Kings of Judah

King Rehoboam (930 – 913 BC)

- “Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king.” (1 Kings 12:1)

- “Rehoboam son of Solomon was king in Judah. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen from among all the tribes of Israel as the place to honor his name.” (1 Kings 14:21)

King Rehoboam was evaluated as evil.

“During Rehoboam’s reign, the people of Judah did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, provoking his anger with their sin, for it was even worse than that of their ancestors.” (1 Kings 14:22).

-Built pagan shrines and set up sacred pillars and Asherah poles (1 Kings 14:23)

-There were male and female shrine prostitutes throughout the land (1Kings 14:24)

- “The people imitated the detestable practices of the pagan nations the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.” (1 Kings 14:24)

1.     Key events in the life of this king.

BATTLES: He mobilized the men of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin – 180,000 select troops and fought against the men of Israel to restore the kingdom to himself (see 1 Kings 12:21).

- King Shisak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign (1 Kings 14:25).

- “There was constant war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam.” (1 Kings 14:30)

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: He built pagan shrines, set up sacred pillars and Asherah poles, and he allowed male and female shrine prostitutes throughout the land. (see 1 Kings 14:23-24).

2. Prophets during the life of the king.

PROPHET’S NAME: Ahijah (from Shiloh)

MESSAGE: Given to King Jeroboam.

RESPONDS: The king listened to the advice of his younger advisors and ignored the advice of the older advisors. The king paid no attention to the people.

FULFILLED: “So the king paid no attention to the people. This turn of events was the will of the LORD, for it fulfilled the LORD’s message to Jeroboam son of Nebat through the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh.” (1 Kings 12:15)

PROPHET’S NAME: Shemaiah (the man of God)

MESSAGE: “Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the people of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, ‘This is what the LORD says: Do not fight against your relatives, the Israelites. Go back home, for what has happened is my doing.” (1 Kings 12:23-24)

RESPONDS: They obeyed the LORD and went home.

FULFILLED: They obeyed the LORD and went home.

3. Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Rehoboam refused to listen to the people of Israel; therefore, they responded with “Down with the dynasty of David! We have no interest in the son of Jesse. Back to your homes, O Israel! Look out for your own house, O David!” and returned home (see 1 Kings 12:16). Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem. “And to this day the northern tribes of Israel have refused to be ruled by a descendant of David.” (see 1 Kings 12:19).

4. Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest?

- “During Rehoboam’s reign, the people of Judah did what was evil in the LORD’s sight . . . for it was even worse than that of their ancestors . . . the people imitated the detestable practices of the pagan nations the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.” (see 1 Kings 14:22-24)

- Rehoboam’s mother was Naaman, an Ammonite woman (see 1 Kings 14:21,29)

5. Leadership Application.

It is always wise to listen to and obey God (see 1 Kings 12:23).

It is often wiser to listen to the advice of older advisors than to listen to the advice of younger advisors.

King Abijah/Abijam (913 – 910 BC)

“Then his [Rehoboam’s] son became the next king.” (1 Kings 14:31)

“Abijam began to rule over Judah in the eighteenth year of Jeroboam’s reign in Israel. He reigned in Jerusalem for three years.” (1 Kings 15:1-2)

King Abijam was considered evil since “He committed the same sins as his father before him, and he was not faithful to the LORD his God, as his ancestor David has been.” (1 Kings 15:3)

1.     Key events in the life of this king.

BATTLES: “There was war between Abijam and Jeroboam throughout Abijam’s reign” (1 Kings 15:6)

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: “But for David’s sake, the LORD his God allowed his descendants to continue ruling, shining like a lamp, and he gave Abijam a son to rule after him in Jerusalem.” (1 Kings 5:4). His son, Asa, became the next king (see 1 Kings 15:8).

2. Prophets during the life of the king.

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3. Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

“He committed the same sins as his father before him, and he was not faithful to the LORD his God, as his ancestor David had been.” (1 Kings 15:3).

4. Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest?

“There was war between Abijam and Jeroboam throughout Abijam’s reign” (1 Kings 15:6). “There was constant war between Abijam and Jeroboam.” (1 Kings 15:7).

5. Leadership Application.

It is much wiser to follow in the footsteps of a godly ancestor (such as King David) rather than follow in the footsteps on an ungodly ancestor (such as King Rehoboam). 

It is best to listen to and faithfully obey God.

