The title "King of Judah" refers to the monarchs who ruled over the southern kingdom of Judah following the division of the united monarchy of Israel after the reign of King Solomon. This division resulted in two separate kingdoms: the northern kingdom, known as Israel, and the southern kingdom, known as Judah. The kings of Judah were descendants of King David, fulfilling God's promise to David that his lineage would endure (2 Samuel 7:16).

Rehoboam
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, was the first king of Judah. His reign marked the beginning of the divided kingdom. His harsh policies led to the secession of the ten northern tribes, forming the kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 12:16-17). Despite his initial failure, Rehoboam fortified cities and maintained the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:5-17).

Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was noted for his piety and reforms. He sought to eliminate idolatry and instructed the people in the Law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:6-9). His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, as he strengthened Judah's defenses and established a judicial system (2 Chronicles 19:4-11).

Hezekiah
Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was a reformer king who restored the temple and reinstated the Passover (2 Chronicles 29:3-36). He trusted in the Lord during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, and God delivered Judah from the hands of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:32-36). Hezekiah's faithfulness is highlighted in 2 Kings 18:5: "He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him."

Josiah
Josiah, the son of Amon, became king at a young age and was known for his zealous reforms. He rediscovered the Book of the Law during temple repairs and led a national repentance (2 Kings 22:8-13). Josiah's reforms included the destruction of high places and idols, and the reinstitution of the Passover (2 Kings 23:21-23).

Manasseh
Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, had one of the longest and most notorious reigns. He led Judah into idolatry and abominations, provoking God's anger (2 Kings 21:1-9). However, after being taken captive to Babylon, Manasseh repented and was restored to his kingdom, where he attempted to undo his previous wrongs (2 Chronicles 33:12-13).

Zedekiah
Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, reigned during the Babylonian conquest. His reign ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC, fulfilling the prophetic warnings of Jeremiah (2 Kings 25:1-7). Zedekiah's refusal to heed God's word through the prophets led to the exile of Judah.

The kings of Judah played a crucial role in the spiritual and political history of the Israelites. Their reigns were marked by periods of faithfulness and apostasy, reflecting the nation's covenant relationship with God. The Davidic line, despite its challenges, remained central to the messianic hope, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to David.