Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
The reigns of Azariah, Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, Pekah, and Jotham are described. Tiglath-pileser exiles a group of Israelites to Assyria.

II. Photo
Azariah lives in solitude: “The Lord struck the king with a plague, and he was a leper until the day of his death; he lived in isolated quarters.” (v. 5a)

III. Important Verses
5: The LORD struck the king [Azariah] with a plague, and he was a leper until the day of his death; he lived in isolated quarters, while Jotham, the king’s son, was in charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.
10: Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against [Zechariah] and struck him down before the people and killed him, and succeeded him as king.
12: This was in accord with the word that the LORD had spoken to Jehu: “Four generations of your descendants shall occupy the throne of Israel.” And so it came about.
16: At that time, [marching] from Tirzah, Menahem subdued Tiphsah and all who were in it, and its territory; and because it did not surrender, he massacred [its people] and ripped open all its pregnant women.
19-20: King Pul of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver that he might support him and strengthen his hold on the kingdom. Menahem exacted the money from Israel: every man of means had to pay fifty shekels of silver for the king of Assyria. The king of Assyria withdrew and did not remain in the land.
29:  In the days of King Pekah of Israel, King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor — Gilead, Galilee, the entire region of Naphtali; and he deported the inhabitants to Assyria.
37: In those days, the LORD began to incite King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah against Judah.

IV. Outline

1-7. Azariah king of Judah
    1-2. Introductory statement
    3. Azariah’s piety
    4. Azariah’s sins
    5. Azariah’s life of isolation
    6-7. Summary statement
8-11. Zechariah king of Israel
    8. Introductory statement
    9. Zechariah’s sins
    10. Shallum’s coup
    11. Summary statement
12. Editor’s note: A prophecy fulfilled
13-15. Shallum king of Israel
    13. Introductory statement
    14. Menahem’s coup
    15. Summary statement
16. Menahem’s wrath towards Tiphsah
17-22. Menahem king of Israel
    17. Introductory statement
    18. Menahem’s sins
    19-20. Menahem’s tribute to Pul king of Assyria
    21-22. Summary statement
23-26. Pekahiah king of Israel
    23. Introductory statement
    24. Pekahiah’s sins
    25. Pekah’s coup
    26. Summary statement
27-31. Pekah king of Israel
    27. Introductory statement
    28. Pekah’s sins
    29. Tiglath-pileser exiles many Israelites to Assyria
    30. Hoshea’s coup
    31. Summary statement
32-38. Jotham king of Judah
    32-33. Introductory statement
    34. Jotham’s piety
    35. Jotham’s sins
    36. Summary statement
    37. Israel and Aram harass Judah
    38. Summary statement concluded

V. Comment
Chapter 15 describes the Israelite and Judean kings of the 8th century BCE. Collins highlights the political instability in the north during this period: “After the death of Jeroboam, there was rapid turnover of rulers in northern Israel. Six kings ruled in the space of just over twenty years. Four of these were assassinated. Zechariah, son of Jeroboam, was assassinated after a few months on the throne, and his assassin, Shallum, survived only a month.” (271)

It seems that the Israelite-Assyrian relationship was in steady decline throughout the 8th century. Collins writes: “Menahem (745-737), had to deal with a new factor in Israelite history, the encroachment of the Assyrian Empire. Menahem paid a heavy tribute to the Assyrian king, Tiglath-pileser, and in return was confirmed on his throne (2 Kgs 15:19). King Joash, father of Jeroboam, had already paid tribute to Assyria at the beginning of the eighth century, but the Assyrian threat had receded at that time. Assyrian power posed a much more serious threat in the 730s that it had sixty years earlier. Menahem’s son, Pekahiah, was assassinated by one Pekah, son of Remaliah, who is mentioned in Isaiah 7. The statement that Pekah reigned for twenty years (15:28) must be a mistake. Modern historians credit him only with a short reign of three or four years. During his reign, Tiglath-pileser of Assyria captured territory in the north of Israel, in Gilead, Galilee, and Naphtali, and took the people captive to Assyria (Damascus was destroyed at this time). Shortly thereafter Pekah was assassinated by Hoshea, the last king of Israel. He ruled for nine years, paying tribute to Assyria, but in the end he made the disastrous mistake of conspiring with Egypt and withholding tribute. In 722 Samaria was destroyed by the Assyrians, and the area was placed under direct Assyrian rule.” (ibid.)

