Category Archives: Readings

December 1, 2024 – 2 Kings 11 – Athaliah Fails to Cut Off David’s Line

When the Queen Mother Athaliah of Judah learns that her son Ahaziah has been killed, she in turn murders all the remaining royal line so she can be sole ruler. But one woman saves a one-year-old baby – Joash, the … Continue reading

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November 24, 2024 – 2 Kings 10 – Jehu Eliminates the House of Ahab

Jehu, newly anointed as king of Israel, is God’s instrument in fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy and curse on the descendants of King Ahab. But Jehu is a flawed leader, because although he blots out Baal worship, he doesn’t end the worship … Continue reading

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November 17, 2024 – 2 Kings 9 – The revenge of Jehu, and the death of Jezebel

Elisha sends a disciple to anoint Jehu as the next king of Israel. He takes up his role with relish, slaying King Jehoram and Judah’s king Ahaziah, and finally dispatching Queen Jezebel according to the prophecy of Elijah. Notes on … Continue reading

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November 10, 2024 – 2 Kings 8 – Elisha foresees Hazael’s Treachery

God had previously told Elijah to “anoint” Hazael as king of Syria. Elisha takes up this mission, and foresees the suffering that this court advisor will bring as God’s vessel to bring judgment on Israel for its idolatry. Hazael then … Continue reading

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November 3, 2024 – A Pause to Consider Obadiah

We take a break this week from our narrative in 2 Kings. Rabbinical tradition says Obadiah the prophet lived during the reign of evil King Ahab and his queen Jezebel. He was an Edomite convert to Judaism, and therefore the … Continue reading

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October 27, 2024 – 2 Kings 7 – Lepers tell the Good News

Elisha delivers a cryptic prophecy about the end of the famine and siege of Samaria. God allows the Syrian army to hear the terrifying sound of his heavenly host, and they flee. Then four lepers discover the empty camp, and … Continue reading

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October 20, 2024 – 2 Kings 6 – More Chariots of Fire

God works miracles again through Elisha – an axe head floats, the prophet discerns the secret plans of the Syrian king, the angelic hosts and their chariots of fire are revealed to Elisha’s servant, and the enemy raiding party is … Continue reading

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