The Kingdom of Judah, formed after the division of the united monarchy of Israel, was ruled by a succession of kings from the line of David. This southern kingdom, with its capital in Jerusalem, maintained a distinct identity from the northern Kingdom of Israel. The kings of Judah are significant in biblical history for their varied adherence to the covenant with God, their influence on the spiritual state of the nation, and their role in the prophetic narratives.

Rehoboam
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, was the first king of Judah after the division of the kingdom. His reign is marked by the initial schism between the northern and southern tribes due to his harsh policies (1 Kings 12:14). Despite his failure to maintain the unity of Israel, Rehoboam fortified cities and maintained the Davidic line in Jerusalem.

Abijah (Abijam)
Abijah, Rehoboam's son, reigned for a short period. His reign is noted for a significant battle against Jeroboam of Israel, where he declared the legitimacy of David's dynasty and the temple worship in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 13:10-12). Despite his military success, he continued in the sins of his father (1 Kings 15:3).

Asa
Asa, the son of Abijah, was a reformer who sought to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh. He removed idols and deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother due to her idolatry (1 Kings 15:11-13). Asa's reign was marked by peace and prosperity, although he later relied on foreign alliances rather than God (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat, Asa's son, continued his father's reforms and strengthened Judah spiritually and militarily. He established a system of judges and sought to educate the people in the Law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). His alliance with Ahab of Israel, however, brought negative consequences (2 Chronicles 18:1).

Jehoram
Jehoram, Jehoshaphat's son, married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, which led to the introduction of Baal worship in Judah. His reign was marked by violence and idolatry, and he suffered divine judgment through revolts and disease (2 Chronicles 21:6, 18-19).

Ahaziah
Ahaziah, Jehoram's son, reigned for only one year. Influenced by his mother Athaliah, he continued in the ways of Ahab's house. His reign ended when he was killed by Jehu, who was executing judgment on Ahab's family (2 Chronicles 22:3-4, 9).

Athaliah
Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, seized the throne after her son's death and attempted to exterminate the Davidic line. Her reign was characterized by the promotion of Baal worship. She was overthrown in a coup led by Jehoiada the priest, who restored the rightful heir, Joash, to the throne (2 Chronicles 23:12-15).

Joash (Jehoash)
Joash, saved from Athaliah's massacre, was crowned king as a child. Under the guidance of Jehoiada, he repaired the temple and restored proper worship (2 Chronicles 24:4-14). However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash turned to idolatry and was eventually assassinated by his officials (2 Chronicles 24:17-25).

Amaziah
Amaziah, the son of Joash, initially followed the Lord and achieved military victories. However, his pride led him to idolatry and a disastrous war with Israel (2 Chronicles 25:14-20). He was eventually assassinated, like his father (2 Chronicles 25:27).

Uzziah (Azariah)
Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a successful and powerful king who expanded Judah's territory and strengthened its defenses. His reign was marred by his prideful attempt to burn incense in the temple, which resulted in him being struck with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

Jotham
Jotham, Uzziah's son, ruled well and continued his father's building projects. He maintained a faithful relationship with God and was successful in his military campaigns (2 Chronicles 27:2-6).

Ahaz
Ahaz, Jotham's son, was one of Judah's most wicked kings. He introduced pagan practices, including child sacrifice, and sought help from Assyria rather than relying on God (2 Chronicles 28:1-4, 16-25).

Hezekiah
Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was a reformer who restored temple worship and celebrated the Passover. He trusted in the Lord during the Assyrian siege and was miraculously delivered (2 Chronicles 29:3-36, 32:20-22).

Manasseh
Manasseh, Hezekiah's son, was notorious for his idolatry and shedding of innocent blood. However, after being taken captive to Babylon, he repented and was restored to his throne, where he attempted to undo his previous wrongs (2 Chronicles 33:1-13).

Amon
Amon, the son of Manasseh, followed in his father's early wickedness and was assassinated by his servants after a short reign (2 Chronicles 33:21-24).

Josiah
Josiah, Amon's son, was a godly king who initiated significant religious reforms and rediscovered the Book of the Law. His reign was marked by a return to covenant faithfulness (2 Chronicles 34:1-33).

Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah
The final kings of Judah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah, reigned during a period of political instability and spiritual decline. Their reigns ended with the Babylonian conquest and the exile of Judah (2 Chronicles 36:1-21).

The kings of Judah, despite their varied faithfulness, played a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, maintaining the Davidic line through which the Messiah would come.