Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
In the period that preceded the monarchy, Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit (Judges 21:25). God raised up Samuel to lead the people (1 Samuel 3:4). All of Israel knew that Samuel was e...
Login or Sign Up to view the rest of this answer.
Michael Harris
Supporter
This question is far more important than you might think. It is a question in which errors are easily made. Some kings have two names, their names changed and different kings have the same names. Also, at times the people of Israel or Judah followed someone like “Absalom” (2 Sam 13-19) or “Tibni” (1 Kings 16:21-22) who were usurpers of the throne; but, were never anointed as kings. The most common error is listing "Athaliah" among the “kings” of Judah. SHE was not an anointed king. In fact, she was not an anointed "Queen.” She was a usurper of the thrown. She was a "Queen Mother" or the mother of Ahaziah, the 6th king of Judah. (2 Kings 11:1). She had no right to the throne, was never anointed (nor could she be) and was a murderer in full rebellion opposed to God. The correct list of kings is as follows: The United Kingdom of Israel: Saul, David and Solomon. The Divided Northern Kingdom of Israel: 1) Jeroboam, 2) Nadab, 3) Baasha, 4) Elah, 5) Zimri, 6) Omri, 7) Ahab, 8) Ahaziah, 9) Joram/Jehoram, 10) Jehu, 11) Jehoahaz, 12) Joash, 13) Jeroboam II 14) Zechariah, 15) Shallum, 16) Menahem, 17) Pekahiah, 18) Pekah (overlap), 19) Hoshea. The Divided Southern Kingdom of Judah: 1) Rehoboam, 2) Abijah, 3) Asa, 4) Jehoshaphat, 5) Jehoram/Joram, 6) Ahaziah, 7) Joash/Jehoash, 8) Amaziah, 9) Uzziah/Azariah, 10) Jotham, 11) Ahaz, 12) Hezekiah, 13) Manasseh, 14) Amon, 15) Josiah, 16) Jehoahaz, 17) Jehoiakim, 18) Jehoiachin, 19) Zedekiah. Note: With regard to the “19” kings of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, please also see my answer regarding “The Age of Accountability” on my “Profile Page.” “19” is the Scriptural number of: “A Completed Order To or From Judgment.” After these 19 kings God held them “Accountable.” There were 3 kings who led the United Kingdom of Israel, Saul, David and Solomon. There were 38 kings (19+19) who led the divided kingdoms. This combines for a total of 41 kings in all. When the rightful 42nd prince of Judah arrived (Mat 2:2), he was rejected as their king and killed as a prince of Judah. (Dan 9:25; Mat 27:11, 37). When He returns it will be as the 42nd anointed king of Israel. This is the very thing that the genealogy of Matthew 1 points to. It is the genealogy of the king. Here we find 3 groups listing 14 generations each and 14x3 = “42” generations. (Mat 1:17) When He returns to the Earth it will be as "the Lion of the Tribe of Judah." (Gen 49:9, Rev 5:5). Getting the numbers correct is important. It all points to Jesus as the Messiah and rightful King of Israel! Truth matters! It points to more truth. As an example: the "Antichrist" or the one who comes "In place of Christ" (a Gentile usurper) is granted authority for "42 months" (Rev 11:2, 13:5) and is a false king even standing in the temple demanding to be worshiped as God! (2 Thes 2:4) We know his number is “666” (Rev 13:18), but did you know that “6” = Man/Beast/Serpent (Gen 1:25, 26, 31, 3:1). In “666” we also see this “trinity” (666) impersonating God. Now, the name “Jesus” in Greek is “888.” “8” is the number of “New Beginnings” (Gen 17:12). It is all interconnected from Genesis to Revelation! Each word and even the numbers in Scripture are divinely inspired and have a meaning that transcends the numbers themselves which point at truth! As an example: "40" is the number of "Testing to a Great Expansion of God" and "2" is the number of "Division and/or The Incarnate Son" (Who was "divided" from the Father when He came). Now look back at the number "42." For fun... consider what took place every time the number "40" appears! 40 Years... Moses was called to deliver Israel... Israel wandered in the wilderness, and then entered the Promised Land... David was king and then the temple came... 40 Days... Jesus’ was tempted in the wilderness and then began His public ministry! Most of us will say we believe Scripture is inspired with each word perfect... here we begin to literally see it and then know it! Blessings!
John Appelt
Supporter
The first three kings were over the whole nation of Israel: Saul, of Benjamin, ruled for 40 years, Acts 13:21. David, of Judah, ruled for 40 years, 2 Samuel 5:4. Solomon, son of David, ruled for 40 years, 1 Kings 11:42. After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam ruled, but during his reign the kingdom was divided. Jeroboam ruled over the ten tribes forming Israel to the north, while Rehoboam ruled the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, which became the southern kingdom of Judah. THE KINGS OF ISRAEL: The kings of Israel were nine dynasties and all were bad kings: Jeroboam – dynasty 1 Nadab Baasha – dynasty 2 Elah Zimri – dynasty 3 Omri – dynasty 4 (Tibni was briefly a rival) Ahab Ahaziah Joram/Jehoram Jehu – dynasty 5 Jehoahaz Joash Jeroboam Zechariah Shallum – dynasty 6 Menahem – dynasty 7 Pekahiah Pekah – dynasty 8 Hoshea – dynasty 9 THE KINGS OF JUDAH: The kings of Judah were one dynasty of nineteen kings. The kings of Judah were graded by God as good or bad. Eleven of the kings were bad, but eight of the kings were good. These eight kings can be subdivided into two groups. Half of them were mediocre, often only compared to their fathers, whereas the other half were exceptional kings measuring up to the excellence of David, 1 Kings 15:5, Acts 13:22. References below are how the kings compared to or contrasted with David. Rehoboam - bad Abijah/Abijam – bad, 1 Kings 15:3 Asa – exceptional, 1 Kings 15:11 Jehoshaphat – exceptional, 2 Chronicles 17:3 Jehoram/Joram - bad Ahaziah – bad, 2 Kings 14:3 (Athaliah usurping queen) Joash/Jehoash - good Amaziah - good Uzziah/Azariah - good Jotham - good Ahaz – bad, 2 Kings 16:2, 2 Chronicles 28:1 Hezekiah – exceptional, 2 Chronicles 29:2 Manasseh - bad Amon - bad Josiah – exceptional, 2 Kings 22:2, 2 Chronicles 34:2 Jehoahaz - bad Jehoiakim - bad Jehoiachin - bad Zedekiah – bad As each of these kingdoms had 19 kings, with Israel having nine dynasties and Judah having one continual dynasty, each had equal opportunity to please God. Israel, the northern kingdom, did not last as long as Assyria took them into captivity. Judah, the southern kingdom did somewhat better, lasting over 100 years more, until she was taken into captivity by Babylon. The kingdom of Israel came to an end, but God had promised David an everlasting kingdom, 2 Samuel 7:16. This will be realized when Jesus, the Christ, descended from the kings of Judah, will be given the throne as Gabriel announced to Mary, Luke 1:32-33. Daniel describes Christ’s future kingdom in Daniel 7:14 as an everlasting dominion over all peoples, nations, and languages. While Jesus, the Son of David, the Messiah of the lineage of Judah is the king of the Jews, He has not yet received the kingdom. When He does, He will be the King of kings and Lord of lords, Revelation 19:16. His reign will be perfect peace, righteousness, and judgment, Jeremiah 23:5. He will far outshine King David and Judah’s exceptional kings.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible