Kings of Israel and Judah (Complete List + Timeline)
Quick Summary
After the death of Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel split into two: the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). Each had its own line of kings, with Judah preserving the Davidic line and Israel experiencing frequent dynastic changes. This post provides a complete list of kings for both Israel and Judah, along with helpful context and timeline details.
The Divided Kingdom Begins
The Bible records that after King Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam’s harsh leadership led to a national rupture (1 Kings 12:1-20). Ten tribes broke away to form the northern kingdom of Israel, while Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to Rehoboam in the south. From this point on, the biblical narrative often moves back and forth between these two kingdoms, each with its own rulers, prophets, and patterns of faithfulness or rebellion.
Israel had a total of 19 kings before falling to the Assyrians in 722 BCE (2 Kings 17:6). Judah had 20 kings before being taken into exile by Babylon in 586 BCE (2 Kings 25:8-21). Only David, Solomon, and Saul ruled over the united kingdom prior to the split.
Kings of the United Kingdom (Before the Split)
Saul – Israel’s first king, chosen by God and anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 10)
David – A man after God’s own heart, established Jerusalem as the capital (2 Samuel 5)
Solomon – Known for wisdom and building the temple, but his later years saw idolatry and heavy taxation (1 Kings 6–11)
Kings of the Northern Kingdom: Israel (19 Kings)
Jeroboam I – Led the revolt, set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:25-33)
Nadab – Son of Jeroboam, reigned briefly (1 Kings 15:25-26)
Baasha – Killed Nadab, ruled by force (1 Kings 15:27-28)
Elah – Son of Baasha, assassinated while drunk (1 Kings 16:8-10)
Zimri – Reigned 7 days, committed suicide (1 Kings 16:15-20)
Omri – Military commander, began dynasty (1 Kings 16:21-28)
Ahab – Son of Omri, married Jezebel, opposed Elijah (1 Kings 16:29–22:40)
Ahaziah – Son of Ahab, reigned briefly (1 Kings 22:51–53)
Joram (Jehoram) – Another son of Ahab (2 Kings 3)
Jehu – Anointed by Elisha, known for bloody reforms (2 Kings 9–10)
Jehoahaz – Son of Jehu (2 Kings 13:1-9)
Jehoash (Joash) – Victories over Aram (2 Kings 13:10-25)
Jeroboam II – Period of prosperity (2 Kings 14:23-29)
Zechariah – Assassinated quickly (2 Kings 15:8-12)
Shallum – Reigned one month (2 Kings 15:13-15)
Menahem – Cruel reign, paid tribute to Assyria (2 Kings 15:16-22)
Pekahiah – Son of Menahem (2 Kings 15:23-26)
Pekah – Military leader, opposed Assyria (2 Kings 15:27-31)
Hoshea – Last king before Assyrian exile (2 Kings 17)
Kings of the Southern Kingdom: Judah (20 Kings + 1 Queen)
Rehoboam – Son of Solomon, lost ten tribes (1 Kings 12)
Abijah (Abijam) – Continued war with Israel (1 Kings 15:1-8)
Asa – Long reign, religious reforms (1 Kings 15:9-24)
Jehoshaphat – Alliance with Ahab, judicial reforms (1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 17)
Jehoram – Married Ahab’s daughter, killed brothers (2 Kings 8)
Ahaziah – Killed by Jehu (2 Kings 9)
Athaliah (Queen) – Mother of Ahaziah, seized throne, only queen (2 Kings 11)
Joash (Jehoash) – Repaired temple (2 Kings 12)
Amaziah – Killed by conspirators (2 Kings 14)
Uzziah (Azariah) – Long prosperous reign (2 Kings 15:1-7)
Jotham – Faithful king (2 Kings 15:32-38)
Ahaz – Idol worship, closed the temple (2 Kings 16)
Hezekiah – Religious revival, trusted God against Assyria (2 Kings 18–20)
Manasseh – Longest reign, much evil, later repented (2 Kings 21)
Amon – Brief evil reign (2 Kings 21:19-26)
Josiah – Rediscovered the law, religious reform (2 Kings 22–23)
Jehoahaz – Reigned 3 months (2 Kings 23:31-34)
Jehoiakim – Oppressed people, burned Jeremiah’s scroll (2 Kings 23:35-24:7)
Jehoiachin – Exiled to Babylon (2 Kings 24:8-17)
Zedekiah – Last king of Judah, witnessed destruction of Jerusalem (2 Kings 24:18–25:21)
Patterns and Takeaways
The kings of Israel and Judah show a steady pattern of spiritual decline, with occasional revivals in Judah. Israel never had a righteous king, while Judah had several who "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord" (e.g., Hezekiah and Josiah).
The prophets often appear alongside these kings, offering correction and calling the people back to covenant faithfulness. Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others are deeply embedded in the royal narratives.
Meaning for Today
Leadership matters. The kings weren’t merely political figures. They shaped the spiritual direction of their people. The division between Israel and Judah reminds us that unity can be broken by pride, and that political power often drifts from spiritual responsibility.
Even amid corruption, the biblical witness tells stories of reformers, prophets, and faithful people. It invites reflection on what kind of legacy our leaders leave—and what kind of people we become under their rule.
FAQ
How many kings of Israel were there?
There were 19 kings in the northern kingdom of Israel, beginning with Jeroboam I and ending with Hoshea.
How many kings of Judah were there?
There were 20 kings and one queen in Judah. The line started with Rehoboam and ended with Zedekiah before the Babylonian exile.
Who was the king of Israel with leprosy?
King Uzziah (also called Azariah) of Judah was struck with leprosy after unlawfully burning incense in the temple (2 Kings 15:5).
When was David anointed king of Israel?
David was first anointed king over Judah in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4) and later over all Israel in Hebron (2 Samuel 5:3).
Is there a chart or timeline of the kings?
Yes, the list above follows a chronological order. A printable chart is also available on our resources page (coming soon).
Who were the most famous kings of Israel and Judah?
Saul, David, and Solomon ruled the united kingdom. Ahab and Jeroboam II are well-known kings in Israel, while Hezekiah and Josiah stand out in Judah for their reforms.