King Asa (910 - 869 BC) 

 “Asa began to rule over Judah in the twentieth year of Jeroboam’s reign in Israel. He reigned in Jerusalem forty-one years. . . Asa did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight, as his ancestor David had done.” (1 Kings 15:9-11)

“Although the pagan shrines were not removed, Asa’s heart remained completely faithful to the LORD throughout his life.” (1 Kings 15:14)

1.     Key events in the life of this king:

BATTLES: “There was constant war between King Asa of Judah and King Baasha of Israel.” (1 Kings 15:16)

ALLIANCES: Made treaty with Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, son of Hezrion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus. (see 1 Kings 15:18-19)

OTHER EVENTS: He banished the male and female shrine prostitutes from the land. He got rid of all of the idols his ancestors had made. He even deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made an obscene Asherah pole. (see 1 Kings 15:12-14)

2.     Prophets during the life of the king.

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Asa reigned in Jerusalem for forty-one years and did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight, as his ancestor David had done.” (see 1 Kings 15:9-11)

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest?

- King Asa reigned in Jerusalem for forty-one years and did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight, as his ancestor David had done.

- In his old age, his feet became diseased. (see 1 Kings 15:23)

5. Leadership Application

Wise leaders listen to and obey God.

Wise leaders lead their followers to listen to and obey God as well.

King Jehoshaphat (872 - 848 BC)

“Jehoshaphat son of Asa began to rule over Judah in the fourth year of King Ahab’s reign in Israel. Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. . . Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the example of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight.” (see 1 Kings 22:41-43).

1.     Key events in the life of this king.

BATTLES: Recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Judah (1 Kings 22:45).

ALLIANCES: He made peace with the king of Israel (1 Kings 22:44)

OTHER EVENTS: King Jephoshaphat “did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight. During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there. Jehoshaphat also made peace with the king of Israel.” (1 Kings 22:43-44).

- He banished from the land the rest of the male and female shrine prostitutes leftover from his father’s reign. (1 Kings 22:46).

- He built a fleet of trading ships to sail to Ophir for gold. Unfortunately, these ships met with disaster and never set sail.

2.     Prophets during the life of the king.

PROPHET’S NAME: Micaiah

MESSAGE: Both King Ahab of Israel and King Jehosphaphat wanted to know if they should go to war against Ramoth-gilead or not; therefore, they sought the advice of prophets – including the prophet, Micaiah.  Read Micaiah’s response to them (see 1 Kings 22:15-28). Michaiah told King Ahab, “If you return safely, it will mean that the LORD has not spoken through me!” (see 1 Kings 22:28).

RESPONSE: King Ahab responded by arresting the prophet, Micaiah, and placed him in prison. The two kings then led their armies against Ramoth-gilead (see 1 Kings 22:29).

FULFILLED: King Ahab was “randomly” struck by an arrow and died as a result of his wound.  King Ahab did not return safely; therefore, the words of the prophet, Micaiah, were confirmed.

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Jehoshaphat was a good king who ruled Judah for twenty-five years and did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight.

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest?

King Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel (see 1 Kings 22:44).  He ruled Ju5dah for twenty-five years and did what was pleasing in the sight of the LORD.

5. Leadership Application

King Jehoshaphat of Judah encouraged King Ahab of Israel to seek counsel from the prophet of the LORD (see 1 Kings 22:7).

King Jehoshaphat sought the counsel of the LORD and he encouraged others in leadership to do the same.

It is very wise to seek the counsel of the LORD.

. King Jehoram (853 – 842 BC)

“When Jehoshaphat died, he was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. Then his son Jehoram became the next king.” (1 Kings 22:50)

“Jehoram son of King Jehosphaphat of Judah began to rule over Judah in the fifth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab, king of Israel. Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years . . . But Jehoram followed the example of the kings of Israel and was as wicked as King Ahab, for he had married one of Ahab’s daughters. So Jehoram did what was evil in the LORD’s sight.” (see 2 Kings 8:16-18)

1.     Key events in the life of this king.

BATTLES:  “During Jehoram’s reign, the Edomites revolted against Judah and crowned their own king. So Jehoram went with all his chariots to attack the town of Zair.” (See 2 Kings 8:20-22)

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: N/A

2. Prophets during the life of the king.

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King “Jehoram followed the example of the kings of Israel and was as wicked as King Ahab . . . [He] did what was evil in the LORD’s sight.” (2 Kings 8:18)

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest?

