The Second Book of Kings narrates the decline and fall of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, each of which had been set up by God with hope and promise. Kings II begins at a particularly low point in history. Ahaziah of Israel enters bitter conflict with God, and even Elijah, the great and trusted prophet, proves foolish and weak when called on to witness to the truth. As chapter follows chapter, the hope that a king after God's own heart might one...