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Like 1 Kings, 2 Kings is traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, though the author remains uncertain. Originally one work with 1 Kings, it was compiled using royal annals and prophetic records. The book covers events from approximately 850-586 BC, concluding with the Babylonian exile.

2 Kings contains 25 chapters covering the parallel histories of Israel and Judah from Elijah's departure to the fall of both kingdoms — Israel to Assyria in 722 BC (chapter 17) and Judah to Babylon in 586 BC (chapter 25).

The main theme of 2 Kings is the judgment of God against persistent unfaithfulness. Despite prophetic warnings through Elisha and others, both kingdoms spiraled into idolatry. The book demonstrates that God is patient but just — eventually the covenant curses pronounced in Deuteronomy were carried out through exile.

Key events include: Elijah's ascension to heaven (chapter 2), Elisha's miracles (chapters 2-8), Jehu's purge of Baal worship (chapters 9-10), the fall of Israel to Assyria (chapter 17), Hezekiah's reforms and deliverance from Sennacherib (chapters 18-20), Josiah's reforms and the discovery of the Law (chapters 22-23), and the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon (chapter 25).

2 Kings explains why Israel went into exile — a pivotal event shaping Jewish identity and expectations of restoration. The prophets' warnings in this period gave rise to prophetic literature (Isaiah, Jeremiah). The destruction of the Temple and exile created the longing for a New Covenant and Messiah that pervades the rest of Scripture.