the one true God. He even asks to take soil from Israel back to his home, so he can worship God there. This story shows that faith and obedience bring healing and new understanding, even for those who come from far away.

Selections from 2 Kings are also read at the weekday Masses:

• Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time II – 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14: Elijah Taken to Heaven
• Optional Readings for a Weekday in the 5th Week of Lent – 2 Kings 4:18b-21, 32-37: The Boy Brought Back
• Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent – 2 Kings 5:1-15ab: Naaman’s Healing
• Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time II – 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20: Joash’s Hidden Kingship
• Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time II – 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18: Israel’s Exile
• Tuesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time II – 2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36: Hezekiah’s Prayer and God’s Response
• Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time II – 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3: The Book of the Law Found
• Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time II – 2 Kings 24:8-17: The Fall of Jehoiachin
• Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time II – 2 Kings 25:1-12: The Fall of Jerusalem

Turning Away from God Leads to Trouble

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings chapter 1. He explains that Ahaziah becomes king after Ahab but turns away from God. When he gets injured, instead of asking the Lord, he sends messengers to a false god named Baalzebub.

Fr. Mike points out that Elijah steps in and delivers a message from God. Elijah tells Ahaziah that because he looked to a false god instead of the Lord, he will not recover. Elijah’s strong message shows that God will not be ignored.

Fr. Mike also talks about the confusion with the names. He explains that there are two kings named Jehoram—one in Israel and one in Judah—so it’s easy to mix them up. Jehoram, Ahaziah’s brother, takes over after Ahaziah dies because he had no son. See the list of kings here.

This part of the story shows how turning from God brings consequences. Fr. Mike reminds listeners that we need to be faithful and trust in the Lord, not false hopes.

Elijah’s Exit and Elisha’s Rise

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings chapter 2. Elijah is taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. Before he goes, Elisha asks for a double portion of his spirit. Fr. Mike explains that this is like a son asking for an inheritance. Elisha picks up Elijah’s coat and carries on his mission.

Fr. Mike says Elisha does many miracles, even more than Elijah. One of the first is healing bad water in Jericho. He shows that God is still working through him. Elisha is not flashy like Elijah, but he is very powerful.

Fr. Mike spends time explaining the story about the bears. He says it’s not about small boys teasing Elisha. The Hebrew word could mean young men, even grown men. These were likely false worshipers from Bethel, not innocent kids.

He reminds us this story is really about true worship versus false worship. God defends the right way to worship him. Fr. Mike says this helps us see the full meaning behind what might seem like a strange story at first.

A Strange Mistake Leads to Victory

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings chapter 3. He explains how King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom join forces to fight Moab. But the armies run out of water while marching through the wilderness.

Fr. Mike says Elisha steps in to help. He calls for a minstrel, and after the music plays, God speaks through Elisha. God promises to fill the dry streambeds with water even without rain.

The next morning, water appears just as God said. The Moabites see the water in the sunlight and think it is blood. They believe the three kings have turned on each other, so they rush in unprepared.

Fr. Mike explains that Israel, Judah, and Edom use this moment to defeat Moab. The Moabite king grows desperate and offers his own son as a sacrifice. After that, Israel pulls back. Fr. Mike highlights how God used this moment to help his people even when they were not fully faithful.

Faith in the Middle of the Story

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on 2 Kings chapter 4. He talks about Elisha’s miracles, starting with the widow and her jar of oil. Fr. Mike points out how the widow didn’t know what would happen, but she still followed Elisha’s instructions. If she had known the ending, she might have gathered more jars. That’s how faith works—we often don’t see the ending at the start.

Fr. Mike also shares the story of the Shunammite woman. She was kind to Elisha, and he promised her a son. But after some time, her son died suddenly. She was heartbroken and asked why God would give her this gift only to take him away. Fr. Mike says many people feel this way after losing someone.

Elisha raises the boy from the dead. Fr. Mike reminds us that this is just a glimpse of what Jesus will later do—raising the dead in even greater ways. Elisha had a double share of Elijah’s spirit, but Jesus has power over all death.