Verses 19-20 mention a certain Pul king of Assyria: “King Pul of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver that he might support him and strengthen his hold on the kingdom. Menahem exacted the money from Israel: every man of means had to pay fifty shekels of silver for the king of Assyria. The king of Assyria withdrew and did not remain in the land.” Who was king Pul? Hobbs writes: “Evidence from the Babylonian King List (ANET, 272) makes clear that Tiglath Pileser and Pul are the same person, the latter name being given to him after he seized the throne of Babylon. The older separation between the two (see I. Benzinger, Die Bucher der Könige, 168–69) is no longer possible. The date of the Assyrian lordship over Israel, which undoubtedly took place during the reign of Tiglath-Pileser (745–727 BC), is a disputed one. More than once the Assyrian records mention tribute from Menahem of Samaria. These inscriptions, translated in Luckenbill’s collection (Ancient Records 1:269–96), are extremely difficult to interpret, in spite of the detail they provide for the reign of the Assyrian king. In the order found in Luckenbill, it would appear that tribute was exacted from Menahem during the third-year campaign to the west (ca 743 BC).” (198)

VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Cogan, Mordechai and Hayim Tadmor. “II Kings” The Anchor Bible v. 11 (USA: Doubleday, 1988).
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Hobbs, T.R. “2 Kings” Word Biblical Commentary vol. 13 (Waco, Texas: Wordbooks, 1985).
Photo taken from http://creamtiffa.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/alone.jpg

Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
Amaziah becomes king of Judah and defeats the Edomites. The Judeans are crushed by Jehoash king of Israel, Jerusalem is plundered, and Amaziah is murdered. Jeroboam becomes king of Israel and conquers vast swaths of land.

II. Photo
Amaziah has mercy: “But he did not put to death the children of the assassins, in accordance with what is written in the Book of the Teaching of Moses.” (v. 6a)

III. Important Verses
5-6: Once he had the kingdom firmly in his grasp, he put to death the courtiers who had assassinated his father the king. But he did not put to death the children of the assassins, in accordance with what is written in the Book of the Teaching of Moses, where the LORD commanded, “Parents shall not be put to death for children, nor children be put to death for parents; a person shall be put to death only for his own crime.”
7-10: He defeated ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt, and he captured Sela in battle and renamed it Joktheel, as is still the case. Then Amaziah sent envoys to King Jehoash son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu of Israel, with this message: “Come, let us confront each other.” King Jehoash of Israel sent back this message to King Amaziah of Judah: “The thistle in Lebanon sent this message to the cedar in Lebanon, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ But a wild beast in Lebanon went by and trampled down the thistle. Because you have defeated Edom, you have become arrogant. Stay home and enjoy your glory, rather than provoke disaster and fall, dragging Judah down with you.”
13-14: King Jehoash of Israel captured King Amaziah son of Jehoash son of Ahaziah of Judah at Beth-shemesh. He marched on Jerusalem, and he made a breach of four hundred cubits in the wall of Jerusalem, from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate. He carried off all the gold and silver and all the vessels that there were in the House of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace, as well as hostages; and he returned to Samaria.
19: A conspiracy was formed against him in Jerusalem and he fled to Lachish; but they sent men after him to Lachish, and they killed him there.

IV. Outline

1-20. Jehoash king of Israel; Amaziah king of Judah
    1-2. Introductory statement: Amaziah king of Judah
    3-4. Amaziah’s religious successes and failures
    5-6. Revenge; Note about vengeance
    7. Amaziah defeats Edom
    8. Amaziah provokes Israel
    9-10. Jehoash’s deprecating response
    11-14. The Israelites prevail and raid Jerusalem
    15-16. Summary statement: Jehoash king of Israel
    17-20. Amaziah’s murder; Summary statement
21-22. Azariah becomes king in Judah; Military exploits
23-29. Jeroboam king of Israel
    23. Introductory statement
    24. Jeroboam’s sins
    25-27. Jeroboam’s military victories
    28-29. Summary statement

V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.

VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Cogan, Mordechai and Hayim Tadmor. “II Kings” The Anchor Bible v. 11 (USA: Doubleday, 1988).
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Hobbs, T.R. “2 Kings” Word Biblical Commentary vol. 13 (Waco, Texas: Wordbooks, 1985).
Photo taken from http://www.childcare-connection.org/images/kidcircle.jpg

Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
The Arameans torment the Israelites, Jehoash replaces Jehoahaz as king of Israel, and Jehoash defeats the Arameans in battle. Although Elisha is buried, his grave is disturbed.

II. Photo
Elisha dies: “Elisha died and he was buried.” (v. 20a)

III. Important Verses
3-5: The LORD was angry with Israel and He repeatedly delivered them into the hands of King Hazael of Aram and into the hands of Ben-hadad son of Hazael. But Jehoahaz pleaded with the LORD; and the LORD listened to him, for He saw the suffering that the king of Aram inflicted upon Israel. So the LORD granted Israel a deliverer, and they gained their freedom from Aram; and Israel dwelt in its homes as before.
7: In fact, Jehoahaz was left with a force of only fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers; for the king of Aram had decimated them and trampled them like the dust under his feet.
14-19: Elisha had been stricken with the illness of which he was to die, and King Joash of Israel went down to see him. He wept over him and cried, “Father, father! Israel’s chariots and horsemen!” Elisha said to him, “Get a bow and arrows”; and he brought him a bow and arrows. Then he said to the king of Israel, “Grasp the bow!” And when he had grasped it, Elisha put his hands over the king’s hands. “Open the window toward the east,” he said; and he opened it. Elisha said, “Shoot!” and he shot. Then he said, “An arrow of victory for the LORD! An arrow of victory over Aram! You shall rout Aram completely at Aphek.” He said, “Now pick up the arrows.” And he picked them up. “Strike the ground!” he said to the king of Israel; and he struck three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said to him, “If only you had struck five or six times! Then you would have annihilated Aram; as it is, you shall defeat Aram only three times.”
20-21: Elisha died and he was buried. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land at the coming of every year. Once a man was being buried, when the people caught sight of such a band; so they threw the corpse into Elisha’s grave and made off. When the [dead] man came in contact with Elisha’s bones, he came to life and stood up.

IV. Outline

1-9. Jehoahaz king of Israel
    1. Introductory statement
    2. Jehoahaz’s sins
    3-7. Sin; Aramean harassment; Deliverance
    8-9. Summary statement
10-25. Jehoash king of Israel
    10. Introductory statement
    11. Jehoash’s sins
    12-13. Summary statement
    14-19. Elisha predicts victory over Aram
    20a. Elisha dies
    20b-21. A man is resurrected when his corpse touches Elisha’s
    22-23. Aramean harassment
    24-25. Jehoash recovers the cities from Aram

V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.

VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Cogan, Mordechai and Hayim Tadmor. “II Kings” The Anchor Bible v. 11 (USA: Doubleday, 1988).
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Hobbs, T.R. “2 Kings” Word Biblical Commentary vol. 13 (Waco, Texas: Wordbooks, 1985).
Photo taken from http://19507.vws.magma.ca/bulletin/images/0907/shovel.jpg

Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
Jehoash collects money to repair the temple, appeases Hazael with the temple’s vessels, and is assasinated by his servants.

