Studying through First and Second Kings is very different than our study through the book of Acts. In Acts, God’s kingdom is surging forward. In Kings, it often seems languishing. But precisely for that reason, 1 and 2 Kings can make a unique contribution to our understanding of reformation and revival among the people of God.

By studying these passages, we see what it looks like when God brings about a revival of true religion after decades and even centuries of decadence. One thinks especially of Jehoash’s repairing of the temple, and Josiah’s reforms. These books were very important to the Protestant Reformers!