Kings of Israel and Judah

A handsome and humble Benjamite whom the prophet Samuel anointed as Israel’s first king. Saul came into his own when he rallied the nation to defend Jabesh. He united the tribes for the first time since Joshua and scored impressive victories over the Philistines and other enemies pressing on Israel’s borders. Early achievements were overshadowed by his personal torment and demonic insanity, his clashes with Samuel and his love/hate relationship with David. After a reign of twenty years, he killed himself after being wounded in the battle of Gilboa.

Anointed king by Samuel when he was a young shepherd boy, David came to the throne at age thirty, after years of running from Saul. A charismatic and brilliant leader, he made Israel a major power. He conquered Jerusalem and made it the national capital, secured territory between Dan and the Brook of Egypt that included the major trade routes, strengthened his borders with treaties and vassal states, and gave Israel an army. His later years were saddened by an attempted coup by his son Absalom, famine, pestilence and other problems. Before he died he made Solomon, his son by Bathsheba, his successor.

Famed for his wisdom, Solomon built on the foundations laid by David, organizing the kingdom for tax and administrative purposes, developing commerce and shipping, launching a lavish building program to embellish the kingdom, and establishing an extravagant court life. Although his subjects were proud of him, his splendid court and building projects drained much of the new wealth, and he fell under foreign influence through his many wives and their gods.

Toward the end of his reign, there was discontent over taxation and forced labor, as well as unrest at the borders of the kingdom, and the united kingdom failed to survive after his death.

Son of Solomon, Rehoboam was unable to hold his father’s kingdom together and ruled only in Judah. He wasted Judah in wars with Israel. When Pharaoh Shishek I invaded, Rehoboam lost his Red Sea outlet and had to pay heavy tribute to save Jerusalem. He built fifteen border fortifications, leaving only the north open in hopes of reconciliation with Israel. As did his father Solomon, he became snared in idolatry through his many foreign wives.

Reigned for 3 years. Attempted to conquer Israel but advanced only a few miles to Bethel.

Israel tried to invade Judah, and Asa asked help of Ben-Hadad of Aram-Damascus, who attacked Israel. As soon as Israel withdrew, Asa fortified the border between them. Later he repelled an invasion by Zerah the Ethiopian.

Asa was a religious reformer who tried to stamp out idolatry, but was accused of relying too heavily on doctors instead of on God for curing his own ills. Reigned for 41 years and died from severe foot disease.

Reigned for 25 years. Toured the kingdom to institute religious and judicial reform, strengthened fortifications and army, revived commerce. Renewed friendship with Israel by marrying his son to their royal family and by joining in common wars. Defeated Moab by sending the choir in front of the army. Alliance with Israel brought God’s judgment

Jeshoshaphat bequeathed shares of his wealth to seven sons, but gave the kingdom to Jehoram, the first-born. Jehoram killed his six brothers to make his rule secure.

Fell into idolatry after marrying daughter of Ahab and Jezebel of Israel to seal relationship between the two nations. Lost Edom. His family, except for his youngest son, Ahaziah, was wiped out in a Philistine invasion that reached Jerusalem.

Prophet Elijah wrote to him of God’s displeasure with his actions. The Bible says he died of bowel disease. Since he was not mourned or buried in royal tombs, he may have been murdered, perhaps with poison.

Reigned for 1 year. Trying to aid Israel’s war with Aram-Damascus, listened to evil counsel of his wicked mother, Athaliah. Ahaziah was caught in Jehu’s coup and was killed as part of Jehu’s program to wipe out Jezebel’s descendents