King Jehoram married one of Ahab’s daughters. (2 Kings 8:18)

5. Leadership Application

It is very important to marry someone who is Godly rather than someone who is not Godly.

.

King Ahaziah (842 – 841 BC)

“Ahaziah son of Jehoram began to rule over Judah in the twelfth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab, king of Israel. Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year . . . Ahaziah followed the evil example of King Ahab’s family. He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, just as Ahab’s family had done, for he was related by marriage to the family of Ahab.” (2 Kings 8:25-27)

1.     Key events in the life of this king.

BATTLES: Went to war against King Hazael of Aram at Ramath-gilead. (2 Kings 8:28)

ALLIANCES: Joined Joram son of Ahab, the king of Israel, in his war against King Hazael. (2 Kings 8:28)

OTHER EVENTS: Shot to death by an arrow from Jehu and his men. (2 Kings 9:27)

2.     Prophets during the life of the king.

PROPHET’S NAME: “Young prophet” summoned by the prophet, Elisha.

MESSAGE: Anoint Jehu son of Jehoshaphat to be king over Israel. Tell Jehu to destroy the family of Ahab. (2 Kings 9:1-10)

RESPONSE: Jehu obeyed and destroyed the family of Ahab.

FULFILLED: Jehu and his men destroyed the family of Ahab. Jehu and his men killed King Ahaziah with an arrow. (2 Kings 9:27)

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Ahaziah followed the wicked example of King Ahab’s family and did what was evil in the LORD’s sight.

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest?

King Ahaziah was related by marriage to the family of Ahab. (2 Kings 8:27).  He was killed by an arrow shot by Jehu and his men.

5.     Leadership Application

It is wise to recognize that our families - especially our spouses - can exert great influence in our lives.

May God be the greatest influence in our lives!

 Queen Athaliah (841 – 835 BC)

“When Athaliah, the mother of King Ahaziah of Judah, learned that her son was dead, she began to destroy the rest of the royal family.” (2 Kings 11:1)

“In the seventh year of Athaliah’s reign . . .” (see 2 Kings 11:3)

“So they seized her and led her out to the gate where the horses enter the palace grounds, and she was killed there.” (2 Kings 11:16)

It appears quite clear that Queen Athaliah did what was evil in the LORD’s sight.

1.     Key events in the life of this queen

BATTLES: Queen Athaliah attempted to destroy the rest of the royal family.

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: N/A

2.     Prophets during the life of the queen

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

Queen Athaliah assumed rule over Judah when her son, King Ahaziah, was killed. She ruled over Judah for seven years.

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest?

Athaliah was a queen (rather than a king) of Judah.

Leadership Application

It is not wise to follow the example of a wicked leader.

It is wise to follow the example of a Godly leader.

 King Joash (835 – 796 BC)

“Joash was seven years old when he became king.” (2 Kings 11:21)

“Joash began to rule over Judah in the seventh year of King Jehu’s reign in Israel. He reigned in Jerusalem for forty years. . . All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight because Jehoiada the priest instructed him.” (2 Kings 12:1-2)

1.     Key events in the life of this king

BATTLES: N/A

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: He did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there. (2 Kings 12:3)

- He repaired the LORD’s Temple

- He collected then gave all of the sacred objects and gold to King Hazael of Aram so that he would call off his attack against Jerusalem. (see 2 Kings 12:17-18).

2.     Prophets during the life of the king

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Joash ruled in Judah for forty years and did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight all the days of his life.

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest?

King Joash ruled in Judah for forty years and did what was pleasing in the sight of the LORD all the days of his life.

5. Leadership Application

It is very wise to do what is pleasing in the eyes of the LORD all the days of our lives.

 King Amaziah (796 – 767 BC)

“Amaziah son of Joash began to rule over Judah in the second year of the reign of King Jehoash of Israel. Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. . . Amaziah did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight, but not like his ancestor David. Instead, he followed the example of his father, Joash. Amaziah did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there.” (2 Kings 14:1-5).

1.     Key events in the life of this king

BATTLES: Amaziah killed 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

- He also conquered Sela and changed its name to Joktheel.

