Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

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.

Kings 2:17a - The Exile of the Kindgom of Israel

The Northern kingdom of Israel comes to a tragic end.  

Kings 2:16 - Ahaz’ Alliance With Assyria

King Ahaz leads the Kingdom of Judah down a very dangerous and idolatrous path.  Allying himself to Assyria and adopting its corrupt ways.

Kings 2:15 - The Kingdom of Israel Descends Into Chaos

While the Kingdom of Judah maintains a more stable monarchy, the Kingdom of Israel descends into complete chaos.

Kings 2:14b - God Tries the Carrot Over the Stick

We read of the reign of Jereboam II, and the wealth and security enjoyed by the people of israel.

Kings 2:14a - Israel and Judah Go to War

Amatzyahu King of Judah instigates a war against the Kingdom of Israel and fails terribly.  He ends up a victim of another conspiracy and is assassinated.

Kings 2:13b - Elisha’s Final Lesson

On his deathbed, Elisha tries to teach Yehoash the lesson of resilience, but he is unsuccesful.  We also read of the Elisha's postmortem "miracle" and the victory of Yehoash over Aram.

Kings 2:13a - God Listens to a Selfless Prayer

We learn of Yehoachaz, a not very righteous king of Israel, but none the less God listen's when approached in a selfless way.

Kings 2:12b - Yehoash Pays Hazael to Save Jerusalem

The same Yehoash who we praised for the Temple repairs was quick to empty the Temple treasury when faced with the threat of invasion by Hazael of Aram.

Kings 2:12a - Yehoash Fixes the Temple

Yehoash sets up an accountable and honest system for fund raising for Temple repairs.