II. Photo
The priests raise funds for the temple: “The priest Jehoiada took a chest and bored a hole in its lid… the priestly guards of the threshold deposited there all the money that was brought into the House of the Lord.” (v. 10)

III. Important Verses
10-13: And the priest Jehoiada took a chest and bored a hole in its lid. He placed it at the right side of the altar as one entered the House of the LORD, and the priestly guards of the threshold deposited there all the money that was brought into the House of the LORD. Whenever they saw that there was much money in the chest, the royal scribe and the high priest would come up and put the money accumulated in the House of the LORD into bags, and they would count it. Then they would deliver the money that was weighed out to the overseers of the work, who were in charge of the House of the LORD. These, in turn, used to pay the carpenters and the laborers who worked on the House of the LORD, and the masons and the stonecutters. They also paid for wood and for quarried stone with which to make the repairs on the House of the LORD, and for every other expenditure that had to be made in repairing the House.
18-19: At that time, King Hazael of Aram came up and attacked Gath and captured it; and Hazael proceeded to march on Jerusalem. Thereupon King Joash of Judah took all the objects that had been consecrated by his fathers, Kings Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah of Judah, and by himself, and all the gold that there was in the treasuries of the Temple of the LORD and in the royal palace, and he sent them to King Hazael of Aram, who then turned back from his march on Jerusalem.
21-22: His courtiers formed a conspiracy against Joash and assassinated him at Beth-millo that leads down to Silla. The courtiers who assassinated him were Jozacar son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer. He died and was buried with his fathers in the City of David; and his son Amaziah succeeded him as king.

IV. Outline
1-3. Introductory statement
4. Jehoash’s sins
5-6. Jehoash makes a plan to repair the temple
7-9. The temple is not repaired; A new plan
10-17. Money is collected for the temple
18-19. Jehoash propitiates Hazael with the temple vessels
20-22. Jehoash’s assasination; Summary statement

V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.

VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Cogan, Mordechai and Hayim Tadmor. “II Kings” The Anchor Bible v. 11 (USA: Doubleday, 1988).
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Hobbs, T.R. “2 Kings” Word Biblical Commentary vol. 13 (Waco, Texas: Wordbooks, 1985).
Photo taken from http://www.collectorsinternet.com/images/Gold001.jpg

Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
Athaliah kills Ahaziah’s descendants and becomes queen of Judah. Joash escapes and hides for six years. The people declare him king, kill Athaliah, and uproot the temples of Baal.

II. Photo
Young Joash goes into hiding: “And they kept him hidden from Athaliah so that he was not put to death.” (v. 2b)

III. Important Verses
1-3: When Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, learned that her son was dead, she promptly killed off all who were of royal stock. But Jehosheba, daughter of King Joram and sister of Ahaziah, secretly took Ahaziah’s son Joash away from among the princes who were being slain, and [put] him and his nurse in a bedroom. And they kept him hidden from Athaliah so that he was not put to death. He stayed with her for six years, hidden in the House of the LORD, while Athaliah reigned over the land.
9-12: The chiefs of hundreds did just as Jehoiada ordered: Each took his men — those who were on duty that week and those who were off duty that week — and they presented themselves to Jehoiada the priest. The priest gave the chiefs of hundreds King David’s spears and quivers that were kept in the House of the LORD. The guards, each with his weapons at the ready, stationed themselves — from the south end of the House to the north end of the House, at the altar and the House — to guard the king on every side. [Jehoiada] then brought out the king’s son, and placed upon him the crown and the insignia. They anointed him and proclaimed him king; they clapped their hands and shouted, “Long live the king!”
13-16: When Athaliah heard the shouting of the guards [and] the people, she came out to the people in the House of the LORD. She looked about and saw the king standing by the pillar, as was the custom, the chiefs with their trumpets beside the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Athaliah rent her garments and cried out, “Treason, treason!” Then the priest Jehoiada gave the command to the army officers, the chiefs of hundreds, and said to them, “Take her out between the ranks and, if anyone follows her, put him to the sword.” For the priest thought: “Let her not be put to death in the House of the LORD.”  They cleared a passageway for her and she entered the royal palace through the horses’ entrance: there she was put to death.
17-18: And Jehoiada solemnized the covenant between the LORD, on the one hand, and the king and the people, on the other — as well as between the king and the people — that they should be the people of the LORD. Thereupon all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal. They tore it down and smashed its altars and images to bits, and they slew Mattan, the priest of Baal, in front of the altars. [Jehoiada] the priest then placed guards over the House of the LORD.

IV. Outline
1. Athaliah the queen mother kills Ahaziah’s descendants
2-3. Joash is hidden for six years
4-8. Jehoiada protects Joash
9-12. Joash is crowned king
13-16. Athaliah is killed
17. The people rededicate themselves to God
18. The people destroy Baal’s temples
19-20. The king is brought to the palace

V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.

VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Cogan, Mordechai and Hayim Tadmor. “II Kings” The Anchor Bible v. 11 (USA: Doubleday, 1988).
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Hobbs, T.R. “2 Kings” Word Biblical Commentary vol. 13 (Waco, Texas: Wordbooks, 1985).
Photo taken from http://www.mind-tap.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/hiding.jpg

Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
Jehu wipes out the house of Ahab and kills Ahaziah’s supporters. He convenes the Baal worshipers, murders them, and destroys their temple. He dies, but is promised four generations of power.

II. Photo
Jehu destroys Baal’s temple: “They destroyed the pillar of Baal, and they tore down the temple of Baal and turned it into latrines, as is still the case.” (v. 27)

III. Important Verses
5-7: The steward of the palace and the governor of the city and the elders and the guardians sent this message to Jehu: “We are your subjects, and we shall do whatever you tell us to. We shall not proclaim anyone king; do whatever you like.” He wrote them a second time: “If you are on my side and are ready to obey me, take the heads of the attendants of your master’s sons and come to me in Jezreel tomorrow at this time.” Now the princes, seventy in number, were with the notables of the town, who were rearing them. But when the letter reached them, they took the princes and slaughtered all seventy of them; they put their heads in baskets and sent them to him in Jezreel.
11: And Jehu struck down all that were left of the House of Ahab in Jezreel — and all his notables, intimates, and priests — till he left him no survivor.
20-21: Jehu gave orders to convoke a solemn assembly for Baal, and one was proclaimed. Jehu sent word throughout Israel, and all the worshipers of Baal came, not a single one remained behind. They came into the temple of Baal, and the temple of Baal was filled from end to end.
25-28: When Jehu had finished presenting the burnt offering, he said to the guards and to the officers, “Come in and strike them down; let no man get away!” The guards and the officers struck them down with the sword and left them lying where they were; then they proceeded to the interior of the temple of Baal. They brought out the pillars of the temple of Baal and burned them. They destroyed the pillar of Baal, and they tore down the temple of Baal and turned it into latrines, as is still the case. Thus Jehu eradicated the Baal from Israel.
32-33: In those days the LORD began to reduce Israel; and Hazael harassed them throughout the territory of Israel east of the Jordan, all the land of Gilead — the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the Manassites — from Aroer, by the Wadi Arnon, up to Gilead and Bashan.

IV. Outline
1-3. Jehu’s order to the people of Samaria
4-5. The people capitulate
6. Jehu demands the heads of 70 princes
7. The heads are delivered
8-10. Jehu kills Ahab’s descendants; Elijah’s prophecy is completed
11-14. Jehu kills 42 of Ahaziah’s supporters
15-17. Jehu and Jehonadab wipe out Ahab’s descendants
18-24. Jehu sets convenes the worshipers of Baal
25-28. Jehu wipes out all the Baal worshipers and destroys the temple
29. Jehu’s sins
30. God promises Jehu 4 generations of rulership
31. Jehu’s sins
32-33. Hazael harasses the Israelites
34-36. Summary statement

V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.

VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Cogan, Mordechai and Hayim Tadmor. “II Kings” The Anchor Bible v. 11 (USA: Doubleday, 1988).
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Hobbs, T.R. “2 Kings” Word Biblical Commentary vol. 13 (Waco, Texas: Wordbooks, 1985).
Photo taken from http://safaksalli.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/efeslatrine.jpg

Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
Jehu is anointed king during the lifetime of Joram king of Israel. Jehu murders Joram, Ahaziah king of Judah, and Jezebel the queen mother.

