Kings of Israel and Judah: The Good and the Bad

The history of ancient Israel and Judah is told through the dramatic stories of their kings in the Bible. Some kings followed God and were considered “good”, while many others disobeyed and were labeled “bad” based on their actions.

After King Solomon, the kingdom split in ~930 B.C. into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah).

The Bible (KJV) often sums up a king’s reign by saying he “did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD” (a good king) or “did evil in the sight of the LORD” (a bad king).

Archaeology and historical records have also provided exciting evidence that many of these biblical kings and events were real.

In this post, we’ll list all the kings of Israel and Judah, highlight their key actions with Bible verses, note if they were good or bad, and mention any cool archaeological findings that support their stories.

(Fun fact: The Northern Kingdom of Israel had 20 kings – and every single one was “bad”! Judah had 19 kings (and 1 queen), with about 6 to 8 considered “good”.)

The United Kingdom (Before the Split)

Before the kingdom divided, Israel was united under its first three kings:

Saul – First King of Israel (United Kingdom). Bad (ended poorly).

Saul started off well but later disobeyed God. He unlawfully offered a sacrifice and failed to destroy the Amalekites as commanded.

Because he “rejected the word of the LORD,” God rejected him as king (1 Samuel 15:26 - King James Bible). Saul became tormented and even consulted a witch for guidance, which was against God’s law. He died in battle against the Philistines. Bible: 1 Samuel 15:23, 28:7.

David – Second King (United Kingdom). Good.

David is often called a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14) and is the standard of a good king. He united Israel and wrote many Psalms. Though he sinned (most famously with Bathsheba and Uriah), he repented sincerely.

Except for that incident, “David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside… all the days of his life” (1 Kings 15:5 - because David did what was right in the eyes of th...). God promised that David’s dynasty would endure. Bible: 2 Samuel 7:16, 1 Kings 15:5.

Solomon – Third King (United Kingdom). Good & Bad.

Solomon began his reign well. He built the magnificent First Temple in Jerusalem and was known for his great wisdom. However, later in life he married many foreign wives who turned his heart to idols.

“Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD” (1 KINGS 11:6 KJV "And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD ...).

He built pagan high places and God told him the kingdom would be torn apart after his death because of this (1 Kings 11:11-13). Bible: 1 Kings 3:9-12, 1 Kings 11:4-6.

After Solomon, the kingdom split into two. Below we list the kings of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and Southern Kingdom (Judah), roughly in chronological order.

Kings of Israel (Northern Kingdom)

The Northern Kingdom, called Israel, consisted of ten tribes. It lasted from about 930 B.C. until 722 B.C., when it was conquered by Assyria. All its 20 kings were “bad” – they led Israel into idol worship and “did evil in the sight of the LORD.” Here’s the rundown:

Jeroboam I (930–909 BC) – Bad.

Jeroboam was the first king of the northern tribes after the split. He famously made two golden calf idols for worship in Bethel and Dan, so his people wouldn’t go to Jerusalem.

The prophet rebuked him, saying “thou hast done evil above all that were before thee… and hast made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke [God] to anger” (1 KINGS 14:9 KJV "But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and...").

Jeroboam’s sin of idol worship was a great evil that every later Israelite king unfortunately followed.

Bible: 1 Kings 12:28-30, 1 Kings 14:9. Jeroboam’s reign is also set in real history – he fought against King Rehoboam of Judah, and in this period Pharaoh Shishak of Egypt invaded.

Egyptian records at Karnak list cities he conquered in Israel and Judah, confirming the Shishak campaign mentioned in 1 Kings 14:25 and 2 Chronicles 12:2-9.

Nadab (909–908 BC) – Bad.

Nadab was Jeroboam’s son. He ruled only 2 years before being assassinated. The Bible says “he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin”. Nadab continued the idolatry of Jeroboam. Bible: 1 Kings 15:25-26.

Baasha (908–886 BC) – Bad.

Baasha assassinated Nadab and took the throne. He destroyed all of Jeroboam’s family, fulfilling the prophecy of judgment. But Baasha was no better – “he did evil in the sight of the LORD… following the ways of Jeroboam”.

God sent the prophet Jehu (son of Hanani) to warn Baasha that his own family would likewise be wiped out for his sins (1 Kings 16:1-4). Bible: 1 Kings 15:33-34, 1 Kings 16:7.

Elah (886–885 BC) – Bad.

Son of Baasha, Elah ruled just 2 years. He was assassinated by his chariot commander Zimri while drunk in his palace (1 Kings 16:8-10). Elah continued in the sinful path of his father. Bible: 1 Kings 16:11-14.

Zimri (885 BC) – Bad.

Zimri reigned only 7 days, the shortest reign of all! After killing Elah, he tried to become king, but the army chose Omri as king. Omri besieged the capital Tirzah, and Zimri, seeing defeat, set the palace on fire and died in the flames (1 Kings 16:15-19).

