Book of 2 Kings — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 25 · Written by: Jeremiah (possibly) · Approximate date: c. 550 BC · Theme: The Fall of Both Kingdoms

Summary of the Book of 2 Kings

Second Kings records the progressive decline and fall of both Israel (to Assyria) and Judah (to Babylon), showing the severe consequences of persistent unfaithfulness to Jehovah's covenant.

The book of 2 Kings is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 25 chapters. It was written by Jeremiah (possibly) approximately c. 550 BC. The central theme running throughout 2 Kings is the fall of both kingdoms — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in 2 Kings

  • 2 Ki 17:7–8
  • 2 Ki 22:13

Notable Passages in 2 Kings

2 Kings 17:7–8

The explanation that Israel fell because they 'feared other gods' and followed the practices of surrounding nations gives the theological reason for the Assyrian exile.

2 Kings 22:13

Josiah's urgent response upon hearing Jehovah's law — 'Jehovah's rage must be great' — models the responsive heart of one who takes Jehovah's word seriously.

2 Kings 19:35

Jehovah's angel destroying 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night vindicates Hezekiah's prayer and demonstrates Jehovah's power to save against any odds.

Study Questions for 2 Kings

As you read the book of 2 Kings, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. What does Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit teach about the qualities needed for effective service to Jehovah?
  2. How did Hezekiah's prayer when facing the Assyrian threat (chapters 18–19) demonstrate the power of trusting entirely in Jehovah?
  3. What lessons do the lives of faithful kings like Josiah teach about the impact a spiritual leader can have on an entire people?
  4. Why did Israel fall to Assyria (chapter 17), and what warning does this hold for those who mix false worship with pure worship of Jehovah?
  5. What does the discovery of Jehovah's Law during Josiah's reign (chapter 22) teach about the importance of regularly studying and applying Jehovah's word?

How to Study 2 Kings with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 25 chapters of 2 Kings in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading 2 Kings as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include 2 Kings

The book of 2 Kings is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Journey through all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

Continue Reading the Hebrew Scriptures

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  • Next book: Book of 1 Chronicles
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