- He challenged King Jehoash of Israel to battle. (See 2 Kings 14:7-8)

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: King Amaziah was soundly defeated by King Jehoash of Israel. In the process, King Jehoash “carried off all the gold and silver and all the articles from the Temple of the LORD. He also seized the treasures from the royal palace, along with hostages, and then returned to Samaria.” (see 2 Kings 14:11-14)

2.     Prophets during the life of the king

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Amaziah ruled over Judah for twenty-nine years and did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight; however, he bit off more than he could chew when he challenged King Jehoash of Israel to battle.

4. Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest.

King Amaziah did what was pleasing in the sight of the LORD; however, he did not consult with the LORD prior to challenging King Jehoash of Israel to battle.

5.     Leadership Application

It is very wise to do what is pleasing in the sight of the LORD.

It is also very wise to consult with the LORD prior to taking significant action.

.King Azariah/Uzziah (792 – 740 BC)

“Uzziah son of Amaziah began to rule over Judah in the twenty-seventh year of the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel. He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. . . He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight, just as his father, Amaziah, had done.” (2 Kings 15:1-3)

1.     Key events in the life of this king

BATTLES: N/A

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: But he [Uzziah] did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there. The LORD struck the king with leprosy, which lasted until the day he died.” (see 2 Kings 15:4-5)

2.     Prophets during the life of the king

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Uzziah reigned in Judah for fifty-two years and did what was pleasing in the eyes of the LORD.

4. Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest?

King Uzziah did not destroy the pagan shrines and the LORD struck him with leprosy for the rest of his life.

5. Leadership Application

The LORD requires His people to be fully obedient to Him. Partial obedience is really disobedience in the eyes of the LORD.

.

King Jotham (750 – 735 BC)

“Jotham son of Uzziah began to rule over Judah in the second year of King Pekah’s reign in Israel. He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. . . Jotham did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight. He did everything his father, Uzziah, had done.” (2 Kings 15:32-34)

1.     Key events in the life of this king

BATTLES: N/A

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: He did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there.

- He rebuilt the upper gate of the Temple of the LORD. (2 Kings 15:35)

2.     Prophets during the life of the king

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Jotham ruled in Judah for sixteen years and did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight.

4. Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest?

Like his father, Uzziah, King Jotham did not destroy the pagan shrines and the people still offered sacrifices and incense there. He rebuilt the upper gate of the Temple of the LORD. (2 Kings 15:35).

5. Leadership Application

We have a tendency to follow the example of our earthly father; however, it is very wise to follow the example of our heavenly Father.

King Ahaz (735 – 719 BC)

“Ahaz son of Jotham began to rule over Judah in the seventeenth year of King Pekah’s reign in Israel. Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did not do what was pleasing in the sight of the LORD his God, as his ancestor David had done.” (2 Kings 16:1-2)

1.     Key events in the life of this king

BATTLES: Attacked by King Rezin of Aram and King Pekah of Israel (2 Kings 16:5).

ALLIANCES: King Ahaz paid King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria to rescue him from the kings of Aram and Israel.

OTHER EVENTS: He followed the example of the kings of Israel, even sacrificing his own son in the fire. (2 Kings 16:3)

- He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the pagan shrines. (2 Kings16:4)

- He commanded Uriah the priest to build him a new altar – an altar modeled after an altar in Damascus. He replaced the old bronze altar from its place in the front of the LORD’s Temple with his new altar and made offerings on the new altar (see 2 Kings 16:10-16).

2.     Prophets during the life of the king

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Ahaz ruled in Judah for sixteen years and he did not do what was pleasing in the eyes of the LORD.

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest.

King Ahaz “followed the example of the kings of Israel, even sacrificing his own son in the fire. In this way, he followed the detestable practices of the pagan nations the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the pagan shrines and on the hills and under every green tree” (2 Kings 16:3-4).

Leadership Application

Do not commit idolatry!

King Hezekiah (727/715 – 698/686 BC)

“Hezekiah son of Ahaz began to rule over Judah in the third year of King Hoshea’s reign in Israel. He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. . . He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight, just as his ancestor David had done.” (2 Kings 18:1-3).

1.     Key events in the life of this king

BATTLES: He revolted against the king of Assyria and refused to pay him tribute.

He conquered the Philistines as far distant as Gaza and its territory (2 Kings 18:7-8).