Fr. Mike ends by saying we should pray for those who are grieving. Some people can’t pray right now because their pain is too deep. So the rest of us must pray for them. He reminds us that God will make all things new in the end, even what feels lost now.

A Mighty Warrior Humbled by Water

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on 2 Kings chapter 5. He talks about Naaman, a powerful Syrian commander who has leprosy. Even though he has success and honor, his sickness reminds him that he cannot save himself.

Fr. Mike points out the role of a young Israelite girl taken in slavery. Even though she had been hurt by Naaman’s people, she wants him to be healed. She believes in the power of the God of Israel. Her small act of faith sets the story in motion.

Naaman expects a dramatic healing, but Elisha tells him to wash in the Jordan River. At first, Naaman is angry. But his servants convince him to obey. He is healed, not by magic, but by trusting a simple command.

Fr. Mike says this reminds us of baptism. It may seem like a small thing, but God uses it to bring us healing and new life. Just like Naaman, we are called to trust and follow, even when it seems too easy.

God’s Power and Mercy in Hard Times

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings 6 and 7. He highlights how God works through Elisha in ways that show both power and kindness. Elisha helps recover a lost axe head and gives warnings that save Israel from attack.

Fr. Mike focuses on the story where Elisha’s servant is afraid of a large army. Elisha tells him not to fear. Then he prays, and God lets the servant see angels surrounding them. Fr. Mike says this shows that God is always present, even when we can’t see him.

Fr. Mike also talks about the siege of Samaria. He explains how terrible things got during the famine, including a shocking story of two women. Even though the people had turned away from God, Fr. Mike says God still chooses to fight for them.

Fr. Mike reminds us that God helps his people even when they are not faithful. He says Elisha’s miracles and wisdom point to God’s care. Even in dark times, God is near and working for good.

Hard Times, Bad Kings, and God’s Help

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on 2 Kings chapter 8. He talks about how Elisha warns the Shunammite woman about a coming famine. She listens and leaves for seven years. When she comes back, Elisha helps her get her land back. Fr. Mike points out how God cares for people who trust Him.

Fr. Mike also talks about the death of Ben-Hadad, king of Syria. Elisha tells Hazael that the king will die, even though he says the sickness isn’t deadly. Hazael ends up killing Ben-Hadad and becomes king. Elisha weeps because he knows how much evil Hazael will do.

The episode also looks at two kings of Judah. Jehoram becomes king, but he follows the ways of Ahab and does evil. His son Ahaziah also becomes king and does the same. Fr. Mike points out that both kings were connected to Ahab’s family, which brought more trouble.

Fr. Mike reminds us that even when kings fail, God stays faithful. God protects His people and gives them chances to come back. Elisha’s story in 2 Kings 8 shows how God keeps working, even in hard times.

Jehu Takes Charge

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings chapter 9. He explains how Elisha sends a young prophet to secretly anoint Jehu as king. This mission is part of God’s plan to end the rule of Ahab’s family.

Fr. Mike says Jehu quickly acts. He kills King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah. This happens just as God had warned. Jehu then goes to Jezreel and has Jezebel thrown from a window. She dies just as Elijah had prophesied.

Fr. Mike points out how Jezebel tries to look important by painting her face. But she has lost touch with what is really happening. Even her own servants no longer support her.

Fr. Mike says this is a clear example of justice. Ahab and Jezebel chose evil for years. Now they face the result. God lets people have what they choose, even when it brings pain.

Jehu’s Partial Faithfulness

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings chapter 10. He explains how Jehu kills the seventy sons of Ahab to wipe out his family line. Jehu also tricks the worshipers of Baal and has them all killed. This ends Baal worship in Israel.

Fr. Mike points out that Jehu did something good by removing false worship. But he did not bring back true worship. He kept the golden calves in Bethel and Dan. This showed he was only halfway faithful.

Fr. Mike says Jehu did what God asked, so God allowed his family to stay on the throne for four generations. Still, Jehu is not listed as a good king. He didn’t lead the people to worship the Lord with all their hearts.

Fr. Mike reminds us that doing some good is not the same as full obedience. God wants us to follow Him with our whole heart, not just go halfway.

