Succeeding Kings of Judah and Israel

Click here to read II Kings 15.

Chapter 15 continues with the reigns of the Kings of Judah. The reigns of the 9th. and 10th. Kings are confusing. The reason for this was a division in the Kingdom of Judah. Amaziah was King of all Judah for 6 years, then Judah was divided and he continued on as King of part of Judah for another 23 years. His son, Azariah (Uzziah) became King of the remainder of Judah when he was 6 years old. For 23 years he shared the Kingdom of Judah with his father Amaziah and with the death of his father, he re-united the Kingdom and ruled for 17 years more. The last 11 years, he shared the Kingdom with his son. Azariah was King of all or part of Judah for 51 years. He was one of the 8 "good kings" of Judah.

Azariah developed agriculture, raised a large, well-equipped army and staged successful campaigns against the Philistines and the Arabs. His violation of the "priestly code" led to his death from leprosy. At his death, his son, Jotham, became the 11th. King of Judah. Jotham was 25 years old when he became King and he reigned for 19 years. He was considered a "good king" though he did not go into the Temple to worship, nor did he attempt to lead the people away from their evil ways. He fought off an invasion of the combined forces of Israel and Syria. He lived during the time of 3 of God's Prophets, Isaiah, Micah and Hosea. He died and was buried in Jerusalem. His son, Ahaz became the 12th. King of Judah.

Then Chapter 15 continues with the Kings of Israel. With the death of Zachariah who became the 14th. King of Israel back in Chapter 14, and who reigned for only 6 months, he was succeeded by his murderer, Shallum, who reigned for only 1 month when he to was murdered by Menahem who became the 16th. King of Israel. He ruled for 10 years and bought peace with Assyria by extracting huge taxes from the people and paying tribute to Assyria. He was succeeded by his son, Pekahiah, who ruled for 2 years and was assassinated by a military coup headed by Pekah who became the 18th. King of Israel. He ruled for 20 years. He was murdered by Hoshea who became the 19th. and last King of Israel.

Previous Chapter

Return to Outline

Ask Questions

Next Chapter