The Kings of Israel

United Kingdom

Saul (Sha’ul, שָׁאוּל) Reign: c. 1050–1010 BCE

First king of Israel, chosen by God through Samuel. His reign was marked by military victories and failures. Disobeyed God, leading to his rejection as king. Died in battle against the Philistines.
Prophet: Samuel – The last judge and first prophet, Samuel anointed both Saul and David as kings of Israel. He provided guidance and rebuke to Saul, especially when Saul disobeyed God’s commands.
Scriptural References: 1 Samuel 9–31
Related Places:

  • Gibeah: Residence of King Saul (1 Samuel 10:26, 15:34).
  • Beth-Shemesh: Important in the narrative involving the Ark of the Covenant during the time of King David (1 Samuel 6:9-12).

David (Dawid, דָּוִד) Reign: c. 1010–970 BCE

Second king, known for his faith in God and his military prowess. Unified Israel, established Jerusalem as the capital, and brought the Ark of the Covenant there. Authored many Psalms. His reign included significant personal failings, such as the incident with Bathsheba.
Prophets: Nathan, Gad

  • Nathan – A court prophet who confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba and prophesied the troubles that would come upon his house.
  • Gad – Another prophet during David’s reign, known for advising David during his flight from Saul and later commanding David to build an altar to stop a plague.
    Scriptural References: 1 Samuel 16–1 Kings 2, 1 Chronicles 11–29, 2 Samuel 12:1-25, 2 Samuel 24:11-19
    Related Places:
  • City of David (Jerusalem): Captured by King David and made the capital of Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-10).
  • Abel Beth-Maacah: Mentioned during the reign of King David. It is where Sheba took refuge when rebelling against David (2 Samuel 20:14-22).
  • En-Gedi: David hid from King Saul in the caves of En-Gedi (1 Samuel 23:29).
  • Mount of Olives: Mentioned in the context of King David fleeing from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:30).
  • Jericho: Mentioned in the context of King David’s time. The city is rebuilt during the reign of King Ahab (1 Kings 16:34).

Solomon (Shlomo, שְׁלֹמֹה) Reign: c. 970–931 BCE

Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His later years were marked by idolatry influenced by his foreign wives, leading to God’s judgment and the eventual division of the kingdom.
Prophets: Ahijah, Iddo

  • Ahijah – A prophet who foretold the division of the kingdom and the rise of Jeroboam.
  • Iddo – A seer who recorded events during Solomon’s reign and prophesied against Jeroboam.
    Scriptural References: 1 Kings 1–11, 2 Chronicles 1–9
    Related Places:
  • Temple Mount (Jerusalem): Location of the First Temple built by Solomon (1 Kings 6-8).
  • Tel Hazor: Mentioned during the time of Solomon (1 Kings 9:15). GospelDefender
  • Tel Megiddo: Fortified by King Solomon (1 Kings 9:15). GospelDefender

Divided Kingdom (Israel and Judah)

Kingdom of Israel (Northern Kingdom)

Jeroboam I (Yeroboam, יָרָבְעָם) Reign: c. 931–910 BCE

First king of the northern kingdom. Led Israel into idolatry by setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent people from going to Jerusalem.
Prophet: Ahijah – Foretold the rise of Jeroboam and the division of the kingdom. Later condemned Jeroboam for his idolatry.
Scriptural References: 1 Kings 12:20–14:20
Related Places:

Nadab (נָדָב) Reign: c. 910–909 BCE

Son of Jeroboam. Continued his father’s idolatrous practices. Assassinated by Baasha.
Scriptural References: 1 Kings 15:25–31

Baasha (בַּעְשָׁא) Reign: c. 909–886 BCE

Usurper who killed Nadab and destroyed Jeroboam’s family. Continued idolatry. His reign saw constant warfare with Judah.
Prophet: Jehu son of Hanani – Rebuked Baasha for his sins and prophesied the destruction of his dynasty.
Scriptural References: 1 Kings 15:32–16:7

Elah (אֵלָה) Reign: c. 886–885 BCE

Son of Baasha. Assassinated by his chariot commander, Zimri.
Scriptural References: 1 Kings 16:8–14

Zimri (זִמְרִי) Reign: c. 885 BCE (7 days)

Usurper who killed Elah. Reigned for only seven days before committing suicide as Omri besieged his palace.
Scriptural References: 1 Kings 16:15–20

Tibni (Tibni ben Ginath, תִּבְנִי בֶּן-גִּינַת) Reign: c. 885–880 BCE (Contemporary rival king)

Contended with Omri for the throne. Eventually defeated and killed.
Scriptural References: 1 Kings 16:21–22

Omri (עָמְרִי) Reign: c. 885–874 BCE

Established Samaria as the capital of Israel. Strengthened Israel politically and militarily. Father of Ahab.
Scriptural References: 1 Kings 16:23–28
Related Places:

  • Samaria: Capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel established by King Omri (1 Kings 16:24).