The Bible notes Zimri “sinned in doing evil in the sight of the LORD” by following Jeroboam’s idolatry (1 Kings 16:19). Bible: 1 Kings 16:18-19.

Omri (885–874 BC) – Bad.

Omri was a powerful military leader who became king after Zimri. He built a new capital city, Samaria, on a hill he bought (1 Kings 16:24).

Omri “did worse than all” before him (1 Kings 16:25-26). He promoted idol worship of false gods. Bible: 1 Kings 16:23-26. Omri is one of the first Israelite kings mentioned by name in archaeology.

The Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone), an inscription by King Mesha of Moab (c. 840 BC), says “Omri king of Israel... oppressed Moab many days” until Moab rebelled. This confirms Omri’s existence and Moab being under Israel’s control, just as the Bible describes (2 Kings 3:4-5).

Ahab (874–853 BC) – Bad.

Ahab, son of Omri, is one of the most infamous kings. He married Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, and together they promoted Baal worship on a grand scale. Ahab “did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him” (1 Kings 16:30-33).

The prophet Elijah confronted Ahab and Jezebel – leading to the dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel where God answered by fire to prove Baal was false (1 Kings 18:17-40).

Ahab sometimes showed regret (for instance, after Elijah prophesied doom, Ahab humbled himself briefly in 1 Kings 21:27-29), but he never fully repented. He died in battle when a random arrow struck him, as Elijah had foretold (1 Kings 22:34-38).

Bible: 1 Kings 18:17-21, 1 Kings 21:25. Historical notes: Ahab is mentioned in Assyrian records as well.

In 853 BC, Ahab and other kings fought the Assyrians at the Battle of Qarqar – the Assyrian record lists “Ahabbu of Sir’ila” (Ahab of Israel) as contributing a large chariot force, which matches Ahab’s time.

Ahaziah (853–852 BC) – Bad.

Ahaziah was Ahab’s son. He ruled only 2 years. He continued in his parents’ evil ways of idol worship.

When injured, Ahaziah infamously sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the false god of Ekron, about his health instead of seeking God.

The prophet Elijah intercepted them and prophesied that Ahaziah would die because he “hath forsaken the God of Israel” (2 Kings 1:16). Sure enough, Ahaziah died with no heir (2 Kings 1:17).

Bible: 1 Kings 22:51-53, 2 Kings 1:2-4.

Joram (Jehoram) (852–841 BC) – Bad.

Joram was another son of Ahab (and brother of Ahaziah). He wasn’t as ardent a Baal-worshiper as his parents (he removed a Baal pillar), but he still clung to Jeroboam’s calf-idols and did evil (2 Kings 3:1-3).

Joram fought wars against Moab (2 Kings 3) and later against the Arameans (Syrians). The prophet Elisha was active during his reign, performing miracles like healing Naaman and calling down blindness on enemy troops. Joram was wounded in a battle with the Arameans.

He met his end when Jehu rebelled and shot him with an arrow in Jezreel (2 Kings 9:24). Bible: 2 Kings 3:1-3, 2 Kings 9:22-24.

Archaeology: A remarkable artifact called the Tel Dan Stele (a 9th-century BC nscription found in northern Israel) likely refers to Joram’s death.

It is a victory stone probably by King Hazael of Aram, boasting that he killed “Jehoram son of Ahab, king of Israel” and “Ahaziah… of the house of David” (king of Judah).

This inscription is famous as the first non-biblical proof of King David’s dynasty (the “House of David”).

Jehu (841–814 BC) – Bad (but with a mission).

Jehu was an army commander anointed by a prophet (sent by Elisha) to destroy Ahab’s wicked family (2 Kings 9:1-6).

Jehu carried out a violent purge: he killed King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah, then Jezebel (who was thrown from a window), and executed Ahab’s 70 sons – thus wiping out Ahab’s line as prophesied (2 Kings 9–10).

He also destroyed Baal worshippers and their temple (2 Kings 10:18-28). For this zeal, God commended Jehu that his sons would rule to the fourth generation.

However, Jehu did not turn away from the golden calf idols of Jeroboam, so he still “took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD” (2 Kings 10:31). He’s categorized as a bad king due to continuing idol worship.

Bible: 2 Kings 10:28-31. Historical note: Jehu is prominently pictured in Assyrian art. In an Assyrian carving called the Black Obelisk, King Jehu of Israel is shown bowing to Assyrian King Shalmaneser III.

The cuneiform inscription even calls him “Jehu, son of Omri” (Assyrians referred to Israel as “House of Omri”).

The obelisk describes Jehu paying tribute of gold, silver, and other goods – proof outside the Bible that Jehu was a real king who interacted with Assyria.

Jehoahaz (814–798 BC) – Bad.

