Israel and Judah Kings and Prophets Chart

The kingdoms of Israel and Judah, which existed from the 10th to the 6th centuries BCE, were marked by a complex interplay of royal and prophetic figures. Understanding the timeline and relationships between these kings and prophets is crucial for grasping the historical and theological narrative of the Hebrew Bible. This period is characterized by the reigns of various kings, some of whom are noted for their adherence to the worship of Yahweh, while others are condemned for their idolatry and disobedience to divine commandments. Parallel to the monarchic narrative, prophets arose, calling the people and their leaders back to faithfulness and warning of impending judgment for their sins.

Kingdom of Israel (922 - 722 BCE)

The Kingdom of Israel was formed after the death of King Solomon, when the ten northern tribes rejected the rule of Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, andinstead chose Jeroboam I as their king. This kingdom saw a succession of dynasties and individual rulers, many of whom are criticized in the biblical account for their religious policies, particularly for introducing or tolerating the worship of other gods alongside Yahweh.

1. Jeroboam I (922 - 901 BCE): The first king of Israel, who established the worship of golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent his subjects from traveling to Jerusalem for sacrifices, thus dividing the worship and potentially the allegiance of the people.

2. Ahab (874 - 853 BCE): Noted for his marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who introduced the worship of Baal into Israel. Ahab’s reign is also significant for the prophetic activities of Elijah, who confronted Ahab over his religious policies and the murder of Naboth.

3. Jehu (841 - 814 BCE): Ascended to the throne after a prophetic anointing and a bloody coup. He is known for his zealous extinction of the house of Ahab and the eradication of Baal worship from Israel, though his religious reforms were not comprehensive.

Kingdom of Judah (922 - 586 BCE)

The Kingdom of Judah, comprising the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, had its capital in Jerusalem and was ruled by descendants of David. The biblical narrative presents Judah’s kings as having a more mixed record, with some notable figures who followed Yahweh faithfully, while others walked in the ways of their fathers or introduced idolatrous practices.

1. Asa (911 - 870 BCE): Commended for his early faithfulness to Yahweh and his removal of foreign altars and high places. However, in his old age, he relied on the king of Aram rather than God to deal with the threat from Israel.

2. Jehoshaphat (870 - 849 BCE): Known for his faithful adherence to Yahweh and his judicial and military reforms. He formed an alliance with Ahab of Israel, which was not approved by the prophets.

3. Hezekiah (729 - 686 BCE): Faced the threat of the Assyrian Empire and, after initial wavering, trusted in God for deliverance, resulting in a miraculous salvation of Jerusalem. He also undertook significant religious reforms, including the destruction of high places and the restoration of the Passover.

4. Josiah (640 - 609 BCE): Discovered the Book of the Law during renovations of the Temple, which led to a nationwide reform. He abolished idolatrous practices, restored the Temple, and reinstituted the Passover. His death in battle against the Egyptians marked the end of an era for Judah.

Prophets

Prophets played a crucial role in both kingdoms, serving as divine messengers who called the people and their rulers to repentance, faithfulness, and obedience to the covenant. Key prophets of this period include:

• Elijah and Elisha (9th century BCE): Active during the reigns of Ahab and his successors in Israel. Elijah is known for his confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and his ascension to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha succeeded Elijah and performed many miracles, including healing a Syrian commander and feeding the hungry during a famine.

• Isaiah (8th century BCE): A prophet in Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Isaiah’s prophecies include calls to faithfulness, condemnations of idolatry and social injustice, and promises of a future Messiah and the restoration of Israel.

• Jeremiah (7th - 6th centuries BCE): Prophesied in Judah from the thirteenth year of Josiah to the fall of Jerusalem. Jeremiah called the people to repentance, warning of the consequences of their disobedience, including the Babylonian exile.

• Hosea (8th century BCE): Prophesied in Israel, calling for the people to return to Yahweh with all their hearts. His marital life, including his marriage to an unfaithful wife, served as a powerful metaphor for God’s relationship with Israel.

Understanding the interplay between these kings and prophets provides a deep insight into the theological and historical narrative of the Hebrew Bible, highlighting themes of obedience, disobedience, judgment, and redemption. The period of the divided monarchies sets the stage for the later prophetic hopes of restoration and the coming of a messianic figure who would redeem not just Israel, but all nations.

The complex timeline of kings and prophets is a testament to the dynamic and often fraught relationship between leadership, faith, and the divine. Through their stories, the biblical narrative conveys timeless messages about the importance of faithfulness, the danger of idolatry, and the hope of redemption through God’s grace and mercy.