We end our study of 2 Kings by fast forwarding to the book of Luke. As the New Testament opens, Israel is in a tough spot. Under the thumb of a Gentile empire, the Jewish people recalled better days when they controlled their own destiny. Since returning from exile, they survived under the Persians, thrived under the Ptolemies, won a kingdom from the Seleucids only to be dominated by the Romans. Would there ever be a ruler who could lead them to victory? Many longed for a powerful king who would defeat their enemies and restore their independence. Others looked for a righteous ruler.

The Gospel of Matthew begins with a list of names, “the genealogy of Jesus the son of David” (Matt. 1:1). If you notice, these are the names of the kings of Judah! These are the very same kings who led Israel so poorly, so unreliably, so unfaithfully; these are the ancestors of David’s greatest son, Jesus of Nazareth. In His first incarnation, Jesus showed His people what true leadership and dependence on God looked like as He gave His life as a ransom for many.

After rising from the dead, He promised He would return to set up His kingdom. This will be a kingdom like the world has never seen. It will be ruled by a perfect ruler (Rev. 11:15; 20:1–6). Of this day the prophet Jeremiah wrote, “’The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely, and do what is just and right in the land’” (Jer. 23:5).

The glimmer of hope at the end of 2 Kings brightens into the expectation of every believer who, disappointed with earthly leadership, longs for the day when Christ will return and establish His kingdom.

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