Jehoahaz was Jehu’s son. He followed the sins of Jeroboam, continuing idol worship (the golden calves). Because of this, God allowed the Arameans (Syrians) under Hazael to oppress Israel heavily during Jehoahaz’s reign.

Jehoahaz eventually humbled himself and sought the LORD, and God provided a temporary deliverance from Syria (2 Kings 13:4-5), but the kingdom remained very weak (“they left him only 50 horsemen, 10 chariots…” 2 Kings 13:7). Bible: 2 Kings 13:1-3.

Jehoash (Joash) [of Israel] (798–782 BC) – Bad.

(Not to be confused with Joash of Judah). Jehoash was the son of Jehoahaz. He did evil by idol worship like his fathers (2 Kings 13:10-11). However, in his reign the prophet Elisha died – and King Jehoash respected Elisha.

Before Elisha died, Jehoash visited him and wept, calling him “the chariot of Israel.” Elisha predicted Jehoash would win three battles over Aram (2 Kings 13:14-19).

Jehoash later fought Amaziah, king of Judah, and even looted Jerusalem (2 Kings 14:11-14). Bible: 2 Kings 13:10-13.

Jeroboam II (793–753 BC) – Bad.

Jeroboam II (great-grandson of Jehu) had a long 41-year reign and was actually a successful military leader. He expanded Israel’s borders and recovered lost territories (2 Kings 14:25, matching Jonah’s prophecy).

This brought a time of prosperity to Israel. But spiritually, Jeroboam II continued the idolatry of Jeroboam I, so he “did evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 14:24).

During his reign, prophets like Jonah, Amos, and Hosea were active, warning against the nation’s sin and injustice. Bible: 2 Kings 14:23-27.

Zechariah (753–752 BC) – Bad.

Son of Jeroboam II, he ruled only 6 months. He did evil like his ancestors (2 Kings 15:8-9).

Shallum (a conspirator) assassinated Zechariah in public, fulfilling God’s word that Jehu’s dynasty would last to the fourth generation (and Zechariah was the fourth after Jehu). Bible: 2 Kings 15:8-12.

Shallum (752 BC) – Bad.

Shallum seized the throne by killing Zechariah, but he reigned only 1 month. He was assassinated in turn by Menahem (2 Kings 15:13-15). The Bible doesn’t give details of his deeds except calling him a usurper. Bible: 2 Kings 15:13-15.

Menahem (752–742 BC) – Bad.

Menahem took power by force. He was a brutal ruler – at one point he attacked a town that refused him and “ripped up all the women with child” (a horrific act, 2 Kings 15:16).

He did evil and continued idol worship (2 Kings 15:18). During Menahem’s reign, the mighty Assyrian Empire started eyeing Israel.

The Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III (called “Pul” in the Bible) invaded, and Menahem paid him a huge tribute of silver to gain his support and strengthen his own hold on power (2 Kings 15:19-20).

This is one of the first contacts with Assyria in Israel’s downfall. Bible: 2 Kings 15:16-20.

Pekahiah (742–740 BC) – Bad.

Son of Menahem, Pekahiah ruled only 2 years in Samaria. He did evil and upheld the idolatry of Israel (2 Kings 15:23-24).

One of his chief officers, Pekah, conspired against him. Pekah and fifty men assassinated Pekahiah in his palace and took the throne. Bible: 2 Kings 15:23-26.

Pekah (752–732 BC) – Bad.

(Note: Pekah’s reign overlapped others due to rival claims.) Pekah was a military captain who killed Pekahiah. He did evil (2 Kings 15:27-28).

In Pekah’s time, Israel’s situation worsened. Pekah allied with Syria (Aram) to attack Judah (this was the Syro-Ephraimite War, Isaiah 7:1).

In response, King Ahaz of Judah asked Assyria for help. Assyria’s King Tiglath-Pileser III attacked Israel, capturing many northern and eastern territories of Israel and deporting people (2 Kings 15:29).

Eventually, Pekah was assassinated by Hoshea, who would be the last king. Bible: 2 Kings 15:27-31, Isaiah 7:1-9.

Hoshea (732–722 BC) – Bad (last king of Israel).

Hoshea came to power by killing Pekah (2 Kings 15:30). At first he was a vassal to Assyria, paying tribute. But Hoshea tried to rebel by making an alliance with Egypt and stopping the tribute (2 Kings 17:4).

The Assyrian king Shalmaneser V responded by invading Israel. After a three-year siege of the capital Samaria, the city fell. In 722 BC the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered.

Hoshea was captured and imprisoned. The Assyrians exiled the people of Israel to distant lands, effectively ending the kingdom (2 Kings 17:5-6).

The Bible explains that this disaster came because the Israelites had persistently sinned and “did not obey the voice of the LORD their God” (2 Kings 17:7-23).