Ahab (Achav, אַחְאָב) Reign: c. 874–853 BCE

Known for his marriage to Jezebel and promotion of Baal worship. Opposed by the prophet Elijah. Defeated in battle by the Syrians.
Prophet: Elijah – Confronted Ahab and Jezebel about their idolatry and wickedness, orchestrated the contest on Mount Carmel, and pronounced judgment on their house.
Scriptural References: 1 Kings 16:29–22:40
Related Places:

  • Jericho: The city is rebuilt during the reign of King Ahab (1 Kings 16:34).

Ahaziah (אֲחַזְיָה) Reign: c. 853–852 BCE

Son of Ahab. Continued his father’s idolatrous practices. Injured and died without heir.
Prophet: Elijah – Predicted Ahaziah’s death after his messengers consulted Baal-Zebub.
Scriptural References: 1 Kings 22:51–53, 2 Kings 1

Jehoram (Joram, יְהוֹרָם) Reign: c. 852–841 BCE

Brother of Ahaziah. Faced revolts and wars. Also opposed by the prophet Elisha.
Prophet: Elisha – Continued Elijah’s work, performing miracles, providing counsel in wars, and denouncing the sins of Israel.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 1:17, 3–9

Jehu (יֵהוּא) Reign: c. 841–814 BCE

Anointed by Elisha. Destroyed Ahab’s family and eradicated Baal worship but continued the golden calf cult.
Prophet: Elisha – Anointed Jehu to be king and commissioned him to eradicate Baal worship.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 9–10
Related Places:

  • Tel Jezreel: Where Jehu executed Jezebel and Ahab’s descendants (2 Kings 9:30-37).

Jehoahaz (Joahaz, יְהוֹאָחָז) Reign: c. 814–798 BCE

Son of Jehu. Reigned during a time of oppression by the Arameans.
Prophet: Elisha – Continued his ministry during Jehoahaz’s reign, providing some deliverance for Israel.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 13:1–9

Jehoash (Joash, יְהוֹאָשׁ) Reign: c. 798–782 BCE

Recaptured cities from the Arameans. Elisha’s final prophecies were given during his reign.
Prophet: Elisha – Delivered his final prophecies and miracles during Jehoash’s reign, including the prophecy about Israel’s victories over Aram.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 13:10–25, 14:8–16

Jeroboam II (Yeroboam, יָרָבְעָם) Reign: c. 782–753 BCE

Restored Israel’s borders and brought prosperity. Criticized by prophets Amos and Hosea.
Prophets: Amos, Hosea

  • Amos – Criticized the social injustices and religious corruption of Israel during Jeroboam II’s reign.
  • Hosea – Used his own marital experience as a symbol of God’s relationship with Israel, condemning their idolatry and unfaithfulness.
    Scriptural References: 2 Kings 14:23–29
    Related Places:
  • Tel Dan: Continued to worship at the golden calf set up by Jeroboam I (2 Kings 14:23-29).

Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה) Reign: c. 753–752 BCE

Last of Jehu’s dynasty. Assassinated by Shallum.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 15:8–12

Shallum (שַׁלּוּם) Reign: c. 752 BCE (1 month)

Usurper who reigned for a month before being killed by Menahem.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 15:13–15

Menahem (מְנַחֵם) Reign: c. 752–742 BCE

Known for his brutality. Paid tribute to Assyria.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 15:16–22

Pekahiah (פְּקַחְיָה) Reign: c. 742–740 BCE

Son of Menahem. Assassinated by Pekah.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 15:23–26

Pekah (פֶּקַח) Reign: c. 752–732 BCE (overlapping reign)

Formed an anti-Assyrian coalition. Killed by Hoshea.
Prophet: Oded – Condemned Pekah’s actions during the war against Judah and facilitated the release of captives.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 15:27–31, 2 Chronicles 28:9–15

Hoshea (הוֹשֵׁעַ) Reign: c. 732–722 BCE

Last king of Israel. Became a vassal of Assyria, later rebelled, leading to Israel’s defeat and exile.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 17:1–6

