• The Fall of the Northern Kingdom -- Comments on 2 Kings 14–20

"The story is told of two young men in a canoe sailing down the river to Niagara Falls. Although the water was placid and calm, they were approaching the area where the water began to pick up speed as it headed for the falls. A man on the shore, sensing the danger, called out, 'Young men, ahoy, the rapids are below you!'
"But the young men, who heard the warning, did not heed the call. Instead they went on laughing and joking, paying no attention to the danger.
"On the shore, the man watching began to run and shouted in desperation, 'Ahoy, the rapids are below you!'
"Still the young men did not heed his warning. Faster and faster ran the current until the young men were entrapped in the rapids and began to fear. With all the power at their command they tried to turn the canoe but it was too late. Over the falls they went—all because they refused to heed the warning voice. (Adapted from David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 512.)
"Ancient Israel could be compared to these two young men. Repeated warnings from the prophets were ignored. The withholding of blessings failed to check Israel in their mad rush to destruction. In the year 721 B.C. the Northern Kingdom fell before the vigorous attack of the Assyrian enemy, and its people were taken to a foreign land as captives. Later some escaped and went into the north countries. They are often referred to as the lost ten tribes.
"This material will deal with the history of this tragic fall. These chapters of the Old Testament answer this question: Could God have done more to bring this recalcitrant people back to Him?"

This is the introduction to the notes and commentary on 2 Kings 14–20 in the church educational system's institute course on the Old Testament. If you wish to read this, please click on this link.