Kings Before Solomon

1. Saul
Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. His reign marked the transition from a theocratic rule by judges to a monarchy. Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin and was chosen for his impressive stature and appearance. Initially, he led Israel to military victories, but his disobedience to God's commands led to his downfall. The Lord rejected Saul as king due to his failure to completely destroy the Amalekites and his unlawful sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Saul's reign ended in tragedy as he took his own life during a battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:4).

2. David
David, the youngest son of Jesse from the tribe of Judah, was anointed by Samuel to succeed Saul. Known for his heart after God, David's early life was marked by his victory over Goliath and his subsequent rise in Saul's court. Despite Saul's jealousy and attempts on his life, David respected Saul as the Lord's anointed. As king, David united the tribes of Israel, established Jerusalem as the capital, and brought the Ark of the Covenant there. His reign was characterized by military conquests and the expansion of Israel's territory. However, David's personal life was marred by sin, including his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11). Despite these failings, God promised David that his dynasty would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:16).

Kings After Solomon

1. Rehoboam
Rehoboam, Solomon's son, ascended to the throne after Solomon's death. His reign marked the division of the united kingdom of Israel. When Rehoboam refused to lighten the heavy burdens imposed by his father, ten tribes rebelled, forming the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:16-19). Rehoboam retained control over the southern kingdom of Judah. His reign was marked by conflict with Jeroboam and the invasion of Shishak, king of Egypt, who plundered the treasures of the temple and the royal palace (1 Kings 14:25-26).

2. Jeroboam
Jeroboam, an official under Solomon, became the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division. He established two golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent his people from worshiping in Jerusalem, leading Israel into idolatry (1 Kings 12:28-30). Jeroboam's reign was marked by his efforts to consolidate power and his disregard for the prophetic warnings against his idolatrous practices.

3. Abijah (Abijam)
Abijah, Rehoboam's son, succeeded him as king of Judah. His reign was brief and characterized by continued conflict with Jeroboam. Although he followed in the sinful ways of his father, the Lord preserved Judah for David's sake (1 Kings 15:3-4).

4. Asa
Asa, the son of Abijah, was a reformer king of Judah who sought to restore true worship. 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 for military support (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

5. Nadab
Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, reigned over Israel for a short period. His rule continued in the idolatrous practices of his father, and he was assassinated by Baasha, who then took the throne (1 Kings 15:25-28).

6. Baasha
Baasha, from the tribe of Issachar, became king of Israel after killing Nadab. His reign was marked by continued idolatry and conflict with Asa, king of Judah. The prophet Jehu foretold the destruction of Baasha's dynasty due to his evil deeds (1 Kings 16:1-4).

These kings, both before and after Solomon, played pivotal roles in the history of Israel and Judah, shaping the spiritual and political landscape of the biblical narrative. Their reigns highlight the consequences of obedience and disobedience to God's commands, as well as the enduring promise of the Davidic covenant.