Open English Translation 2KI Introduction

Introduction

The second summary of the kings of Israel and Yehudah is a continuation of the first summary about the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Yehudah (Judah). This account can be divided into two: 1. The account about the two kingdoms from around 850 B.C. through to the defeat of Shomron (Samaria) and the fall of the northern king in 721 B.C. 2. The account about the southern kingdom of Yehudah from the defeat of the northern kingdom of Israel through to the capture and destruction of Yerushalem (Jerusalem) by the Babylonian King Nevukadnetstsar in 586 B.C. This account ends with Gedalyah governing Yehudah under Babylonian instructions, and then the release of King Yehoyakin who’d been imprisoned in Babylon.

Those disasters and destruction occurred because the leaders and inhabitants of the divided kingdom didn’t obey God. The demolition of Yerushalem and the exile of most of the people of Yehudah was a major tragedy in Israel’s history.

Prophet Elisha is highlighted here in this second summary. Elisha was the dominant prophet who continued on after Eliyyah’s death.

This is still a very early look into the unfinished text of the Open English Translation of the Bible. Please double-check the text in advance before using in public.