Kingdom of Judah (Southern Kingdom)

Rehoboam (Rechavam, רְחַבְעָם) Reign: c. 931–913 BCE

Son of Solomon. His harsh policies led to the division of the kingdom. Faced invasions by Egypt.
Prophet: Shemaiah – Warned Rehoboam not to fight against the northern tribes and foretold the invasion by Shishak.
Scriptural References: 1 Kings 12:1–24, 14:21–31, 2 Chronicles 10–12
Related Places:

Abijah (Abijam, אֲבִיָּה) Reign: c. 913–911 BCE

Son of Rehoboam. Defeated Jeroboam I in battle but continued idol worship.
Prophet: Iddo – Recorded the acts of Abijah and prophesied against Jeroboam.
Scriptural References: 1 Kings 15:1–8, 2 Chronicles 13

Asa (אָסָא) Reign: c. 911–870 BCE

Reformed Judah, removing idols and restoring proper worship. Faced threats from Baasha of Israel.
Prophets: Azariah, Hanani

  • Azariah – Encouraged Asa to continue his reforms and assured him of God’s presence.
  • Hanani – Rebuked Asa for relying on the king of Aram instead of God.
    Scriptural References: 1 Kings 15:9–24, 2 Chronicles 14–16

Jehoshaphat (Yehoshafat, יְהוֹשָׁפָט) Reign: c. 870–848 BCE

Strengthened Judah religiously and militarily. Formed alliances with Israel. Faced invasion by a coalition of enemies.
Prophet: Jehu son of Hanani – Rebuked Jehoshaphat for his alliances with Ahab and Ahaziah.
Scriptural References: 1 Kings 22:41–50, 2 Chronicles 17–20

Jehoram (Joram, יְהוֹרָם) Reign: c. 848–841 BCE

Married Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Introduced Baal worship in Judah. Faced revolts.
Prophet: Elijah – Sent a letter condemning Jehoram for his evil practices and predicting his painful death.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 8:16–24, 2 Chronicles 21

Ahaziah (אֲחַזְיָה) Reign: c. 841 BCE

Son of Jehoram and Athaliah. Influenced by his mother, continued Baal worship. Killed by Jehu.
Prophet: Elijah – Prophesied Ahaziah’s demise through a letter.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 8:25–29, 9:27–29, 2 Chronicles 22:1–9

Athaliah (עֲתַלְיָה) Reign: c. 841–835 BCE (Queen)

Daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Seized the throne, killed royal family members, except Joash. Overthrown and killed. *Not from the family of David.
Prophet: Jehoiada (priest) – Led a revolt against Athaliah and restored Joash to the throne.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 11:1–20, 2 Chronicles 22:10–23:21

Joash (Jehoash, יוֹאָשׁ) Reign: c. 835–796 BCE

Hidden as a child, later crowned king. Repaired the Temple but fell into idolatry in later years. Assassinated.
Prophet: Zechariah son of Jehoiada – Rebuked Joash for abandoning God’s ways and was subsequently murdered by the king’s command.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 11:21–12:21, 2 Chronicles 24

Amaziah (אֲמַצְיָה) Reign: c. 796–767 BCE

Defeated Edom but later worshiped their gods. Defeated by Israel and assassinated.
Prophet: Unknown
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 14:1–20, 2 Chronicles 25

Uzziah (Azariah, עֻזִּיָּהוּ, עֲזַרְיָה) Reign: c. 767–740 BCE

Prosperous reign with military success and infrastructure projects. Struck with leprosy for unlawfully burning incense in the Temple.
Prophets: Isaiah, Amos

  • Isaiah – Prophesied during Uzziah’s reign and had a vision of the Lord in the year Uzziah died.
  • Amos – Delivered messages condemning the social injustices and religious complacency of the northern kingdom during Uzziah’s time.
    Scriptural References: 2 Kings 15:1–7, 2 Chronicles 26
    Related Places:
  • Tel Arad: Contains remains of a fortress that existed during the time of the kings of Judah (Numbers 21:1, Joshua 12:14).
  • Tel Beersheba: Important during the reigns of the patriarchs and during the monarchy (1 Samuel 8:2, 1 Kings 19:3).