II. Photo
Elisha tells his servant to anoint Jehu: “Then take the flask of oil and pour some on his head, and say, ‘Thus said the Lord: I anoint you king over Israel.’” (v. 3)

III. Important Verses
5-10: When he arrived, the army commanders were sitting together. He said, “Commander, I have a message for you.” “For which one of us?” Jehu asked. He answered, “For you, commander.” So [Jehu] arose and went inside; and [the disciple] poured the oil on his head, and said to him, “Thus said the LORD, the God of Israel: I anoint you king over the people of the LORD, over Israel. You shall strike down the House of Ahab your master; thus will I avenge on Jezebel the blood of My servants the prophets, and the blood of the other servants of the LORD. The whole House of Ahab shall perish, and I will cut off every male belonging to Ahab, bond and free in Israel. I will make the House of Ahab like the House of Jeroboam son of Nebat, and like the House of Baasha son of Ahijah. The dogs shall devour Jezebel in the field of Jezreel, with none to bury her.” Then he opened the door and fled.
13: Quickly each man took his cloak and placed it under him, on the top step. They sounded the horn and proclaimed, “Jehu is king!”
21-24: Joram ordered, “Hitch up [the chariot]!” They hitched up his chariot; and King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah went out, each in his own chariot, to meet Jehu. They met him at the field of Naboth the Jezreelite. When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Is all well, Jehu?” But Jehu replied, “How can all be well as long as your mother Jezebel carries on her countless harlotries and sorceries?” Thereupon Joram turned his horses around and fled, crying out to Ahaziah, “Treason, Ahaziah!” But Jehu drew his bow and hit Joram between the shoulders, so that the arrow pierced his heart; and he collapsed in his chariot.
27: On seeing this, King Ahaziah of Judah fled along the road to Beth-haggan. Jehu pursued him and said, “Shoot him down too!” [And they shot him] in his chariot at the ascent of Gur, which is near Ibleam. He fled to Megiddo and died there.
30-33: Jehu went on to Jezreel. When Jezebel heard of it, she painted her eyes with kohl and dressed her hair, and she looked out of the window. As Jehu entered the gate, she called out, “Is all well, Zimri, murderer of your master?” He looked up toward the window and said, “Who is on my side, who?” And two or three eunuchs leaned out toward him. “Throw her down,” he said. They threw her down; and her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses, and they trampled her.

IV. Outline
1-3. Elisha sends a disciple to anoint Jehu king of Israel
4-10. The disciple anoints Jehu and augurs doom for the house of Ahab
11-14a. The soldiers declare Jehu king
14b-15a. Joram rests in Ramoth-gilead
15b-20. Jehu presumptuously advances towards Joram
21-24. Jehu murders Joram
25-26. Joram is thrown onto Naboth’s vineyard
27. Jehu murders Ahaziah
28-29. Ahaziah’s burial; Regnal summary statement
30-33. Jehu murders Jezebel
34-37. Elijah’s prophecy comes true

V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.

VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Cogan, Mordechai and Hayim Tadmor. “II Kings” The Anchor Bible v. 11 (USA: Doubleday, 1988).
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Hobbs, T.R. “2 Kings” Word Biblical Commentary vol. 13 (Waco, Texas: Wordbooks, 1985).
Photo taken from http://www.nutri-science.nl/images/site/pouring_oil_772.jpg

Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
Elisha predicts seven years of famine, the death of Ben-hadad, and the cruel reign of Hazael king of Aram. The reigns of Joram and Ahaziah, both kings of Judah, are described.

II. Photo
Ben-hadad sends lavish gifts to Elisha: “Hazael went to meet him, taking with him as a gift forty camel-loads of all the bounty of Damascus.” (v. 9)

