The Kings of Judah ruled the southern kingdom of the ancient Israelites after the division of the united monarchy of Israel around 930 BCE. Their reigns are chronicled in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the books of Kings and Chronicles. Unlike the northern kingdom of Israel, Judah retained the Davidic dynasty and the capital city of Jerusalem throughout its history. These kings played crucial roles in the religious, political, and cultural life of ancient Judah. Understanding the kings of Judah in order helps us trace the spiritual and national journey of a people through times of faithfulness, corruption, reform, and eventual exile.
The Division of the Kingdom
After the death of King Solomon, his kingdom split into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, became the first king of Judah. While Israel had multiple ruling dynasties, Judah remained under the descendants of David until its fall to Babylon in 586 BCE. The kings of Judah are central to biblical history, especially in the context of temple worship, prophetic messages, and the lineage of the Messiah according to Jewish and Christian traditions.
List of Kings of Judah in Order
The following is a chronological list of the kings of Judah, beginning with Rehoboam and ending with Zedekiah, the last king before the Babylonian captivity:
1. Rehoboam (931-913 BCE)
Son of Solomon and grandson of David. His harsh policies led to the division of the kingdom.
2. Abijah (Abijam) (913-911 BCE)
Rehoboam’s son. Continued conflict with Jeroboam of Israel and maintained some religious traditions.
3. Asa (911-870 BCE)
A reformer king who removed idols and promoted worship of Yahweh. Enjoyed a long and relatively peaceful reign.
4. Jehoshaphat (870-848 BCE)
Son of Asa. Strengthened Judah spiritually and militarily. Formed alliances with Israel, sometimes to his detriment.
5. Jehoram (848-841 BCE)
Married Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah. His reign marked by violence, including killing his brothers. Suffered enemy invasions.
6. Ahaziah (841 BCE)
Son of Jehoram. Reigned only one year. Influenced by his mother Athaliah and allied with the house of Ahab.
7. Athaliah (841-835 BCE)
Mother of Ahaziah. Seized the throne after her son’s death. The only queen to rule Judah. Promoted Baal worship.
8. Joash (Jehoash) (835-796 BCE)
Hidden as a child during Athaliah’s reign. Crowned king at age seven. Restored the temple but turned corrupt later in life.
9. Amaziah (796-767 BCE)
Son of Joash. Started well but later worshipped foreign gods. Defeated by Israel in battle.
10. Uzziah (Azariah) (767-740 BCE)
A strong and successful king. Expanded Judah’s power. Struck with leprosy for unlawfully entering the temple.
11. Jotham (740-732 BCE)
Son of Uzziah. Ruled during his father’s illness. A righteous king who improved Judah’s infrastructure and defenses.
12. Ahaz (732-716 BCE)
Turned to Assyria for help during a crisis. Introduced idolatry and closed the temple.
13. Hezekiah (716-687 BCE)
One of Judah’s most faithful kings. Reopened the temple, destroyed idols, and trusted God during the Assyrian invasion.
14. Manasseh (687-643 BCE)
Reigned the longest of any Judean king. Known for his extreme idolatry and shedding of innocent blood. Later repented in captivity.
15. Amon (643-641 BCE)
Followed in his father Manasseh’s early wicked ways. Assassinated after two years on the throne.
16. Josiah (641-609 BCE)
Became king at eight years old. Led major religious reforms and discovered the Book of the Law. Killed in battle against Egypt.
17. Jehoahaz (609 BCE)
Reigned for only three months. Deposed by Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt.
18. Jehoiakim (609-598 BCE)
Installed by the Egyptians. Rebelled against Babylon and led Judah into deeper sin.
19. Jehoiachin (598-597 BCE)
Reigned for three months. Taken captive to Babylon along with thousands of Judeans.
20. Zedekiah (597-586 BCE)
The last king of Judah. Rebelled against Babylon, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Captured and blinded.
Major Themes in the History of Judah’s Kings
Faithfulness vs. Rebellion
The kings of Judah were judged in the biblical texts based on their faithfulness to God. Righteous kings like Hezekiah and Josiah are praised for their reforms, while wicked kings like Manasseh (before repentance) and Ahaz are condemned for their idolatry.
Influence of Prophets
Prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah were active during the reigns of many of these kings. They called out injustice, warned of God’s judgment, and guided the kings, often in times of national crisis.
Royal Succession and Political Turmoil
Though the Davidic line remained unbroken, the kingdom of Judah was not free from coups, assassinations, and foreign interventions. Kings were sometimes installed or removed by powerful empires like Assyria and Egypt.
Lessons from the Kings of Judah
The history of Judah’s monarchy offers deep moral and spiritual lessons. The successes and failures of these kings reveal how leadership impacts national destiny. Righteous leadership brought peace and prosperity, while disobedience led to chaos and destruction.
Moreover, the repeated calls to return to covenant faithfulness highlight the enduring theme of repentance and restoration in the biblical narrative. Even after great sin, kings like Manasseh found grace when they humbled themselves.
The Fall of Judah
Despite periods of revival, Judah’s persistent rebellion against God and reliance on foreign powers led to its downfall. In 586 BCE, Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and took the people into exile. This marked the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity, a significant turning point in Jewish history.
The kings of Judah in order provide a detailed timeline of spiritual, political, and national transformation in ancient Israel. From Rehoboam to Zedekiah, these rulers shaped the destiny of their people through their choices and faith. Their stories continue to inform religious teachings and historical understanding today. For anyone interested in the Bible, leadership, or Middle Eastern history, studying the kings of Judah is essential to grasp the full scope of their legacy.