Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

Kings 2:22b - A Sefer Torah is Found

During renovations and repair of the Holy Temple, a Scroll of the Torah is found which sparks a revolution.

Kings 2:21b,22a - Amon’s Assasination, and Yoshiyahu’s Ascension

Amon follows in his father's footsteps, which leads to his assassination.  the people restore the Davidic dynasty by executing the conspirators and placing the young Yoshiyahu (Josiah) on the throne of Judah.

Kings 2:21a - Menasheh’s Evil Reign

Menasheh takes over the leadership of Judah after the death of Hezekiah, and he leads the people into the depths of depravity, murder and idol worship.

Kings 2:20b - Hezekiah’s Tragic Flaw

Hezekiah entertains a royal delegation from Babylon, and plants the seeds of Judah's ultimate defeat.

Kings 2:20a - Hezekiah’s Illness

Hezekiah becomes ill and Isaiah teaches him an important lesson about God.

Kings 2:19b - Sannecherib’s Retreat and the Salvation of Jerusalem

Hezekiah's prayer is accepted, Isaiah addresses Sannecherib in his prophecy and a great salvation occurs.

Kings 2:19a - Hezekiah’s Prayer

King Hezekiah requests help from Isaiah the prophet, who tells the people not to fear.  However, salvation requires that the king himself be humble before God.  Hezekiah responds by standing before God and in his prayer he defines the basic tenets of monotheism.

Kings 2:18b - Rabshakeh Addresses the People of Jerusalem

The siege of Jerusalem is in full force, as the Assyrian Army marches against Jerusalem.  Rabshakeh, the Assyrian officer addresses the people of Jerusalem to convince them to abandon God and surrender, but the people of Jerusalem remain loyal to God and their king, Hezekiah.

Kings 2:18a - King Hezekiah Leads Judah Back to God

King Hezekiah leads the people back to the worship of God, and rebels against Assyria.

Kings 2:17b - Foreign Religions Infiltrate Israel

Assyria repopulates the now destroyed Northern Kingdom with peoples from all over the empire.  These people bring along their foreign religions and end up creating a confusing mix of belief in God while still clinging to their old practices.