What is the list of the Kings of Israel and Judah?

The history of the kings of Israel and Judah is complex and essential for understanding the biblical narrative in the Old Testament. After the united monarchy under Kings Saul, David, and Solomon, the kingdom split into two distinct entities: the northern kingdom, Israel, and the southern kingdom, Judah. The kings of each kingdom ruled at different times, and their reigns significantly influenced the history of Israel and Judah, often shaping the spiritual and political directions of their respective realms.

This list provides an overview of the kings of Israel and Judah, emphasizing the significance of each king’s rule, important events, and references from the Bible.

The United Kingdom (Before the Division)

Before the division into Israel and Judah, Israel was a unified nation under three prominent kings:

1. Saul – The first king of Israel, Saul was anointed by the prophet Samuel. Though initially a capable ruler, Saul disobeyed God and lost favor, leading to his eventual downfall (1 Samuel 9-31).
2. David – Known as a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), David expanded Israel’s territory and established Jerusalem as the capital. His reign included both triumphs and failures, but he is remembered as Israel’s ideal king (2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles).
3. Solomon – David’s son Solomon is renowned for his wisdom and for building the Temple in Jerusalem. However, his alliances with foreign nations and idolatry set the stage for Israel’s later division (1 Kings 1-11, 2 Chronicles 1-9).

Following Solomon’s death, Israel split into two kingdoms due to political and religious tensions, resulting in two separate lines of kings in Israel and Judah.

The Northern Kingdom of Israel (930-722 BC)

The northern kingdom of Israel consisted of ten tribes and had its capital in Samaria. The kings of Israel are generally noted for their unfaithfulness to God, with idolatry becoming a recurring theme. Israel eventually fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC.

Kings of Israel

1. Jeroboam I (930-910 BC) – Established idol worship with golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:25-33).
2. Nadab (910-909 BC) – Jeroboam’s son, murdered by Baasha (1 Kings 15:25-31).
3. Baasha (909-886 BC) – Led a coup against Nadab but continued in idolatry (1 Kings 15:32-16:7).
4. Elah (886-885 BC) – Baasha’s son, assassinated by Zimri (1 Kings 16:8-14).
5. Zimri (885 BC) – Reigned only seven days before Omri defeated him (1 Kings 16:15-20).
6. Omri (885-874 BC) – Founded Samaria as the capital and established a lasting dynasty (1 Kings 16:21-28).
7. Ahab (874-853 BC) – Known for his wickedness, Ahab married Jezebel, introduced Baal worship, and opposed the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 16:29-22:40).
8. Ahaziah (853-852 BC) – Continued idol worship and was injured in a fall, dying without an heir (1 Kings 22:51-53, 2 Kings 1).
9. Joram (Jehoram) (852-841 BC) – Led a coalition against Moab and witnessed Elisha’s ministry (2 Kings 3-9).
10. Jehu (841-814 BC) – Initiated a bloody purge of Ahab’s descendants, including Jezebel (2 Kings 9-10).
11. Jehoahaz (814-798 BC) – Reigned during Syria’s oppression of Israel (2 Kings 13:1-9).
12. Jehoash (Joash) (798-782 BC) – Defeated Syria and sought the prophet Elisha’s counsel (2 Kings 13:10-25).
13. Jeroboam II (793-753 BC) – Expanded Israel’s territory but continued idolatry (2 Kings 14:23-29).
14. Zechariah (753 BC) – Last of Jehu’s dynasty, assassinated after a six-month reign (2 Kings 15:8-12).
15. Shallum (752 BC) – Assassinated Zechariah and reigned one month before being killed (2 Kings 15:13-15).
16. Menahem (752-742 BC) – Known for his cruelty; paid tribute to Assyria (2 Kings 15:16-22).
17. Pekahiah (742-740 BC) – Reigned two years before being assassinated by Pekah (2 Kings 15:23-26).
18. Pekah (740-732 BC) – Allied with Syria against Judah, leading to conflict with Assyria (2 Kings 15:27-31).
19. Hoshea (732-722 BC) – The last king of Israel; Assyria conquered Israel, leading to exile (2 Kings 17).

