The history of the kings of Israel and Judah is a significant aspect of the Old Testament narrative, chronicling the leadership and spiritual direction of the Hebrew people following the era of the judges. This period begins with the united monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon, and continues through the divided kingdoms of Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom).

United Monarchy

1. Saul · The first king of Israel, Saul was anointed by the prophet Samuel. His reign is marked by initial military successes but ultimately marred by disobedience to God, leading to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:26). Saul's tragic end comes in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:4).

2. David · Known as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), David's reign is characterized by the unification of Israel and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center. Despite personal failings, such as the incident with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), David's legacy is one of devotion to God and the establishment of a covenantal promise that his lineage would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:16).

3. Solomon · Renowned for his wisdom, Solomon's reign is marked by peace and prosperity. He constructs the First Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father David's vision (1 Kings 6:1). However, Solomon's later years are tainted by idolatry, influenced by his foreign wives, leading to God's pronouncement that the kingdom would be divided after his death (1 Kings 11:11).

Divided Kingdom

Following Solomon's death, the kingdom splits into Israel in the north and Judah in the south.

Kings of Israel (Northern Kingdom)

1. Jeroboam I · The first king of the northern kingdom, Jeroboam establishes alternative worship centers at Bethel and Dan, leading Israel into idolatry (1 Kings 12:28-30).

2. Ahab · Notorious for his marriage to Jezebel and the promotion of Baal worship, Ahab's reign is marked by conflict with the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 16:30-33).

3. Jehu · Known for his violent purge of Ahab's house and the eradication of Baal worship, Jehu's zeal is noted, though he fails to fully turn Israel back to God (2 Kings 10:28-31).

4. Hoshea · The last king of Israel, Hoshea's reign ends with the Assyrian conquest and the exile of the northern tribes in 722 BC (2 Kings 17:6).

Kings of Judah (Southern Kingdom)

1. Rehoboam · Solomon's son, whose harsh policies lead to the division of the kingdom (1 Kings 12:14-16).

2. Jehoshaphat · Known for his religious reforms and alliance with Ahab, Jehoshaphat seeks to follow the ways of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:3-6).

3. Hezekiah · A reformer king, Hezekiah restores temple worship and seeks to rid Judah of idolatry. His faith is tested during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:5-7).

4. Josiah · Renowned for his extensive religious reforms and rediscovery of the Book of the Law, Josiah's reign is a high point of spiritual renewal (2 Kings 22:1-2).

5. Zedekiah · The last king of Judah, Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon leads to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:1-7).

Throughout the narratives of these kings, the Bible emphasizes the importance of covenant faithfulness and the consequences of idolatry and disobedience. The prophets play a crucial role in calling the kings and the people back to God, highlighting the enduring theme of repentance and divine mercy.