Bible: 2 Kings 17:1-6, 2 Kings 17:22-23. Thus ends the kingdom of Israel. Many of those exiled Israelites never returned, becoming known as the “lost tribes.”

Assyrian records (the annals of Sargon II, who completed the siege) confirm the fall of Samaria and deportation of its people in what they call the Samaria campaign.

Kings of Judah (Southern Kingdom)

The Southern Kingdom, Judah, continued the line of King David in the tribes of Judah (and Benjamin). It lasted from ~930 BC until 586 BC, when Babylon conquered Jerusalem. Unlike Israel, Judah had a mix of good and bad kings. Some kings, like Hezekiah and Josiah, led great reforms, while others fell deep into idolatry. Below are Judah’s rulers:

Rehoboam (930–913 BC) – Bad.

Rehoboam was Solomon’s son and the first king of Judah after the kingdom split. His harsh policies (he refused to lighten the heavy taxes and labor Solomon had imposed) caused the northern tribes to rebel (1 Kings 12:13-17).

In Judah, Rehoboam also allowed idol worship and pagan practices – “he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD” (2 Chronicles 12:14).

During Rehoboam’s reign, Egypt’s Pharaoh Shishak (Shoshenq I) invaded Judah. Shishak attacked Jerusalem and took the treasures of the Temple and palace, including Solomon’s gold shields (Rehoboam replaced them with bronze ones).

Rehoboam’s forces were too weak to resist. This invasion is recorded on Shishak’s victory inscription in Karnak, Egypt, which lists cities in Judah and Israel that he conquered.

Rehoboam died after 17 years, and his son Abijah succeeded him. Bible: 1 Kings 14:21-26, 2 Chronicles 12:1-9.

Abijah (Abijam) (913–910 BC) – Bad (with a brief good moment).

Abijah, son of Rehoboam, ruled only 3 years. The Book of Kings says “he walked in all the sins of his father” (1 Kings 15:3), continuing idol worship.

However, Chronicles records that during a war with the northern king Jeroboam, Abijah gave a passionate speech urging faithfulness to the LORD, and God gave Judah a victory (2 Chronicles 13:4-18).

Despite that battle won by relying on God, Abijah mostly did not follow God fully. Bible: 1 Kings 15:1-5, 2 Chronicles 13:18.

Asa (910–869 BC) – Good.

Asa was a godly king who reigned 41 years and led major reforms in Judah. “Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father”.

He removed idol altars, smashed sacred pillars, and even deposed his grandmother Maachah from her position as queen mother because she made an obscene idol (1 Kings 15:11-13).

Asa fortified cities and enjoyed peace for a decade. When a huge Cushite (Ethiopian) army invaded, Asa prayed and the LORD gave Judah victory (2 Chronicles 14:9-12).

Late in life, Asa had one misstep: he relied on a pact with the king of Syria instead of trusting God when Israel’s king Baasha threatened him. A prophet rebuked Asa for this lack of faith (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

Asa also suffered a foot disease in old age (perhaps as a test, 2 Chronicles 16:12). Nonetheless, Asa is remembered as a faithful, good king. Bible: 1 Kings 15:11-15, 2 Chronicles 15:1-8.

Jehoshaphat (869–849 BC) – Good.

Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, continued in obedience to God. He “walked in all the ways of Asa his father… doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD” (1 Kings 22:43).

He strengthened Judah spiritually and militarily. Jehoshaphat sent officials and Levites throughout Judah to teach the Book of the Law to the people (2 Chronicles 17:7-9).

God blessed his reign with riches and honor. He did make a couple of unwise alliances with Israel’s wicked kings (he joined Ahab in battle at Ramoth-Gilead, almost getting killed – 1 Kings 22:29-33, and later allied with Ahaziah on a trade venture that failed – 2 Chronicles 20:35-37).

But when faced with a massive Moabite-Ammonite invasion, Jehoshaphat prayed humbly, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon Thee” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

God miraculously delivered Judah by turning the enemy armies against each other (2 Chronicles 20:22-24). Bible: 2 Chronicles 20:1-4, 20:20-23.

Jehoram (Joram) [of Judah] (849–841 BC) – Bad.

Jehoram was Jehoshaphat’s son. Unfortunately, he did not follow his father’s godly ways. Jehoram married Athaliah, a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (2 Chronicles 18:1; 21:6), linking Judah to the wicked northern house.

As soon as Jehoram became king, he murdered his own brothers to secure power (2 Chronicles 21:4). He set up pagan high places and led Judah into idol worship like Ahab’s family did.

The prophet Elijah even wrote Jehoram a letter condemning his evil (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). During Jehoram’s reign, Judah was attacked by the Philistines and Arabs, who looted Jerusalem and carried off his family (except his youngest son).