ALLIANCES: God

OTHER EVENTS: He removed the pagan shrines, smashed the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke up the bronze serpent that Moses had made, because the people of Israel had been offering sacrifices to it.” (2 Kings 18:4)

- Attacked by King Senacherib of Assyria. He demanded a very large settlement from King Hezekiah. King Hezekiah gave all that he had to the Assyrian king. The Assyrian king then confronted and arrogantly challenged King Hezekiah and the LORD his God (see 2 Kings 18:13-35).

2.     Prophets during the life of the king

PROPHET’S NAME: Isaiah

MESSAGE: Given to King Hezekiah from the LORD through Isaiah, “Do not be disturbed by this blasphemous speech against me from the Assyrian king’s messengers. Listen! I myself will move against him, and the king will receive a message that he is needed at home. So he will return to his land, where I will have him killed with a sword” (2 Kings 18:6-7).

RESPONSE: Hezekiah prayed to the LORD (see his prayer in 2 Kings 18:5-19)

FULFILLED: “That night the angel of the LORD went out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers” (2 Kings 19:35). King Sennacherib was killed by his sons with their swords (see 2 Kings 19:37).

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Hezekiah reigned in Jerusalem for twenty-nine years and did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight, just as his ancestor David had done.

4. Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest?

“Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before or after his time. He remained faithful to the LORD in everything, and he carefully obeyed all the commands the LORD had given Moses. So the LORD was with him, and Hezekiah was successful in everything he did.” (2 Kings 18:5-7)

5. Leadership Application

In order to be truly successful in life, one must place their trust in the LORD and remain faithfully obedient to the LORD and His commands.

King Manasseh (698 – 642 BC)

“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. . . He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites” (2 Kings 21:1-2)

1.     Key events in the life of this king.

BATTLES: N/A

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: “He rebuilt the pagan shrines his father, Hezekiah, had destroyed. He constructed altars for Baal and set up an Asherah pole, just as King Ahab done. He also bowed before all the powers of the heavens and worshiped them. He built pagan altars in the Temple of the LORD. . . He also sacrificed his own son in the fire. He practiced sorcery and divination, and he consulted mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil in the LORD’s sight, arousing his anger. Manasseh even made a carved image of Asherah and set it up in the Temple. . .” (see 2 Kings 21:3-7). He also murdered many innocent people.

2.     Prophets during the life of the king

PROPHET’S NAME: Unknown

MESSAGE: God told the prophets that, “I will bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of those who hear about it will tingle with horror…I will wipe away the people of Jerusalem…for they have done great evil in my sight…” (see 2 Kings 21:11-15).

RESPONSE:

FULFILLED:

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Manasseh ruled in Jerusalem for fifty-five years and did what was evil in the the LORD’s sight.

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest.

The LORD said through his servants the prophets, “King Manasseh of Judah has done many detestable things. He is even more wicked than the Amorites, who lived in this land before Israel” (2 Kings 21:10-11).

5. Leadership Application

It is very unwise to do much that is evil in the eyes of the LORD. 

It arouses His anger!

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King Amon (642 – 640 BC)

“Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem two years. . . He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, just as his father, Manasseh, had done” (see 2 Kings 21:19-20).

1.     Key events in the life of this king

BATTLES: N/A

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: “He followed the example of his father, worshiping the same idols his father had worshiped. He abandoned the LORD, the God of his ancestors, and he refused to follow the LORD’s ways” (2 Kings 21:21-22).

- “Amon’s own officials conspired against him and assassinated him in his palace” (2 Kings 21:23).

2.     Prophets during the life of the king

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Amon ruled in Jerusalem for just two years and did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, just as his father, Manasseh, had done.

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest.

Amon’s own officials conspired against him and assassinated him in his palace.

Leadership Application

It is very unwise to follow in the footsteps of your father when your father did what was very evil in the eyes of the LORD.

King Josiah (640 – 609 BC)

“[Amon’s] son Josiah became the next king. Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. . . He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David.  He did not turn away from doing what is right” (2 Kings 21:26-22:2).

1.     Key events in the life of this king

BATTLES: N/A

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: Rebuilt the LORD’s Temple.

- His high priest, Hilkiah, found the Book of the Law in the LORD’s Temple! (2 Kings 22:8).

- His court secretary, Shaphan, read it to the king (2 Kings 22:10).

- In response, King Josiah tore his clothing in despair and wept before the LORD in repentance.  He did everything within his power to do what is right before the LORD and he lead his people to do the same (see 2 Kings 22:19).

2.     Prophets during the life of the king

PROPHET’S NAME: Hulda the Prophetess

MESSAGE: God is going to bring disaster on this city and its people since they have abandoned the LORD and offered sacrifices to pagan gods; however, God will not do so until after he had died in been buried in peace” (see 2 Kings 22:15-20).

RESPONSE: King Josiah read the entire book of the Covenant to his people. He then did all that he possibly could to obey the LORD and successfully led his people to do the same.

FULFILLED:

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Josiah ruled in Jerusalem for thirty-one years and he did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest.

2 Kings 23:25 states, “Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.”

5. Leadership Application

It is very wise to follow God and be obedient to His commands with all of our heart, with all of our soul, and with all of our strength.

.

King Jehoahaz (609 BC)

“Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. . . He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, just as his ancestors had done” (2 Kings 23:31-32).

1.     Key events in the life of this king.

BATTLES: N/A

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: “Pharaoh Neco put Jehoahaz in prison at Riblah in the land of Hamath to prevent him from ruling in Jerusalem. He also demanded that Judah pay 7,500 pounds of silver and 75 pounds of gold as tribute” (2 Kings 23:33).

- Jehoahaz died in prison (2 Kings 23:34).

2.     Prophets during the life of the king

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Jehoahaz reigned in Jerusalem for three months and did what was evil in the LORD’s sight.

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest.

King Jehoahaz was imprisoned by Pharaoh Neco and he died in prison.

5. Leadership Application

It is much wiser to follow the example of someone who did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight than to follow someone who did what was evil in the LORD’s sight.

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King Jehoiakim (609 – 598 BC)

“Pharaoh Neco then installed Eliakim, another of Josiah’s sons, to reign in the place of his father, and he changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. . . Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. . . He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, just as his ancestors had done” (see 2 Kings 23:34-37).

1.     Key events in the life of this king.

BATTLES: Surrendered to King Nebuchadnessar of Babylon and paid him tribute for three years and then rebelled (see 2 Kings 24:1).

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: The LORD sent various raiders to destroy Judah (see 2 Kings 24:2-4).

2.     Prophets during the life of the king.

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3.     Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Jehoiakim reigned in Jerusalem for eleven years and did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, just as his ancestors had done.

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest.

King Jehoiakim was appointed as king by Pharoah Neco and he later surrendered and paid tribute to King Nebuchadnessar of Babylon.

5. Leadership Application

It is not wise to follow the example of an ungodly leader. 

It is wise to follow the example of a godly leader.

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King Jehoiachin (598 -597 BC)

“Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. . . Jehoiachin did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, just as his father [King Jehoiakim] had done” (2 Kings 24:8-9).

1.     Key events in the life of this king.

BATTLES: Surrendered to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (2 Kings 24:12).

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: Held captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.

2.     Prophets during the life of the king.

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3. Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Jehoiachin reigned in Jerusalem for three months and did what was evil in the LORD’s sight.

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest.

King Jehoiachin reigned in Jerusalem for three months prior to being held captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.

5. Leadership Application

It is not wise to follow in the footsteps of an ungodly leader.

It is wise to follow in the footsteps of a godly leader.

King Zedekiah (597 – 586 BC)

“Then the king of Babylon installed Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, as the next king, and he changed Mattaniah’s name to Zedekiah. Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. . . But Zedekiah did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, just as Jehoiakim had done” (see 2 Kings 24:17-19).

1.     Key events in the life of this king

BATTLES: Rebelled against the king of Babylon (2 Kings 24:20). King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon led his entire army against Jerusalem and besieged it.

ALLIANCES: N/A

OTHER EVENTS: King Zedekiah was captured and was forced to watch his sons be slaughtered. He also had his eyes gouged out and was led away to Babylon in bronze chains.

2.     Prophets during the life of the king.

PROPHET’S NAME: N/A

MESSAGE: N/A

RESPONSE: N/A

FULFILLED: N/A

3. Give a summary of his reign from the perspective of the author of Kings.

King Zedekiah reigned in Jerusalem for eleven years and did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, just as Jehoiakim had done.

4.     Give any noteworthy remarks that makes this king stand out from the rest.

King Zedekiah rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon but was unsuccessful in his rebellion.

5. Leadership Application

It is unwise to follow the example of an ungodly leader.

It is wise to follow the example of a godly leader.