Jotham (Yotam, יוֹתָם) Reign: c. 740–732 BCE

Fortified Judah, maintained religious reforms. Faced threats from Aram and Israel.
Prophet: Micah – Prophesied during Jotham’s reign, addressing social injustice and calling for repentance.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 15:32–38, 2 Chronicles 27

Ahaz (אָחָז) Reign: c. 732–716 BCE

Introduced idol worship, including child sacrifice. Allied with Assyria against Israel and Aram.
Prophet: Isaiah – Warned Ahaz against forming foreign alliances and offered signs of God’s protection.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28

Hezekiah (Chizkiyahu, חִזְקִיָּהוּ) Reign: c. 716–687 BCE

Implemented major religious reforms, restoring proper worship. Successfully resisted Assyrian siege. Noted for his faith and prayers.
Prophet: Isaiah – Advised Hezekiah, offering comfort and delivering prophecies about the future of Judah and Assyria.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 18–20, 2 Chronicles 29–32, Isaiah 36–39
Related Places:

Manasseh (Menashe, מְנַשֶּׁה) Reign: c. 687–642 BCE

Known for his idolatry and wickedness, but repented later in life. Longest-reigning king of Judah.
Prophet: Unknown
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 21:1–18, 2 Chronicles 33:1–20

Amon (אָמֹן) Reign: c. 642–640 BCE

Continued idolatry. Assassinated by his servants.
Prophet: Unknown
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 21:19–26, 2 Chronicles 33:21–25

Josiah (Yoshiyahu, יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ) Reign: c. 640–609 BCE

Rediscovered the Book of the Law, implemented significant religious reforms. Killed in battle against Pharaoh Necho.
Prophet: Huldah – Verified the authenticity of the Book of the Law and pronounced judgment on Judah.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 22–23, 2 Chronicles 34–35
Related Places:

Jehoahaz (Shallum, יְהוֹאָחָז, שַׁלּוּם) Reign: c. 609 BCE (3 months)

Deposed by Pharaoh Necho and taken to Egypt.
Prophet: Jeremiah – Prophesied the downfall of Jehoahaz and his exile to Egypt.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 23:31–34, 2 Chronicles 36:1–4

Jehoiakim (Eliakim, יְהוֹיָקִים, אֶלְיָקִים) Reign: c. 609–598 BCE

Appointed by Pharaoh Necho. Faced Babylonian invasion. Known for burning the scroll of Jeremiah’s prophecies.
Prophet: Jeremiah – Repeatedly warned Jehoiakim about the coming Babylonian invasion and condemned his disregard for God’s word.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 23:34–24:6, 2 Chronicles 36:4–8, Jeremiah 36:1-32

Jehoiachin (Jeconiah, Coniah, יְהוֹיָכִין, יְכָנְיָהוּ, כָּנְיָה) Reign: c. 598–597 BCE (3 months)

Taken captive to Babylon. Released from prison later in life.
Prophet: Jeremiah – Predicted Jehoiachin’s captivity and eventual release from prison.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 24:8–16, 2 Chronicles 36:9–10, Jeremiah 22:24-30

Zedekiah (Mattaniah, צִדְקִיָּהוּ, מַתַּנְיָה) Reign: c. 597–586 BCE

Last king of Judah. Rebellion against Babylon led to Jerusalem’s destruction and exile. Blinded and taken to Babylon.
Prophet: Jeremiah – Warned Zedekiah about the consequences of rebelling against Babylon and foretold the fall of Jerusalem.
Scriptural References: 2 Kings 24:17–25:7, 2 Chronicles 36:11–21, Jeremiah 52:1–11
Related Places:

General References

  • Bruce, F. F. (1980). Israel and the nations: The history of Israel from the Exodus to the fall of the Second Temple. IVP Academic. Amazon | Logos

Archaeological and Historical References

  • Ben-Tor, A. (1994). The archaeology of the land of Israel: From the prehistoric beginnings to the end of the first temple period. Yale University Press.
  • Cline, E. H. (2009). Biblical archaeology: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
  • Coogan, M. D. (Ed.). (1998). The Oxford history of the biblical world. Oxford University Press.
  • Kitchen, K. A. (2006). On the reliability of the Old Testament. Eerdmans.

Specialized References

  • Merrill, E. H. (2008). Kingdom of priests: A history of Old Testament Israel (2nd ed.). Baker Academic.
  • Rainey, A. F., & Notley, R. S. (2006). The sacred bridge: Carta’s atlas of the biblical world. Carta.
  • VanGemeren, W. A. (Ed.). (1997). New international dictionary of Old Testament theology and exegesis (Vols. 1-5). Zondervan.
  • Wood, L. J. (1979). The prophets of Israel. Baker Book House.

Websites

Leave a comment

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