A Queen Falls and a Boy King Rises

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings chapters 11 and 12. He explains how Queen Athaliah tries to wipe out the royal family, but Joash is rescued and hidden in the temple for six years. When Joash is seven, the priest Jehoiada leads a plan to crown him king. Athaliah is removed and killed.

Fr. Mike says Joash starts off well because he listens to Jehoiada. He repairs the temple and puts a new system in place to handle the money. People were giving, but the priests weren’t using the money for repairs. Joash makes sure the work gets done.

But Fr. Mike points out that Joash does not go far enough. He does not remove the high places where people worshiped wrongly. This shows that his faith was shallow once Jehoiada died.

Fr. Mike reminds us that many people start strong but finish poorly. Joash is one of them. We must ask God for grace to stay faithful all the way to the end.

Elisha’s Final Days and Half-Hearted Kings

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings chapters 13 and 14. He shares how King Jehoahaz of Israel did evil but still cried out to God. God listened and sent help, even though the people did not turn fully back to Him.

Fr. Mike tells how Elisha was dying and met with King Joash. Elisha gave him a sign of victory with arrows. But the king only struck the ground three times. Fr. Mike explains this showed a lack of passion. Because of that, Israel would only win three battles.

Fr. Mike also reflects on the miracle that happened after Elisha died. A man was brought back to life when he touched Elisha’s bones. This showed how God’s power was still at work, even after Elisha was gone.

In chapter 14, Fr. Mike talks about Amaziah, king of Judah. He started out well but became proud and picked a fight with Israel. That choice led to defeat. Fr. Mike says we must stay humble and finish strong, not just start strong.

Kings in Chaos and a Growing Threat

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz looks at 2 Kings 15. He talks about how King Azariah, also called Uzziah, was a strong ruler in Judah. But he did not remove the high places. He was struck with leprosy and had to live apart while his son Jotham helped rule.

Fr. Mike says Jotham later became king and did what was right, but he also failed to take down the high places. In the north, things were much worse. There were several kings, one after another, and most ruled for a short time before being killed.

Fr. Mike points out that the kingdom of Israel was falling apart. There was murder, betrayal, and constant change. He says this shows how far the people had turned from God’s ways.

He also mentions the king of Assyria, Pul, who begins to attack the northern lands. Some people are already being taken away. Fr. Mike warns that this is the start of something much worse. Exile is getting closer.

Ahaz Turns Away from God

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings chapter 16. He explains that King Ahaz did not follow the Lord. He even sacrificed his own son, which was one of the worst things a king could do.

Fr. Mike says that Ahaz copied the ways of other nations. He went to Assyria and brought back a new altar design. Then he had the priest build it in the temple and moved God’s altar aside.

Fr. Mike also says that Ahaz acted like a priest himself. He offered sacrifices on this new altar instead of the one made for the Lord. This showed how far he had turned from true worship.

Fr. Mike reminds us that Ahaz had a chance to trust God. But instead, he made a deal with Assyria. This brought trouble, not help. It set the stage for even more problems later.

The Fall of the Northern Kingdom

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings 17. He explains that this chapter shows the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. The Assyrians invade and take the people into exile. Fr. Mike says this is a major turning point because the ten tribes are gone and never return.

Fr. Mike explains that Israel was taken because they sinned and refused to turn back to God. They worshiped false gods, burned their children, and followed evil ways. God had warned them many times, but they would not listen. Judah also began to follow those same bad habits.

Fr. Mike also talks about what happened in the land after Israel was taken. The king of Assyria brought in people from five nations to live in Samaria. These new people mixed different beliefs with the old ways of the land. This is where the Samaritans came from.

Fr. Mike connects this to the story of Jesus and the woman at the well in John 4. He shows how the five husbands in that story point back to the five nations brought into Samaria. This helps explain the divide between Jews and Samaritans in Jesus’ time.

Hezekiah Stands Strong

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings 18. He focuses on King Hezekiah and how different he was from his father Ahaz. While Ahaz was one of the worst kings, Hezekiah was one of the best.

Fr. Mike says Hezekiah brought back true worship. He removed the high places and false altars. He was willing to make hard choices, even if people didn’t like them.

