The episode begins by stating the purpose of 2 Kings: to give the history of kings from Ahaziah in the northern kingdom and Jehoram in the southern kingdom until each fell into captivity. It emphasizes that the book demonstrates God's pursuit of his people through prophets. Tradition attributes authorship to Jeremiah, possibly with help from other prophets, while some scholars suggest Ezra and priests compiled it. Internal evidence indicates final chapters were written after 561 B.C. and before 536 B.C. The setting starts about 80 years after the kingdom divided, covering 130 years before Israel's fall to Assyria in 722 B.C. and 136 years until Judah's fall to Babylon in 586 B.C. Key people include Elijah, Elisha, and kings of Judah and Israel. The episode notes that 1st and 2nd Kings were originally one book, first separated in the Septuagint, the earliest Greek translation of the Old Testament. The first division in the Hebrew Bible appears in the Rabbinic Bible of 1517. Together, the books span about 450 years. The overview focuses on historical context, prophetic messages, and textual origins without delving into specific stories or applications.
