Augustine of Hippo

They Said It: Four Quotes On The Books Of Kings

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Four quotes from well-known religious figures about the Old Testament Books of I and II Kings:

Augustine of Hippo

“In the Books of Kings we see how the rise and fall of rulers is governed not by chance but by the providence of God, who exalts the humble and brings down the proud.” —Augustine, reflecting on divine sovereignty in Israel’s monarchy

John Calvin

“Kings were set before the people as mirrors, that in their obedience or rebellion the whole nation might behold the blessing of walking with God or the misery of departing from Him.” —Calvin, commenting on the moral purpose of Israel’s kingship

John Wesley

“The history of the Kings shows that no outward form of religion can preserve a nation when the heart turns from God; holiness must begin within.” —Wesley, emphasizing inward faithfulness over ritual

Matthew Henry

“These books teach us that God’s patience with His people is great, yet His justice will not sleep forever; mercy invites, but judgment warns.” —Henry, summarizing the theological rhythm of Kings

They Said It: Four Quotes On The Book Of Ruth

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Here are four poignant quotes about the relevance of the eighth book of the Bible, the Book of Ruth.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
“The Book of Ruth is the supreme example in Tanakh of hesed—loving-kindness—shown not by miracles or power, but by ordinary people in everyday life.”

Martin Luther
“This is a lovely and comforting book, for it teaches that God works through the simplest and most ordinary events to bring about His greatest purposes.”

Augustine of Hippo
“In Ruth we see the Gentile brought into the people of God, prefiguring the calling of the nations through Christ.”

John Piper
“The Book of Ruth shows us how God is always doing ten thousand things in our lives, and we may be aware of only three of them.”

They Said It: Four Quotes On The Book Of Joshua

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Here are four awesome quotes about the sixth book of the Bible, Joshua.

Origen of Alexandria (3rd century)

“Joshua, the son of Nun, is a figure of Jesus Christ; for he leads the people into the promised land, as Jesus leads believers into the kingdom of heaven.”
— Homilies on Joshua

Augustine of Hippo (4th–5th century)

“It was not Moses, but Joshua, who led the people into the land of promise—showing that the Law brings us to the border, but grace brings us in.”
— Sermons on the Old Testament

John Calvin (16th century)

“In the victories of Joshua, God displayed that the land was given not by human strength, but by His own hand and promise.”
— Commentary on the Book of Joshua

Matthew Henry (17th–18th century)

“Joshua’s book is a record of God’s faithfulness in the performance of His promises, and of Israel’s duty in the enjoyment of them.”
— Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Joshua