The Second Book of Kings is a continuation of the First. It records the reigns of fifteen kings in Judah and of eleven kings in Israel. In Judah the dynasty of David continued to the end, while in Israel there were nine changes of dynasty.

The northern kingdom maintained an unbroken course of idolatry, until the nation was ripe for destruction. The end came in 722 B. C., when Samaria was taken by the Assyrians. Judah continued her course for nearly 150 years longer. But in spite of the efforts of prophets and good kings, the tide of idolatry could not be stayed, and Jerusalem fell before the Babylonians, 586 B. C. Nothing but the Exile could avail to purify the nation and restore the spirit of true worship.

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