The Southern Kingdom of Judah (930-586 BC)

The southern kingdom of Judah retained the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and had Jerusalem as its capital. The kings of Judah included both godly and ungodly rulers, with the Davidic line continuing until the Babylonian exile.

Kings of Judah

1. Rehoboam (930-913 BC) – Solomon’s son; his harsh policies led to the kingdom’s division (1 Kings 12:1-24, 2 Chronicles 10).
2. Abijam (Abijah) (913-911 BC) – Continued idol worship but saw temporary victory over Israel (1 Kings 15:1-8, 2 Chronicles 13).
3. Asa (911-870 BC) – Brought reforms and removed idols, relying on God (1 Kings 15:9-24, 2 Chronicles 14-16).
4. Jehoshaphat (870-848 BC) – Strengthened Judah spiritually and militarily (1 Kings 22:41-50, 2 Chronicles 17-20).
5. Jehoram (Joram) (848-841 BC) – Married Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah, leading to Baal worship (2 Kings 8:16-24, 2 Chronicles 21).
6. Ahaziah (841 BC) – Reigned briefly; killed by Jehu (2 Kings 8:25-29, 2 Chronicles 22).
7. Athaliah (841-835 BC) – Queen who seized the throne; eliminated the royal family except Joash (2 Kings 11, 2 Chronicles 22-23).
8. Joash (Jehoash) (835-796 BC) – Restored Temple worship but turned to idolatry (2 Kings 11:4-12:21, 2 Chronicles 24).
9. Amaziah (796-767 BC) – Defeated Edom but fell to idolatry and was overthrown (2 Kings 14:1-20, 2 Chronicles 25).
10. Uzziah (Azariah) (767-740 BC) – Reigned during a period of prosperity but was struck with leprosy (2 Kings 15:1-7, 2 Chronicles 26).
11. Jotham (740-732 BC) – Continued Uzziah’s reforms and ruled wisely (2 Kings 15:32-38, 2 Chronicles 27).
12. Ahaz (732-716 BC) – Aligned with Assyria, introduced pagan practices (2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28).
13. Hezekiah (716-687 BC) – Known for reforms, trust in God, and defiance of Assyria (2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32).
14. Manasseh (687-642 BC) – Introduced idolatry and occult practices; later repented (2 Kings 21:1-18, 2 Chronicles 33:1-20).
15. Amon (642-640 BC) – Followed in Manasseh’s idolatry but was assassinated (2 Kings 21:19-26, 2 Chronicles 33:21-25).
16. Josiah (640-609 BC) – Brought extensive religious reform and restored the Temple (2 Kings 22-23, 2 Chronicles 34-35).
17. Jehoahaz (609 BC) – Reigned three months before being captured by Pharaoh Necho (2 Kings 23:31-33, 2 Chronicles 36:1-4).
18. Jehoiakim (609-598 BC) – Rebelled against Babylon, leading to hardship for Judah (2 Kings 23:34-24:7, 2 Chronicles 36:5-8).
19. Jehoiachin (598 BC) – Reigned three months before surrendering to Babylon (2 Kings 24:8-17, 2 Chronicles 36:9-10).
20. Zedekiah (597-586 BC) – Last king of Judah; Jerusalem was captured by Babylon, marking the beginning of exile (2 Kings 24:18-25:21, 2 Chronicles 36:11-21).

The history of the kings of Israel and Judah reveals a repeated pattern of faithfulness and rebellion. Some kings sought the Lord, honored His commandments, and led the people in spiritual reforms. These faithful rulers encouraged the worship of the true God, removed idols, restored the temple service, and called the nation back to obedience. Their examples show the blessings that came when leaders trusted in God and followed His ways.

However, many other kings turned away from the Lord and led the people into idolatry and sin. They worshiped false gods, ignored the warnings of the prophets, and caused their kingdoms to drift farther from God. As a result, judgment came upon Israel and Judah through war, captivity, and national decline. The Bible records these events not only as history, but also as a lesson. The lives of these kings teach that obedience brings blessing, while rebellion against God leads to serious consequences. Faithfulness to the Lord and His commandments remains central to the spiritual health of His people.