Summary: During an age of kings and kingdoms, prophets stand up in a historically dark time for the people of God, and they speak great truth and insight to a lost nation. It takes courage to stand up and face the threats of this world, and we can have hope and encouragement from watching men like Elijah and Elisha. One thing that has always been true of God and His desire for us as mankind is to see consistency with our lives. The problem is we turn away from daily dependence on Him and trust in our own decision-making. The insights in this text will draw us back to consistent, holistic and joyful devotion to God and His work here on earth. 2 Kings Author Unknown. The prophet Ezekiel and the priest Ezra are the two most likely candidates. Some traditions also support Jeremiah’s authorship. Date Between approx. 560 and 538 B.C., after the release of former King Jehoiachin to the kings’ court in Babylon, and likely before the first return of the captives from Babylon to Palestine, since that was such a huge event in Israel’s history and would probably be mentioned. ThemE Israel’s Divided Kingdom Divided Kingdom…many evil kings, some good kings, prophets begin to speak out, Hezekiah and Josiah, Israel and Judah fall Additional Info Originally written as one book, the books of 1 and 2 Kings record the history of the coming to the throne of Solomon after his father David in 971 B.C. until the final collapse of a divided kingdom in 586 B.C. © Dr. Rick Taylor Obadiah Author Obadiah, the prophet. Date Likely between 848 and 841 B.C. during the reign of Jehoram (2 Kings 8:20-22, 2 Chronicles 21:16-17). Most place his writing either very early, around 845-840 B.C. or much later, after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Theme God’s Judgment on Edom Judgment on Edom…will come soon and be a complete destruction, for a several reasons, but Israel will be restored Additional Info Obadiah’s name means “Servant of Yahweh.” Very little else is known about him. The book is written to Edom, the descendants of Esau. Obadiah is not quoted anywhere in the New Testament, but it is quoted many times by other prophets, including Jeremiah (Jeremiah 49) after the fall of Edom to Babylon. © Dr. Rick Taylor Resources for 2 Kings and Obadiah 2 Kings 1-10 / Obadiah Life Group Guide 1 and 2 Kings (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series) by Iain W. Provan Joel, Obadiah, Malachi (NIV Application Commentary, The) by David W. Baker [Video File] [Audio File]
