A Brief Book Notice From Books at a Glance
Despite the tragic events of 2 Kings, hope remains as God holds to his promise never to forsake David’s line. This historical book has everyday relevance as it shows both the consequences of idolatry and God’s concern for people in serious hardship. Most important, it prepares us to see our need for the true and greatest Prophet and King. Tracing the overarching narrative, Philip Graham Ryken connects it to Christ and explores its applications for ordinary Christians in today’s world.
As are all Reformed Expository Commentaries, this book is accessible to both pastors and lay readers. Each volume in the series gives careful attention to the biblical text, is doctrinally Reformed, focuses on Christ through the lens of redemptive history, and applies the Bible to our contemporary setting.
About the Author
Philip Ryken is the eighth president of Wheaton College. Following his graduation from Wheaton College in 1988, he earned a master of divinity degree from Westminster Theological Seminary and a doctorate in historical theology from the University of Oxford.
Dr. Ryken preached at Philadelphia’s Tenth Presbyterian Church from 1995 until his appointment at Wheaton in 2010. He has published more than 50 books, including Reformed Expository Commentaries on 1 Kings, Luke, Galatians, and 1 Timothy. He teaches the Bible weekly on the broadcast Every Last Word and serves as a board member for the Lausanne Movement, the National Association of Evangelicals, the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, and The Gospel Coalition.
Endorsements
Tim Challies, Blogger, Pastor, Grace Fellowship Church, Toronto:
Phil Ryken has consistently proved to be among our most trusted and most helpful contemporary biblical commentators. Each one of his commentaries is marked by faithful interpretation and explanation of the biblical text along with insightful application to today’s believers. His new work on 2 Kings is a welcome addition to his collection. . . . Whether you use it week by week to prepare Bible studies or sermons or whether you read it straight through, you’ll be both edified and encouraged.
Irwyn Ince, Director, Grace DC Institute for Cross-Cultural Mission:
Pastors often struggle to faithfully preach Christ through the narratives [in 2 Kings]. What are we to do with the schools of prophets, mauled teenagers, foreign military commanders, a wealthy but barren woman, evil kings, and ongoing warfare? Dr. Philip Ryken has done us a great service. With remarkable deftness, he puts before us the humanness of these stories, the touch points between the people we meet and our own lives in the twenty-first century. Yet he does so in a way that shows Jesus Christ to be the hero in every story. Which, of course, he is.
Hershael W. York, Dean, School of Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary:
I cannot imagine a more comprehensive tool for teaching or sermon preparation than Phil Ryken’s expository commentary on 2 Kings. Combining the head of a scholar, the heart of a pastor, the insightful illustration of a master communicator, the depth of a theologian, and the homiletical skills of an extraordinary preacher, Dr. Ryken takes readers with him from the ancient text through the empty tomb as each exposition locates the narrative in the grand sweep of God’s redemptive work in Christ. Filled with gospel delight that moved me to rejoice in the truth and relevance of God’s Word, this commentary made me want to preach 2 Kings as soon as possible!
Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California:
Phil Ryken is a model of the pastorscholar. This commentary on 2 Kings is an ornament of his skill as an exegete and preacher. I highly recommend it.
Andrew T. Abernethy, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College:
With a remarkable combination of pastoral insight, theological acumen, and sensitivity to the biblical text, Philip Ryken offers a tremendous exposition in this commentary. It is a must-have for all who want to study or preach from 2 Kings.
Colin S. Smith, Senior Pastor, The Orchard; President, Unlocking the Bible:
Philip Ryken is a master of clear and compelling biblical exposition. In every chapter of this commentary, he finds applications that will land in your life and follows trajectories that will lead you to Christ. Preachers, Bible study leaders, and thoughtful Christians will find this a rich and treasured resource.