Fr. Mike also talks about the threat from Assyria. The king of Assyria sends messengers to scare the people of Jerusalem. They speak loudly in their language to cause fear.

Fr. Mike says Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, even when things looked bad. He reminds us that being faithful often means standing firm when others give in. Hezekiah didn’t rely on Egypt—he relied on God.

Hezekiah Gives His Fear to God

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings 19. He explains how Hezekiah is afraid after hearing the threats from Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. Instead of panicking, Hezekiah takes the letter of threats and lays it before the Lord in the temple.

Fr. Mike says this moment is powerful because Hezekiah knows he cannot win this battle on his own. He places all his trust in God and prays for help. Fr. Mike shares how this can be a model for us when we face something too big.

God answers Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah. He promises that Sennacherib will not enter the city or win the fight. Fr. Mike points out that God says He allowed Sennacherib’s past victories, but now the time has come to stop him.

Fr. Mike also shares a personal story of bringing his own struggle to God, just like Hezekiah did. He reminds us to trust the Lord with our battles, no matter how big they seem.

Hezekiah’s Final Test

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings 20. Hezekiah is very sick, and Isaiah tells him he will die. But Hezekiah prays, and God heals him, adding 15 years to his life. Fr. Mike says this shows that prayer matters and God hears us.

Fr. Mike points out how Hezekiah asks for a sign. God moves the shadow backward on the steps, which is a big miracle. This sign confirms that Hezekiah will recover. Fr. Mike reminds us that even though miracles can happen, they are not always promised.

Later in the chapter, envoys come from Babylon. Hezekiah shows them everything—his riches, weapons, and treasures. Fr. Mike says this was a bad decision. Isaiah warns that this will lead to future trouble and exile.

Fr. Mike notes that Hezekiah responds selfishly. He only seems to care that things will stay peaceful in his lifetime. Fr. Mike says even good people can slip. That’s why we should always trust in God, not just in leaders.

Manasseh’s Evil Reign and the Warning in Time

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings 21. He focuses on King Manasseh, who was one of the worst kings in Judah’s history. Manasseh rebuilt pagan altars and led the people far from God. Fr. Mike says this shows how fast a nation can fall when its leader turns from the Lord.

Fr. Mike reminds us that Manasseh was born during the 15 extra years that God gave Hezekiah. If Hezekiah had died as first expected, Manasseh would not have been born. Fr. Mike uses this to show how extra time is not always used well. Hezekiah’s final years were marked by pride, not growth.

Fr. Mike says we should learn from this. If we are given more time, we should use it to become better and closer to God. He warns that time alone does not make us holy—what matters is how we use it.

He ends by reminding us to pray for one another and to ask God to help us grow in faith. Whether we have many days or few, we are meant to become more like Jesus.

Josiah’s Discovery and a Wake-Up Call

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on 2 Kings 22. He focuses on Josiah, who became king at just eight years old. Josiah did what was right and tried to follow the Lord. In his 18th year as king, something big happened.

The high priest found the book of the law in the temple. Josiah had never read it. It had been lost, even though every king was supposed to read it daily. The people were supposed to hear it often too. Fr. Mike points out how careless that loss was.

When Josiah heard the words, he tore his clothes in sorrow. He knew they had not been faithful. Fr. Mike reminds us that this book is not just rules—it’s the story of God’s love. It’s the reminder of the covenant. And it was forgotten.

Fr. Mike encourages us to see ourselves in Josiah. Many of us are just now finding the Bible. Maybe we had it all along but never read it. Now, we are listening. He says that’s a gift. Like Josiah, we are being faithful today.

Josiah’s Faith and the Coming Judgment

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings 23. He shares how King Josiah leads a big reform. He reads the Book of the Covenant and makes a promise to follow the Lord. The people follow his lead and remove idols and false worship from the land.

Fr. Mike points out that Josiah truly gave his whole heart to God. He tore down altars, cleared out the temple, and got rid of magic and false priests. He even celebrated the Passover like no one had done in years. Josiah tried to turn the whole nation back to God.