III. Important Verses
1-2: Elisha had said to the woman whose son he revived, “Leave immediately with your family and go sojourn somewhere else; for the LORD has decreed a seven-year famine upon the land, and it has already begun.” The woman had done as the man of God had spoken; she left with her family and sojourned in the land of the Philistines for seven years.
4: Now the king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and he said, “Tell me all the wonderful things that Elisha has done.”
7-9: Elisha arrived in Damascus at a time when King Ben-hadad of Aram was ill. The king was told, “The man of God is on his way here,” and he said to Hazael, “Take a gift with you and go meet the man of God, and through him inquire of the LORD: Will I recover from this illness?” Hazael went to meet him, taking with him as a gift forty camel-loads of all the bounty of Damascus. He came and stood before him and said, “Your son, King Ben-hadad of Aram, has sent me to you to ask: Will I recover from this illness?”
11-12: The man of God kept his face expressionless for a long time; and then he wept.  “Why does my lord weep?” asked Hazael. “Because I know,” he replied, “what harm you will do to the Israelite people: you will set their fortresses on fire, put their young men to the sword, dash their little ones in pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.”
15: The next day, [Hazael] took a piece of netting, dipped it in water, and spread it over his face. So [Ben-hadad] died, and Hazael succeeded him as king.
18-19: [Joram] followed the practices of the kings of Israel — whatever the House of Ahab did, for he had married a daughter of Ahab — and he did what was displeasing to the LORD. However, the LORD refrained from destroying Judah, for the sake of His servant David, in accordance with His promise to maintain a lamp for his descendants for all time.
21-22: Joram crossed over to Zair with all his chariotry. He arose by night and attacked the Edomites, who were surrounding him and the chariot commanders; but his troops fled to their homes. Thus Edom fell away from Judah, as is still the case. Libnah likewise fell away at that time.

IV. Outline

1-6. Elisha helps his supporter
    1. Elisha warns his supporter of an impending famine
    2. She and her family flee to Philistia
    3-6. The king, who was being told her story, helps her reclaim her farm
7-15. Elisha meets with Hazael, future king of Aram
    7-8. Ben-hadad is ill and is told that Elisha is in Damascus
    9-10. Elisha tells Hazael what to tell Ben-hadad
    11-13. Elisha tells Hazael that he will depredate the Israelites
    14-16. Hazael returns to Ben-hadad and succeeds him as the next king
16-24. Joram king of Judah
    16-17. Introductory statement
    18. Joram marries Ahab’s daughter and angers God
    19. God shows mercy for David’s sake
    20. The Edomites secede
    21-22. The Edomites are victorious and become independent
    23-24. Summary statement
25-29. Ahaziah king of Judah
    25-26. Introductory statement
    27. Ahaziah’s sins
    28-29. Ahaziah and Joram are defeated by Hazael

V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.

VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Cogan, Mordechai and Hayim Tadmor. “II Kings” The Anchor Bible v. 11 (USA: Doubleday, 1988).
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Hobbs, T.R. “2 Kings” Word Biblical Commentary vol. 13 (Waco, Texas: Wordbooks, 1985).
Photo taken from http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/files/images/feb09camel.jpg

Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
God frightens the Arameans, they abandon their camp, and the Israelites enjoy the booty. An Israelite is killed for questioning Elisha’s predictions.

II. Photo
The famine comes to an end: “The people then went out and plundered the Aramean camp. So a seah of choice flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel — as the Lord had spoken.” (v. 16)

III. Important Verses
1-2: And Elisha replied, “Hear the word of the LORD. Thus said the LORD: This time tomorrow, a seah of choice flour shall sell for a shekel at the gate of Samaria, and two seahs of barley for a shekel.” The aide on whose arm the king was leaning spoke up and said to the man of God, “Even if the LORD were to make windows in the sky, could this come to pass?” And he retorted, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”
5-7: They set out at twilight for the Aramean camp; but when they came to the edge of the Aramean camp, there was no one there. For the LORD had caused the Aramean camp to hear a sound of chariots, a sound of horses — the din of a huge army. They said to one another, “The king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Mizraim to attack us!” And they fled headlong in the twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and asses — the [entire] camp just as it was — as they fled for their lives.
14-16: They took two teams of horses and the king sent them after the Aramean army, saying, “Go and find out.” They followed them as far as the Jordan, and found the entire road full of clothing and gear which the Arameans had thrown away in their haste; and the messengers returned and told the king. The people then went out and plundered the Aramean camp. So a seah of choice flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel — as the LORD had spoken
17: Now the king had put the aide on whose arm he leaned in charge of the gate; and he was trampled to death in the gate by the people — just as the man of God had spoken, as he had spoken when the king came down to him.