Jehoram died from a gruesome illness; the Bible says “his bowels fell out” from disease (yikes!) and he died with no one’s regret (2 Chronicles 21:18-20). Bible: 2 Chronicles 21:4-6, 21:18-20.

Ahaziah [of Judah] (841 BC) – Bad.

Ahaziah was Jehoram’s youngest son, put on the throne by the people after his father’s painful death. He ruled only 1 year.

His mother was the wicked Athaliah (daughter of Jezebel), and his counselors were from Ahab’s family, so “he also walked in the way of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly” (2 Chronicles 22:3-4).

He joined his uncle King Joram of Israel in war against Syria. When Jehu launched his revolt in Israel, Ahaziah got caught up in it – Jehu killed Ahaziah when he fled (2 Kings 9:27).

Bible: 2 Kings 8:25-27, 2 Chronicles 22:2-5. (As noted above, the Tel Dan Stele records the death of a king of the “House of David” (Judah) in this period, which matches Ahaziah.)

Athaliah (Queen) (841–835 BC) – Bad.

Athaliah was the mother of Ahaziah and daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. When her son Ahaziah was killed, she seized the throne of Judah – the only queen to rule Judah.

Athaliah tried to wipe out the royal family of David to secure power; she ordered all possible heirs (her own grandsons!) killed. But one infant, Joash, was hidden and saved by his aunt Jehosheba (2 Kings 11:1-3).

Athaliah reigned 6 years, likely promoting Baal worship in Judah as her parents did in Israel. In 835 BC, the high priest Jehoiada led a bold coup.

He revealed the young prince Joash, crowned him in the Temple, and guards executed Athaliah. The people rejoiced to see this evil queen removed (2 Kings 11:12-16).

Bible: 2 Kings 11:1-3, 11:13-16.

Joash (Jehoash) [of Judah] (835–796 BC) – Good (early) then Bad (later).

Joash was only 7 years old when he became king, guided by the faithful priest Jehoiada who raised him. As long as Jehoiada lived, Joash did what was right. “And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him” (2 Kings 12:2).

He restored the Temple, which had been neglected, and organized money collection to repair it (2 Kings 12:4-12). However, after Jehoiada died, Joash listened to bad advisers.

He abandoned the LORD and served idols. He even had Jehoiada’s son, Zechariah the prophet, stoned to death in the Temple court when Zechariah rebuked the king’s sin (2 Chronicles 24:17-22).

Because of this betrayal, Judah was defeated by the Arameans, and Joash was wounded. His own servants conspired against him and assassinated him in bed. It was a sad end for a king who started well. Bible: 2 Kings 12:2-5, 2 Chronicles 24:17-22.

Amaziah (796–767 BC) – Good (early) then Bad (later).

Amaziah, son of Joash, began as a mostly good king. He “did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart” (2 Chronicles 25:2).

He obeyed God’s Law at first – for example, he punished his father’s murderers but spared their children, as the Law said (2 Kings 14:5-6). He won a victory against Edom.

However, after defeating the Edomites, Amaziah brought back their idols and worshiped them! (2 Chronicles 25:14). A prophet chastised him for this foolishness.

Proud Amaziah then challenged Jehoash of Israel to battle – and lost badly. King Jehoash of Israel defeated Judah, broke down a section of Jerusalem’s wall, looted the Temple, and took treasures (2 Kings 14:13-14).

Later, Amaziah was assassinated by conspirators in Lachish (perhaps due to his failures). Bible: 2 Kings 14:3-7, 2 Chronicles 25:14-16.

Uzziah (Azariah) (792–740 BC) – Good (mostly).

Uzziah (called Azariah in 2 Kings) reigned 52 years and brought prosperity and strength to Judah. “He did that which was right in the sight of the LORD” like his father Amaziah. Uzziah sought God (mentored by the prophet Zechariah, 2 Chr 26:5) and God helped him.

He defeated the Philistines, fortified Jerusalem (built towers and a mighty wall), and built up a strong army with better weapons (2 Chronicles 26:3-15).

He’s traditionally credited with digging Hezekiah’s Tunnel? (Actually, that was Hezekiah; Uzziah dug wells and built infrastructure in the desert, 2 Chr 26:10.)

Unfortunately, Uzziah’s success led to pride. He entered the Temple to burn incense, a duty only for priests. When priests confronted him, Uzziah became angry – and God struck him with leprosy on his forehead (2 Chronicles 26:16-19).

He had leprosy until he died, living in a separate house, while his son Jotham governed in his place. Despite this failing, Uzziah is counted as a good king who strengthened Judah.

An inscription from later times (1st century BC) was found on a tomb, purportedly mentioning Uzziah’s bones being moved, confirming his historicity.

Also, a great earthquake occurred in Uzziah’s time (mentioned in Amos 1:1 and Zechariah 14:5), which geologists have found evidence for in layers of destruction around that period. Bible: 2 Kings 15:3-5, 2 Chronicles 26:15-21.

