Throughout the history of the Kingdom of Judah, various nations and groups emerged as adversaries, challenging its sovereignty, faith, and survival. These enemies often played significant roles in the biblical narrative, serving as instruments of divine judgment or as foils to highlight Judah's faithfulness or lack thereof.

1. Egypt

Egypt was a perennial power in the ancient Near East and frequently interacted with Judah, sometimes as an ally and other times as an adversary. During the reign of King Josiah, Egypt became a direct enemy when Pharaoh Neco II marched through Judah to assist Assyria against Babylon. Josiah opposed him at Megiddo, where he was killed (2 Kings 23:29-30). This event marked a significant turning point, leading to increased Egyptian influence over Judah.

2. Assyria

Assyria was a dominant empire that posed a significant threat to Judah during the 8th and 7th centuries BC. The Assyrian kings, such as Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, and Sennacherib, exerted pressure on Judah. King Hezekiah's reign was notably marked by Assyrian aggression. Sennacherib's invasion, described in 2 Kings 18-19, was a critical moment when Jerusalem was miraculously delivered after Hezekiah's prayer and the intervention of the prophet Isaiah. The angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib's withdrawal (2 Kings 19:35-36).

3. Babylon

Babylon emerged as a formidable enemy in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. Under King Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon besieged Jerusalem multiple times, ultimately leading to its destruction in 586 BC. The Babylonian captivity was a pivotal event in Judah's history, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets. The fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile are detailed in 2 Kings 24-25 and 2 Chronicles 36. The Babylonian conquest was seen as divine retribution for Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience.

4. Edom

Edom, the descendants of Esau, maintained a complex relationship with Judah. Although related by ancestry, Edom often acted with hostility towards Judah. During the Babylonian invasion, Edom rejoiced over Judah's downfall and participated in the plundering of Jerusalem. This betrayal is condemned in the prophetic books, notably in Obadiah, which pronounces judgment on Edom for its actions against Judah.

5. Philistines

The Philistines were longstanding enemies of Israel and Judah, frequently engaging in conflicts throughout the biblical narrative. They occupied the coastal regions and often raided the territories of Judah. The Philistine threat persisted from the time of the Judges through the monarchy, with notable encounters during the reigns of Saul, David, and subsequent kings. The Philistines are mentioned in various contexts, including the famous battle between David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17).

6. Moab and Ammon

The nations of Moab and Ammon, descendants of Lot, were recurrent adversaries of Judah. They often allied with other nations against Judah and Israel. During Jehoshaphat's reign, a coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites threatened Judah, but God delivered Judah through divine intervention (2 Chronicles 20). The prophets frequently pronounced judgments against Moab and Ammon for their enmity and idolatry.

7. Aram (Syria)

Aram, or Syria, was another significant enemy, particularly during the divided monarchy. The Arameans, under kings like Ben-Hadad, frequently clashed with Judah and Israel. The alliance between Aram and Israel against Judah during the Syro-Ephraimite War is a notable event, prompting King Ahaz to seek Assyrian assistance (2 Kings 16).

These enemies of Judah, while often instruments of divine judgment, also served to test the faith and resilience of God's people. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the sovereignty of God over nations and His ultimate plan for redemption through the line of Judah.