Kings of Israel and Judah

Daughter of Jezebel, she was the only queen either kingdom ever had. Promoted worship of Baal. She seized power after her son Ahaziah’s death by massacring heirs to the throne – only Ahaziah’s infant son, Joash, escaped when he was hidden in the Temple by the priest Jehoiada.

When he was seven, Joash was crowned king in the Temple under armed guard, replacing Athaliah.

Although he had been saved and enthroned by Jehoiada, the priest, and restored the Temple, Joash allowed idol worship after death of Jehoiada. Ultimately came under God’s judgment for murder of Zechariah, son of the priest. Joash lost the Temple treasures when King Hazael of Aram-Damascus threatened Jerusalem. He was killed by own officers.

Amaziah, age 25, took a census to conscript an army. In a successful war against Edomites he recovered trade routes to the Gulf of Aqaba. Then he erred by challenging Israel. He was defeated by King Joash of Israel, who destroyed part of Jerusalem’s walls and took hostages and spoils. Amaziah turned from following the Lord and his people killed him at the fortress of Lachish.

Taking the throne at sixteen, Uzziah made Judah more prosperous than it had been since Solomon. He repaired relations with Israel and reorganized Judah’s army to reconquer all lost territory. Uzziah recovered Edom and repaired the port of Ezion-geber, annexed Philistine cities on the coast, and built fortifications along highways and borders.

Jerusalem was refortified and became a busy commercial center. But after Uzziah developed leprosy (" tzaraath") he lived in seclusion in the palace, having his son Jotham execute his orders. Because of his leprosy, he was not buried in the royal tomb.

Well trained by his father, Jotham maintained Judah’s prosperity and military advantage. The Bible says he did right in the sight of the Lord but the people continued acting corruptly.

A weak king who inherited the throne at age 20. Ahaz indulged in pagan cults that involved child sacrifice and burned his son as an offering. He was unable to control Edom or the Philistine coast, both of which broke away. When he was invaded by a coalition of Israel and Aram-damascus, he appealed to Tiglat-pileser, saying “I am thy servant.” The Assyrians obliged by crushing Damascus and most of Israel, but in return Ahaz had to pay Tiglat-pileser heavy tribute. He too was denied burial in the royal tombs.

Judah was no more than an Assyrian vassal when able Hezekiah came to the throne at age 25. As Assyrian power was declining, he risked restoring Israelite worship in Jerusalem and inviting the people of Israel to participate, acts that gave him strong backing from the prophet Isaiah.

Knowing war was inevitable, Hezekiah produced large numbers of weapons, constructed storehouses for staples, and improved the capacity of Jerusalem’s water supply to withstand siege. Against Isaiah’s advice, he joined an anti-Assyrian coalition that resulted in the destruction of Lachish and heavy tribute being imposed on Jerusalem. Despite a siege, Jerusalem was spared.

Made king at age 12, he is noted for the restoration of pagan cults, continued tribute to Assyria and generally being one of Judah’s worst kings. However, later in life he called on God in distress, repented and ordered the people to worship God. He rebuilt the wall of City of David.

Reigned for 2 years. Continued idolatrous practices and was assassinated by his own officers.