Throughout the biblical narrative, the people of Judah and Jerusalem faced numerous adversaries, both external and internal. These enemies played significant roles in the unfolding of Israel's history, often serving as instruments of divine judgment or as foils to highlight the faithfulness of God to His covenant people.

1. Egypt: Egypt was a perennial threat to Judah and Jerusalem. The Pharaohs often sought to exert influence over the region, as seen in the alliance between King Solomon and Pharaoh's daughter (1 Kings 3:1). Later, during the reign of King Josiah, Pharaoh Neco II killed Josiah at Megiddo, demonstrating Egypt's military might (2 Kings 23:29).

2. Assyria: The Assyrian Empire was a formidable enemy, known for its military prowess and brutal conquests. Under kings like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sennacherib, Assyria threatened the sovereignty of Judah. The prophet Isaiah records Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem, where God miraculously delivered the city (Isaiah 37:36-37).

3. Babylon: Babylon emerged as a dominant power under Nebuchadnezzar II, who besieged Jerusalem and ultimately destroyed the city and the Temple in 586 BC. This event marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a pivotal moment in Jewish history (2 Kings 25:8-10).

4. Edom: The Edomites, descendants of Esau, were long-standing adversaries of Israel. Their animosity is highlighted during the Babylonian conquest, where they rejoiced over Jerusalem's downfall (Obadiah 1:10-14). This enmity is rooted in the ancient sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau.

5. Moab and Ammon: These neighboring nations frequently opposed Israel and Judah. The Moabites, under King Mesha, rebelled against Israel after Ahab's death (2 Kings 3:5). The Ammonites, too, were often in conflict with Israel, as seen in the time of Jephthah (Judges 11:4-33).

6. Philistines: The Philistines were a constant threat during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Figures like Samson and David rose to prominence through their battles against the Philistines (Judges 13-16; 1 Samuel 17).

7. Internal Enemies: Beyond external threats, Judah and Jerusalem faced internal challenges. Idolatry, corruption, and unfaithfulness to the covenant were persistent issues. Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel warned of the spiritual decay within the nation, which often led to divine judgment (Jeremiah 2:13; Ezekiel 8:6).

8. Rome: In the New Testament era, Rome was the occupying power in Judea. The Roman Empire's control over Jerusalem culminated in the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70, a significant event in Jewish history (Luke 21:20-24).

These enemies, both foreign and domestic, served as instruments through which God tested, judged, and ultimately refined His people. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even amidst the adversities faced by Judah and Jerusalem.