The history of the kings of Israel is a significant aspect of the Old Testament narrative, detailing the leadership and spiritual direction of the nation of Israel. The period of the monarchy begins with the united kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon, and continues with the divided kingdoms of Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom). This entry focuses on the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel, which existed from approximately 930 to 722 BC.

Jeroboam I
Jeroboam I was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He reigned from approximately 930 to 910 BC. Jeroboam, originally an official under King Solomon, led a revolt against Solomon's son, Rehoboam, resulting in the division of the kingdom. To prevent the people from returning to Jerusalem for worship, Jeroboam established two golden calves in Bethel and Dan, leading Israel into idolatry. The Bible records, "Jeroboam said in his heart, 'Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David'" (1 Kings 12:26).

Nadab
Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, succeeded his father and reigned for two years (910-909 BC). His reign was marked by continued idolatry and evil in the sight of the LORD. Nadab's rule ended when he was assassinated by Baasha during a military campaign against the Philistines at Gibbethon. "Baasha son of Ahijah of the house of Issachar conspired against him, and Baasha struck him down at Gibbethon" (1 Kings 15:27).

Baasha
Baasha, who killed Nadab, became king and reigned for 24 years (909-886 BC). He continued the idolatrous practices of Jeroboam and faced prophetic condemnation for his actions. The prophet Jehu son of Hanani delivered a message from the LORD, saying, "I lifted you up from the dust and made you ruler over My people Israel, but you have walked in the way of Jeroboam" (1 Kings 16:2).

Elah
Elah, the son of Baasha, reigned for two years (886-885 BC). His reign was short-lived due to his assassination by Zimri, one of his officials, while Elah was in a drunken stupor. "Zimri came in, struck him down, and killed him in the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah" (1 Kings 16:10).

Zimri
Zimri's reign lasted only seven days in 885 BC. After assassinating Elah, he declared himself king, but his rule was quickly challenged by Omri, the commander of the army. Facing defeat, Zimri set the royal palace on fire and perished in the flames. "When Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the citadel of the royal palace and set the palace on fire around him" (1 Kings 16:18).

Omri
Omri became king after a brief civil war and reigned for 12 years (885-874 BC). He is noted for establishing Samaria as the capital of the northern kingdom. Omri's reign was marked by political stability but continued idolatry. "Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD and acted more wickedly than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:25).

Ahab
Ahab, the son of Omri, reigned for 22 years (874-853 BC) and is one of the most infamous kings of Israel. His marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, led to the introduction of Baal worship in Israel. Ahab's reign was characterized by significant conflict with the prophet Elijah, who challenged the idolatry and apostasy of the king and his court. "Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the sight of the LORD than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30).

Ahaziah
Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, reigned for two years (853-852 BC). His reign continued the idolatrous practices of his parents, and he suffered a severe injury from a fall. Seeking guidance from Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, he was confronted by Elijah, who prophesied his death. "You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die" (2 Kings 1:4).

Jehoram (Joram)
Jehoram, another son of Ahab, reigned for 12 years (852-841 BC). He attempted some religious reforms by removing the sacred pillar of Baal, but he did not fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam. His reign was marked by military conflicts with Moab and Aram. "Nevertheless, he clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin" (2 Kings 3:3).

Jehu
Jehu was anointed by the prophet Elisha to become king and execute judgment on the house of Ahab. He reigned for 28 years (841-814 BC) and is known for his zealous eradication of Baal worship, though he did not remove the golden calves of Jeroboam. "Thus Jehu eradicated Baal from Israel" (2 Kings 10:28).

Jehoahaz
Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, reigned for 17 years (814-798 BC). His reign was marked by oppression from the Arameans, leading him to seek the LORD's favor. Despite some relief, he continued in the sins of Jeroboam. "So Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him" (2 Kings 13:4).

Jehoash (Joash)
Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz, reigned for 16 years (798-782 BC). He continued the idolatrous practices of his predecessors but achieved military victories against Aram. He also had a notable encounter with the prophet Elisha before the prophet's death. "Jehoash did what was evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 13:11).

Jeroboam II
Jeroboam II, the son of Jehoash, reigned for 41 years (793-753 BC). His reign was marked by territorial expansion and prosperity, but he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam I. The prophet Jonah ministered during his reign, and the LORD showed mercy to Israel despite their unfaithfulness. "He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah" (2 Kings 14:25).

Zechariah
Zechariah, the son of Jeroboam II, reigned for six months in 753 BC. His assassination by Shallum marked the end of the dynasty of Jehu, fulfilling the prophecy given to Jehu. "Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah, struck him down, and killed him" (2 Kings 15:10).

Shallum
Shallum reigned for one month in 752 BC before being assassinated by Menahem. His brief reign is noted for the violent transition of power. "Menahem son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, came to Samaria, and struck down Shallum" (2 Kings 15:14).

Menahem
Menahem reigned for 10 years (752-742 BC) and is known for his brutal suppression of a rebellion in Tiphsah. He maintained his rule by paying tribute to the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III. "Menahem exacted this money from each of the wealthy men of Israel" (2 Kings 15:20).

Pekahiah
Pekahiah, the son of Menahem, reigned for two years (742-740 BC). His reign ended when he was assassinated by Pekah, one of his chief officers. "Pekah son of Remaliah, his officer, conspired against him and struck him down" (2 Kings 15:25).

Pekah
Pekah reigned for 20 years (752-732 BC), though his reign overlapped with Menahem and Pekahiah due to a rival kingdom. He formed an alliance with Aram against Judah, leading to the Syro-Ephraimite War. Pekah was eventually assassinated by Hoshea. "Hoshea son of Elah conspired against Pekah son of Remaliah" (2 Kings 15:30).

Hoshea
Hoshea was the last king of Israel, reigning for nine years (732-723 BC). His reign ended with the Assyrian conquest of Samaria and the exile of the Israelites. Hoshea's attempt to ally with Egypt against Assyria led to his downfall. "The king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria" (2 Kings 17:6).

The preceding kings of Israel illustrate a tumultuous period marked by political instability, idolatry, and prophetic intervention. Their reigns serve as a backdrop to the spiritual and moral challenges faced by the nation of Israel.