The Kings of Judah were the monarchs who ruled over the southern kingdom of Judah after the united monarchy of Israel split into two separate kingdoms following the reign of King Solomon. This division occurred around 930 BC, leading to the formation of the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The lineage of the kings of Judah is significant as it traces the Davidic line, which holds a central place in biblical prophecy and the messianic expectation.

Rehoboam
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, was the first king of Judah. His reign began with a critical decision that led to the division of the united kingdom. When the people requested relief from heavy taxation, Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the elders and followed the advice of his peers, resulting in the northern tribes' rebellion (1 Kings 12:1-19). His reign was marked by conflict with Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom, and the invasion of Shishak, king of Egypt (1 Kings 14:25-26).

Abijah (Abijam)
Abijah, Rehoboam's son, reigned for three years. His reign was characterized by warfare with Jeroboam and a notable victory attributed to his reliance on the LORD (2 Chronicles 13:3-18). Despite this, he continued in the sins of his father (1 Kings 15:3).

Asa
Asa, the son of Abijah, was a reformer who reigned for 41 years. He is noted for his religious reforms, which included removing idols and restoring the worship of the LORD (1 Kings 15:11-15). Asa's reliance on God brought peace and victory over the Cushites (2 Chronicles 14:9-15), but later in his reign, he relied on a foreign alliance rather than seeking the LORD (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat, Asa's son, continued his father's reforms and sought to strengthen the kingdom spiritually and militarily. He is remembered for his judicial reforms and his alliance with Ahab, king of Israel, which was criticized by the prophet Jehu (2 Chronicles 19:1-3). Jehoshaphat's faith was evident when he led the nation in prayer and worship before a victorious battle against a coalition of enemies (2 Chronicles 20:1-30).

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, including a painful disease (2 Chronicles 21:12-19).

Ahaziah
Ahaziah, Jehoram's son, reigned for only one year. Influenced by his mother Athaliah, he followed 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 22:1-9).

Athaliah
Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, seized the throne and ruled for six years after her son's death. She attempted to exterminate the royal line of David but was overthrown in a coup led by Jehoiada the priest, who preserved the Davidic line through Joash (2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21).

Joash (Jehoash)
Joash, saved as an infant by Jehoiada, became king at seven years old. Under Jehoiada's guidance, he restored the temple and reestablished proper worship. However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash turned to idolatry and was eventually assassinated by his officials (2 Chronicles 24:1-25).

Amaziah
Amaziah, Joash's son, initially followed the LORD and achieved military success. However, his pride led to idolatry and a disastrous conflict with Israel. He was eventually assassinated (2 Chronicles 25:1-28).

Uzziah (Azariah)
Uzziah, also known as Azariah, reigned for 52 years and was a successful and innovative king. His reign was marked by prosperity and military strength, but his pride led to his downfall when he unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, resulting in leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:1-21).

Jotham
Jotham, Uzziah's son, was a godly king who continued his father's policies without his transgressions. His reign was marked by building projects and military successes (2 Chronicles 27:1-9).

Ahaz
Ahaz, Jotham's son, was a wicked king who embraced idolatry and sought help from Assyria rather than the LORD. His reign saw significant losses and suffering for Judah (2 Chronicles 28:1-27).

Hezekiah
Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was a reformer who restored temple worship and celebrated the Passover. His faith in God was demonstrated when he prayed for deliverance from the Assyrian king Sennacherib, resulting in a miraculous victory (2 Kings 18:1-20:21).

Manasseh
Manasseh, Hezekiah's son, was one of Judah's most notorious kings, leading the nation into deep idolatry. However, after being taken captive to Babylon, he repented and sought the LORD, leading to a partial restoration (2 Chronicles 33:1-20).

Amon
Amon, Manasseh's son, continued in his father's early idolatry and was assassinated after a short reign of two years (2 Chronicles 33:21-25).

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, but he died prematurely in battle against Pharaoh Necho (2 Kings 22:1-23:30).

Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah
The final kings of Judah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah, reigned during a period of decline and increasing Babylonian influence. Their reigns were marked by political instability and spiritual decline, culminating in the Babylonian exile and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC (2 Kings 23:31-25:21).

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, Jesus Christ, would come.