Jotham (750–732 BC) – Good.

Jotham, son of Uzziah, reigned 16 years. “He did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did” (2 Kings 15:34).

He learned from his father’s mistake and did not arrogantly intrude on priestly duties. Jotham continued building up Judah – he constructed a gate of the Temple, rebuilt parts of the wall, and built towns and forts (2 Chronicles 27:3-4).

He defeated the Ammonites, who paid him tribute for a few years (2 Chronicles 27:5).

The Bible notes that “the people did yet corruptly” (2 Chronicles 27:2) – meaning even though Jotham was faithful, some of his people still practiced corrupt worship.

Overall, Jotham was a good and godly king, and he died peacefully. Bible: 2 Kings 15:32-35, 2 Chronicles 27:1-6.

Ahaz (732–716 BC) – Bad.

Ahaz was Jotham’s son, but he took a very wicked turn. Ahaz “did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 16:2-3).

He embraced idolatry on a grand scale: he made molten images of Baal, burned incense in high places, and even sacrificed his own son in fire according to abominations of the pagans (2 Kings 16:3; 2 Chronicles 28:3).

When Syria (Aram) and Israel attacked Judah (Syro-Ephraimite War), Ahaz refused to trust God (despite the prophet Isaiah’s counsel – Isaiah 7). Instead, he asked Assyria for help.

Assyria did defeat his enemies, but Ahaz had to pay heavy tribute. He even visited the Assyrian king in Damascus and was so impressed by a pagan altar there that he copied its design and built a new altar in God’s Temple court (2 Kings 16:10-12).

He closed the doors of the Temple and set up altars to idols on every corner in Jerusalem (2 Chr 28:24).

Because of Ahaz’s extreme wickedness, Judah suffered: they lost battles, and many people were taken captive by Israel (though later mercifully sent back, see 2 Chr 28:8-15).

Ahaz died at 36; his bad reign showed Judah how low things could sink. Bible: 2 Kings 16:2-4, 2 Chronicles 28:24-25.

Hezekiah (716–687 BC) – Good.

Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, was one of the best kings of Judah. “He did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did” (2 Kings 18:3).

Hezekiah led a huge spiritual revival. In the very first month of his reign, he reopened the Temple and cleansed it (which Ahaz had closed), and gathered the priests and Levites to sanctify themselves.

He destroyed pagan altars and high places, smashed idols, and even broke the bronze serpent of Moses because people had started worshiping it (2 Kings 18:4).

Hezekiah trusted God strongly. When the Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah (701 BC), capturing all the fortified cities and threatening Jerusalem, Hezekiah didn’t surrender.

He encouraged the people, “With us is the LORD our God, to help us fight our battles” (2 Chr 32:7-8).

He prepared Jerusalem’s defenses by building Hezekiah’s Tunnel to bring water inside the city walls and fortifying the wall. Sennacherib sent a huge army and a boastful letter saying no god could save Jerusalem.

Hezekiah prayed earnestly in the Temple, and the prophet Isaiah told him God would defend the city.

That night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp, and Sennacherib withdrew in shock (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous rescue left Jerusalem unharmed. Assyrian records corroborate parts of this story: on

Sennacherib’s prism, the Assyrian king boasts of trapping Hezekiah “like a bird in a cage” in Jerusalem (he lists the cities he conquered in Judah). Notably, the prism does not say he captured Jerusalem – matching the Bible’s account that he failed to take the city.

Later, Hezekiah fell ill but prayed and God added 15 years to his life, even moving the sundial shadow as a sign (2 Kings 20:1-11).

Hezekiah had great faith, although at the end he showed off his treasures to Babylonian envoys, which Isaiah said was unwise (2 Kings 20:12-19). Overall, Hezekiah was a very good king who brought Judah back to God. Bible: 2 Kings 18:3-7, 2 Kings 19:32-36.

Manasseh (687–643 BC) – Bad (very), but repented late).

Manasseh was Hezekiah’s son but the polar opposite in behavior. He has the unfortunate reputation as Judah’s most evil king. He reigned 55 years (the longest of all) and did tremendous evil.

He rebuilt all the pagan shrines his father had destroyed, erected altars to Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshiped the sun, moon, and stars (2 Kings 21:3-5).

He set up idol altars even in the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem (2 Kings 21:4). Manasseh practiced witchcraft, divination, and sorcery, and even sacrificed his own son in the fire to idols (2 Kings 21:6).

He also filled Jerusalem with innocent blood (2 Kings 21:16). The Bible says he “made Judah to sin” worse than the pagan nations (2 Kings 21:9). Prophets warned that because of Manasseh’s sins, Jerusalem would face disaster (2 Kings 21:10-15).

