The Kings of Judah were the rulers of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, which existed from around 930 to 586 BCE. Here’s a brief rundown of each king, categorized as “good” or “bad” based on their actions and the biblical account:
Good Kings:
- Rehoboam (930-913 BCE): Initially, good, but later turned to idolatry.
- Abijah (913-911 BCE): Good, but with some flaws.
- Asa (911-870 BCE): Good, implemented reforms and sought God.
- Jehoshaphat (870-848 BCE): Good, sought God, and implemented reforms.
- Joash (835-796 BCE): Started well, but turned to idolatry later.
- Amaziah (796-767 BCE): Good, but with some lapses.
- Uzziah (767-740 BCE): Good, but became proud and complacent.
- Jotham (740-732 BCE): Good, continued his father’s reforms.
- Hezekiah (732-687 BCE): Good, implemented significant reforms and trusted God.
- Josiah (640-609 BCE): Good, implemented major reforms and rediscovered the Law.
Bad Kings:
- Jehoram (848-841 BCE): Bad, promoted idolatry and immorality.
- Ahaziah (841 BCE): Bad, continued his father’s evil ways.
- Athaliah (841-835 BCE): Bad, usurped the throne and promoted idolatry.
- Jehoahaz (609 BCE): Bad, continued his father’s evil ways.
- Jehoiakim (609-598 BCE): Bad, rebelled against God and Nebuchadnezzar.
- Jehoiachin (598-597 BCE): Bad, continued his father’s evil ways.
- Zedekiah (597-586 BCE): Bad, rebelled against God and Nebuchadnezzar, leading to the fall of Judah.
Keep in mind that this categorization is based on the biblical account and might not be exhaustive or nuanced. Additionally, some kings may have had both positive and negative aspects to their reigns.