Help MY 2000 FORD EXPLORER WON't START?

It was driving fine until I got to this hotel and tried to park it then putting it in park it just died no lights or nothing would come on. Then we tried to jump it and before we put the cables on the lights came on then went back out. I didn't hear anything when I tried to start it. Then I left it sitting for a hour or so and then all lights came on but I could not get the key to turn. My gear shift is off balance some one please help me.

Ignition rod in column. May have a bad steeering colum or switch