The Kingdom of Judah, established after the division of the united monarchy of Israel, was ruled by a succession of kings from the line of David. This southern kingdom, with its capital in Jerusalem, existed from approximately 930 BC until its conquest by Babylon in 586 BC. The kings of Judah are significant in biblical history for their varied adherence to the covenant with God, their influence on the spiritual state of the nation, and their role in the lineage of the Messiah.

Rehoboam
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, was the first king of Judah. His reign began around 930 BC, following the division of the united kingdom due to his harsh policies, which led to the secession of the northern tribes (1 Kings 12:16-17). Rehoboam's reign was marked by idolatry and conflict with Egypt, as recorded in 1 Kings 14:22-24.

Abijah (Abijam)
Abijah, Rehoboam's son, reigned for three years. His rule was characterized by continued conflict with Jeroboam of Israel. Despite his shortcomings, Abijah is noted for a significant victory over Israel, attributed to his reliance on the LORD (2 Chronicles 13:18).

Asa
Asa, the son of Abijah, was a reformer who reigned for 41 years. He is commended for his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry and for his reliance on God during military threats, as seen in 2 Chronicles 14:2-5. However, later in his reign, Asa relied on foreign alliances rather than God, which led to his rebuke by the prophet Hanani (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat, Asa's son, continued his father's reforms and sought to strengthen Judah's spiritual and political standing. He is noted for his judicial reforms and his alliance with Ahab of Israel, which was criticized by the prophet Jehu (2 Chronicles 19:2). Jehoshaphat's reliance on God during a coalition invasion is a highlight of his reign (2 Chronicles 20:12).

Jehoram
Jehoram, Jehoshaphat's son, married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, which led to the introduction of Baal worship in Judah. His reign was marked by violence and idolatry, resulting in divine judgment (2 Chronicles 21:12-15).

Ahaziah
Ahaziah, Jehoram's son, reigned for only one year. Influenced by his mother Athaliah, he continued the idolatrous practices of Ahab's house. His reign ended when he was killed by Jehu during his purge of Ahab's descendants (2 Chronicles 22:7-9).

Athaliah
Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, seized the throne and ruled for six years. Her reign was marked by the attempted extermination of the Davidic line, but Joash, a rightful heir, was hidden and later revealed (2 Chronicles 22:10-12).

Joash (Jehoash)
Joash, rescued and raised by Jehoiada the priest, became king at seven years old. His early reign was marked by religious reforms and the restoration of the temple. However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash turned to idolatry, leading to his assassination (2 Chronicles 24:17-25).

Amaziah
Amaziah, the son of Joash, initially followed the LORD but later turned to idolatry. His reign included a significant military victory over Edom but ended in defeat and capture by Israel, leading to his assassination (2 Chronicles 25:14-27).

Uzziah (Azariah)
Uzziah, also known as Azariah, reigned for 52 years and was known for his military successes and building projects. However, his pride led to his downfall when he unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, resulting in leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

Jotham
Jotham, Uzziah's son, reigned for 16 years and is noted for his faithfulness to God and his successful military campaigns. His reign was relatively peaceful and prosperous (2 Chronicles 27:6).

Ahaz
Ahaz, the son of Jotham, was one of Judah's most idolatrous kings. He introduced pagan practices and sought Assyrian assistance against Israel and Syria, leading to Judah's spiritual and political decline (2 Chronicles 28:1-4).

Hezekiah
Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was a reformer who restored temple worship and celebrated the Passover. His reign was marked by his trust in God during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, resulting in divine deliverance (2 Chronicles 32:20-22).

Manasseh
Manasseh, Hezekiah's son, reigned for 55 years and is remembered for his extreme idolatry and shedding of innocent blood. However, he repented later in life, leading to some restoration (2 Chronicles 33:12-13).

Amon
Amon, the son of Manasseh, continued his father's early idolatrous practices and was assassinated after a two-year reign (2 Chronicles 33:22-24).

Josiah
Josiah, Amon's son, became king at eight years old and is celebrated for his extensive religious reforms and rediscovery of the Book of the Law. His reign was a high point in Judah's spiritual history (2 Chronicles 34:1-33).

Jehoahaz
Jehoahaz, Josiah's son, reigned for only three months before being deposed by Pharaoh Necho of Egypt (2 Chronicles 36:1-4).

Jehoiakim
Jehoiakim, originally named Eliakim, was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Necho. His reign was marked by oppression and idolatry, leading to Babylonian subjugation (2 Chronicles 36:5-8).

Jehoiachin
Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim's son, reigned for three months before surrendering to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, leading to his exile (2 Chronicles 36:9-10).

Zedekiah
Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, was placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar. His rebellion against Babylon led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC (2 Chronicles 36:11-20).

The kings of Judah, despite their varied faithfulness, played a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King from the line of David.