According to 2 Chronicles 33:11-13, late in Manasseh’s reign the Assyrians came, captured him with hooks and bronze chains, and took him to Babylon. In his affliction, Manasseh humbled himself and prayed to God.

Astonishingly, God showed mercy: Manasseh was allowed to return to Jerusalem and regain his throne. After this, Manasseh changed his ways – he removed the foreign idols and repaired the altar of the LORD (2 Chr 33:15-16). His late-life repentance was genuine, but much damage had been done.

Bible: 2 Kings 21:1-9, 2 Chronicles 33:10-13. (Manasseh is mentioned in Assyrian records as a vassal king who paid tribute, showing he was a historical figure. His story shows it’s never too late to repent, but also that consequences of sin can be severe.)

Amon (643–641 BC) – Bad.

Amon was Manasseh’s son. He ruled only 2 years at age 22. He continued the evil practices of Manasseh’s earlier years – worshiping idols and forsaking the LORD (2 Kings 21:20-22).

Unlike his father, Amon did not repent. His own officials conspired against him and assassinated him in his house.

The people of the land then executed the conspirators and made Amon’s young son Josiah king (2 Kings 21:23-24). Bible: 2 Kings 21:19-23, 2 Chronicles 33:21-25.

Josiah (641–609 BC) – Good.

Josiah, son of Amon, became king at just 8 years old, and he turned out to be one of Judah’s greatest kings. “He did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father” (2 Kings 22:2).

When Josiah was in his twenties, he began to seek God seriously. He purged Judah and even parts of former Israel of idolatry – tearing down high places, smashing idols, and burning down pagan altars (2 Chronicles 34:3-7).

In the 18th year of his reign, Josiah ordered repairs to the Temple. During this restoration, the Book of the Law (probably Deuteronomy or the Torah) was found in the Temple (it had been lost or ignored during the evil reigns before).

When the book was read to Josiah, he was horrified at how far the nation had strayed, and he tore his clothes in grief (2 Kings 22:8-11).

He gathered all the people and made a covenant to follow the LORD and obey His commands (2 Kings 23:1-3).

Josiah then led the most thorough purge of idol worship in Judah’s history: he destroyed altars, executed idolatrous priests, and even went up to the former northern kingdom’s territory to defile the altar at Bethel that Jeroboam had built long ago (fulfilling a prophecy from 1 Kings 13:2 – see 2 Kings 23:15-16).

Josiah also reinstituted the Passover celebration in a big way – and the Bible says “surely there was not holden such a Passover” since the days of the judges (2 Kings 23:21-23).

Sadly, Josiah’s life ended prematurely: in 609 BC, he tried to stop Pharaoh Necho of Egypt from passing through Judah to fight Babylon, and Josiah was killed in battle at Megiddo (2 Kings 23:28-30).

His death was deeply mourned (even the prophet Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah – 2 Chronicles 35:25). Josiah’s reign was the last bright spot for Judah. Bible: 2 Kings 22:8-13, 2 Kings 23:24-25.

Jehoahaz (609 BC) – Bad.

Jehoahaz (also called Shallum in Jeremiah 22:11) was Josiah’s younger son. The people made him king after Josiah’s death, but he lasted only 3 months. He was 23 and “did evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 23:31-32).

Pharaoh Necho, on his way back from fighting (after killing Josiah), deposed Jehoahaz and took him captive to Egypt, where he eventually died (2 Kings 23:33-34).

Necho imposed a heavy tribute on Judah and placed Jehoahaz’s older brother Eliakim (renamed Jehoiakim) on the throne as a puppet. Bible: 2 Kings 23:30-34, 2 Chronicles 36:1-4.

Jehoiakim (609–598 BC) – Bad.

Jehoiakim (original name Eliakim) was another son of Josiah, but unlike his father, he was wicked. Pharaoh Necho put him in power and he taxed the people to pay Egypt (2 Kings 23:35). Jehoiakim “did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 23:37).

He reversed Josiah’s reforms, leading Judah back into wrongdoing. The prophets Jeremiah and Uriah prophesied in his time, warning of judgment. Jehoiakim even brazenly cut up and burned a scroll of Jeremiah’s prophecies rather than repent (Jeremiah 36:22-24).

During Jehoiakim’s reign, the world power shifted: Babylon defeated Egypt, and King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came up against Judah.

Jehoiakim became Babylon’s vassal for a few years, but then he rebelled. Babylonian raiders as well as Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite bands attacked Judah (2 Kings 24:1-4).

Jehoiakim died (either assassinated or died during the siege) before Babylon fully took the city. Jeremiah 22:18-19 says Jehoiakim would have the burial of a donkey – hinting his end was inglorious.

Bible: 2 Kings 23:36-37, 2 Kings 24:1-4.

Jehoiachin (598–597 BC) – Bad.