But Fr. Mike also explains that even with all this good, it was too late. Because of the evil done before, especially under Manasseh, God said judgment would still come. The exile was going to happen.

Fr. Mike says Josiah dies in battle, even though he was a good king. This reminds us that doing good does not always protect us from pain. We should still follow God no matter what others do, even if times are hard.

The Fall Begins: Judah’s Leaders Taken

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about 2 Kings 24. He explains that this chapter marks the beginning of the exile. Babylon attacks Judah, and King Jehoiakim becomes a servant of Nebuchadnezzar. After rebelling, he dies, and his son Jehoiachin becomes king.

Fr. Mike says Jehoiachin also did evil. He surrendered to Babylon, and Nebuchadnezzar carried him off, along with many others. The temple was raided, and treasures were taken. Most of the skilled people and warriors were exiled. Only the poor were left behind.

Fr. Mike explains that this was part of God’s judgment. The sins of Manasseh had brought this about. God had warned the people, but they didn’t listen. Now the punishment was happening just as God had said.

Fr. Mike also points out that Nebuchadnezzar made Zedekiah king next. He was a puppet ruler. This was the first wave of exile, and more would follow. Fr. Mike says we are now watching the downfall of Judah unfold.

The End of the Kingdom

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on 2 Kings 25. He says this chapter shows the end of Judah as a kingdom. Babylon surrounds Jerusalem, and after a long siege, the city falls. Zedekiah tries to escape but is captured.

Fr. Mike explains that Zedekiah’s sons are killed in front of him. Then his eyes are put out, just like the prophecy in Ezekiel said. He is taken to Babylon in chains. It’s a dark moment in the story.

Fr. Mike also points out that Jerusalem is destroyed. The temple is burned. The walls are broken down. Most of the people are taken into exile, but the poor are left behind.

He mentions that a man named Gedaliah is made governor. But he is killed, and the people run away to Egypt. Fr. Mike says this chapter is a key turning point. Judah has lost the land. Now the exile has truly begun.

The Bible

The book of 2 Kings is just one part of the big story in the Bible. It helps us see how God worked through people, even when times were hard. The Bible has many other books like this, each with lessons for us today.

If you want to learn more, visit our page on Reading the Bible. It can help you get started and understand how the books fit together. The more you read, the more you will see how God’s message runs through it all.

What is 2 Kings about?

2 Kings tells the story of the fall of Israel and Judah. It shows how the people turned away from God and what happened because of it. It also shares the work of prophets like Elisha.

Who were the prophets in 2 Kings?

Elijah and Elisha are the main prophets. Elijah is taken to heaven early in the book. Elisha takes his place and does many signs to show God’s power and care.

Why did Israel and Judah fall?

Both kingdoms turned away from God. The kings and people worshiped false gods. They did not keep the covenant. God warned them through prophets, but they did not listen.

What can Catholics learn from 2 Kings?

We learn that faithfulness matters. When we follow God, we grow. When we turn away, things fall apart. The book also reminds us that God stays with us and keeps calling us back.

2 Kings continues the story of God’s people. It picks up after 1 Kings and follows what happens to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The book starts with Elijah and ends with the fall of Jerusalem. Along the way, it shows how kings and prophets shaped the nation’s future.

Elijah is taken up to heaven early in the book, and Elisha becomes the lead prophet. Elisha does many signs and speaks for God. While he helps some people, many still turn away from the truth. The kings often lead the people in the wrong direction.

The northern kingdom, Israel, falls first. The Assyrians take over and send the people into exile. Judah, the southern kingdom, lasts a bit longer. But it also falls, and the people are taken to Babylon. The temple is destroyed, and the people are scattered.

Even though the story ends in exile, God does not forget His people. He sends prophets to guide them and leaves signs of hope. As Catholics, we see this as part of the story that leads to Jesus, who comes to save and heal what was lost.

Take a little time this week to read 2 Kings. It is full of action, warning, and lessons about how to follow God. It shows what happens when leaders and people turn away, but it also shows that God never gives up on us.

After you read, come back and share what stood out to you. What part made you stop and think? What did you learn about trust, leadership, or faith? Add your thoughts in the comment section. We’d love to hear from you.