IV. Outline
1. Elisha predicts a precipitous wealth
2. The king’s messenger is in disbelief
3-5. A group of lepers find the Aramean camp abandoned
6-7. Explanation: God frightened the men
8-10. The lepers inform the gatekeepers
11-13. The king is circumspect
14-15. The truth is found out
16. Elisha’s prophecy comes true
17-20. The messenger is killed, just as Elisha had predicted

V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.

VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Cogan, Mordechai and Hayim Tadmor. “II Kings” The Anchor Bible v. 11 (USA: Doubleday, 1988).
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Hobbs, T.R. “2 Kings” Word Biblical Commentary vol. 13 (Waco, Texas: Wordbooks, 1985).
Photo taken from http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/images/grain.jpg

Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
Elisha helps the Israelites evade the king of Aram. He also captures a group of Arameans and feeds them a lavish meal. After a brief episode of peace, the king of Aram besieges Samaria and puts it in dire straits.

II. Photo
Elisha fights back: “[The Arameans] came down against him, and Elisha prayed to the Lord: ‘Please strike this people with a blinding light!’ And He struck them with a blinding light, as Elisha had asked.” (v. 18)

III. Important Verses
5-6: As one of them was felling a trunk, the iron ax head fell into the water. And he cried aloud, “Alas, master, it was a borrowed one!”  “Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. He showed him the spot; and he cut off a stick and threw it in, and he made the ax head float.
8-10:  While the king of Aram was waging war against Israel, he took counsel with his officers and said, “I will encamp in such and such a place.”  But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Take care not to pass through that place, for the Arameans are encamped there.” So the king of Israel sent word to the place of which the man of God had told him. Time and again he alerted such a place and took precautions there.
15-18:  When the attendant of the man of God rose early and went outside, he saw a force, with horses and chariots, surrounding the town. “Alas, master, what shall we do?” his servant asked him.  “Have no fear,” he replied. “There are more on our side than on theirs.” Then Elisha prayed: “LORD, open his eyes and let him see.” And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he saw the hills all around Elisha covered with horses and chariots of fire. [The Arameans] came down against him, and Elisha prayed to the LORD: “Please strike this people with a blinding light.” And He struck them with a blinding light, as Elisha had asked.
21-23: When the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “Father, shall I strike them down?”  “No, do not,” he replied. “Did you take them captive with your sword and bow that you would strike them down? Rather, set food and drink before them, and let them eat and drink and return to their master.” So he prepared a lavish feast for them and, after they had eaten and drunk, he let them go, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean bands stopped invading the land of Israel.
26-30: Once, when the king of Israel was walking on the city wall, a woman cried out to him: “Help me, Your Majesty!”  “Don’t [ask me],” he replied. “Let the LORD help you! Where could I get help for you, from the threshing floor or from the winepress? But what troubles you?” the king asked her. The woman answered, “That woman said to me, ‘Give up your son and we will eat him today; and tomorrow we’ll eat my son.’ So we cooked my son and we ate him. The next day I said to her, ‘Give up your son and let’s eat him’; but she hid her son.” When the king heard what the woman said, he rent his clothes; and as he walked along the wall, the people could see that he was wearing sackcloth underneath.

IV. Outline

1-7. Elisha floats an ax head
    1-4. Elisha and the prophets travel to the Jordan for more space
    5-7. Elisha floats a missing ax head
8-23. Elisha’s military miracles and diplomatic acumen
    8-10. Elisha foils Aram’s battle plans
    11-14. The king sends soldiers to Elisha
    15-18. Elisha blinds the soldiers with light
    19-20. Elisha leads the men to Samaria
    21-23a. Elisha has the soldiers fed a lavish banquet
    23b. The Arameans stop invading Israel
24-33. Samaria’s dire straits
    24. Ben-hadad of Aram lays siege to Samaria
    25. Famine
    26-30. The king of Israel is told of infanticide
    31. The king curses Elisha
    32-33. The king inquires Elisha about the future

V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.

VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Cogan, Mordechai and Hayim Tadmor. “II Kings” The Anchor Bible v. 11 (USA: Doubleday, 1988).
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Hobbs, T.R. “2 Kings” Word Biblical Commentary vol. 13 (Waco, Texas: Wordbooks, 1985).
Photo taken from http://realiq.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/blinding-light-4.jpg