This book is a record of the history of the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel beginning after the death of the wicked king of Israel, Ahab. The prophet Elijah is taken up to Heaven and he passes his responsibilities on to Elisha. Israel refuses to repent and is conquered by Assyria. Judah moves away from God, as well, but under the reigns of Hezekiah and Josiah the kingdom briefly turns back to Him and therefore remains independent for a longer period of time. However, in the end the kingdom does not cease its wickedness and is conquered by Babylon and the city of Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed.