This reading guide was created in the Summer of 2025 for our preaching series, Failing Kings, Faithful God, in the books of 1 and 2 Kings.

In 2 Samuel 7, God promised King David that one of his descendants would sit on the throne forever. The books of 1 and 2 Kings (originally written as one book) tell the story of the long line of kings after David, starting with his son Solomon. Not only do none of those kings live up to the promise of the forever king, but they actually lead the nation astray and eventually into exile.

All the kings (even the few good ones) end up failing to walk in God’s ways and love him with a whole heart. And as the heart of the king goes, so go the people. But despite the failure of the kings, God is faithful. He sends his prophets to call his people to repentance. He shows his grace again and again. And he ultimately keeps his promise to raise up his True King! As we study Kings this summer, we will gain wisdom from looking at both the successes and failures of these flawed human leaders. But more importantly, we’ll see the steadfast, promise-keeping love of God in the face of human failure. And we’ll be pointed in hope to Jesus, who is the King of kings. He’s the King we need!

This is a simple seven week plan to help you read all of Kings, but also to study and reflect on the scriptures. Each week will have four touch points: two reading days, one day of study, and one day of reflection. We pray that this guide would help you meditate on God’s word this summer and that God’s faithfulness to his people would speak to us in a new way.