Jehoiachin (also called Jeconiah or Coniah) was Jehoiakim’s 18-year-old son. He reigned only 3 months in Jerusalem. In that short time, the Bible still notes “he did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father had done” (2 Kings 24:9).

Jehoiachin’s reign ended when Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian army laid siege to Jerusalem. Realizing defeat, King Jehoiachin surrendered.

In 597 BC, Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin captive to Babylon, along with the treasures of the Temple and a large number of officials, soldiers, and craftsmen – about 10,000 captives (2 Kings 24:12-16).

This was the first major Babylonian deportation, marking the start of the Babylonian exile. In Jehoiachin’s place, Nebuchadnezzar set up Zedekiah (Jehoiachin’s uncle) as a puppet king.

Bible: 2 Kings 24:8-15, 2 Chronicles 36:9-10.

Historical note: Archaeologists have discovered Babylonian cuneiform tablets (the Jehoiachin Ration Tablets) that mention Jehoiachin by name.

These tablets list food rations given to “Ya˛úkin, king of Judah” and his sons in Babylon.

This amazing find confirms that Jehoiachin lived in exile in Babylon and was treated as a captive king – exactly as the Bible describes (even 2 Kings 25:27-30 notes that later Babylonian king Evil-merodach released Jehoiachin and gave him a daily allowance). It’s a direct archaeological confirmation of a biblical king’s fate.

Zedekiah (597–586 BC) – Bad (last king of Judah).

Zedekiah (original name Mattaniah) was Josiah’s son and Jehoiachin’s uncle. He was appointed king by Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah was weak in character and “did evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 36:12).

The prophet Jeremiah was his contemporary, urging him to obey Babylon and turn to God, but Zedekiah often vacillated and feared his officials more than God. In 589 BC, Zedekiah foolishly rebelled against Babylon, hoping Egypt might help.

This led Nebuchadnezzar to bring his army for a final siege of Jerusalem that lasted about 1½ years (2 Kings 25:1-2). The situation in the city became dire with famine.

In 586 BC, the Babylonians breached Jerusalem’s walls. Zedekiah tried to escape but was captured.

The Babylonians executed his sons before his eyes, then blinded Zedekiah and took him in chains to Babylon (2 Kings 25:6-7) – a tragic fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy that Zedekiah would go to Babylon “yet he shall not see it” (Ezekiel 12:13).

Nebuchadnezzar’s forces burned the Temple, the palace, and the houses of Jerusalem, and broke down the city walls. They carried away most of the remaining people into exile, leaving only the poorest behind (2 Kings 25:8-12).

This was the end of the Kingdom of Judah and the start of the 70-year Babylonian Captivity predicted by Jeremiah. Bible: 2 Kings 24:18-20, 2 Kings 25:1-7, 2 Chronicles 36:11-20.

Historical notes: The fall of Jerusalem is well attested. Babylonian chronicles describe Nebuchadnezzar’s campaign against Judah. Archaeologists have found burn layers in Jerusalem from 586 BC.

And as mentioned, Babylonian records confirm the exile of Jehoiachin and treatment of captive Judahite royalty, which implies Zedekiah’s time as well.

After Judah fell, there was no king of David’s line on the throne until the return from exile, when later Jews awaited a future King (the Messiah) from David’s lineage.

Conclusion

The kings of Israel and Judah present a rich tapestry of leadership – some who sought God and brought peace and reform, and many who led the people into trouble through idol worship and disobedience.

The Bible (especially the books of Kings and Chronicles) gives clear verdicts on these rulers by labeling their reigns as good or bad in God’s eyes. We see that faithfulness brings stability, while turning away from God brings ruin.

The archaeological findings – such as ancient inscriptions and artifacts – amazingly line up with these biblical accounts, from Pharaoh Shishak’s record of attacking Rehoboam’s cities, to the Mesha Stele confirming Omri’s oppression of Moab, to the Black Obelisk showing Jehu’s tribute to Assyria, the Tel Dan Stele naming the House of David, the Assyrian prism boasting of besieging Hezekiah, and the Babylonian tablets recording Jehoiachin’s exile.

These historical echoes remind us that these biblical kings were real people and their choices had real consequences.

Ultimately, the legacy of the kings teaches an important lesson: good leadership matters.

The “good” kings weren’t perfect, but they tried to uphold justice and true worship, and they are remembered for it.

The “bad” kings led their nations into moral and spiritual darkness, and their kingdoms suffered.

This list of Israel’s and Judah’s kings shows how the fortunes of a nation were closely tied to the integrity and faith of its leader.

It also sets the stage for the hope of a future perfect King – a hope that many see fulfilled in the coming of Jesus, the Messiah from the line of David, who would be a righteous King forever.

For students of history or the Bible, the tales of these kings are both a cautionary saga and a fascinating journey confirmed by both scripture and archaeology. May we learn from both the triumphs and mistakes of these ancient rulers!