Week 23 Reading Guide
The Fall of Israel and Judah: A Warning and a Promise
2 Kings 11-25
Big Idea: The fall of Israel and Judah reveals the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. Yet, even in the midst of judgment, God’s mercy shines through. These stories point to the ultimate redemption through Jesus, who restores what was lost and offers hope in the midst of despair.
Reading Plan
Monday: 2 Kings 11-12 (Joash’s Reform and the Temple Restoration)
Tuesday: 2 Kings 13-14 (The Decline of Israel and Judah’s Kings)
Wednesday: 2 Kings 15-16 (The Reign of Uzziah and the Fall of Israel)
Thursday: 2 Kings 17-18 (Israel’s Exile and the Rise of Hezekiah)
Friday: 2 Kings 19-20 (Hezekiah’s Prayer and God’s Mercy)
Saturday: 2 Kings 21-25 (Judah’s Final Days and the Destruction of Jerusalem)
Weekly DNA Questions
Discover
What do you learn from the story of Israel and Judah’s downfall about God’s justice and mercy?
Nurture
How do you respond to God’s discipline in your life? Are there areas where you need to repent and turn back to Him?
Act
Reflect on an area of your life where you may be drifting away from God. Take a specific step to realign your heart with His.
Key Verse: 2 Kings 13:23
But the Lord your God is compassionate. He will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors that he swore to them.
Reflection for the Week
The decline of Israel and Judah is a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s covenant. Yet even in their darkest moments, God shows mercy and faithfulness. Jesus, the true King, restores what was broken and offers forgiveness for those who turn to Him. His mercy triumphs over judgment.
Bible Project Videos
1 and 2 Kings Overview Video: Will God's promised Messiah come to rescue Israel in spite of their failures?
Exile: We are all exiles longing for home, and Jesus is the one to open the way back to our true home and the fullness of relationship with God.
Isaiah and the Messianic King: Will the real King David please stand up?
