The Kings of Judah

The first king of Judah was Rehoboam, who was the son of Solomon. He was king over the twelve tribes of Israel until they separated and ten tribes remained faithful to Israel and the other two tribes of Israel became known as Judah. He was a bad king because he set idols on high places and worshiped them. He was succeeded by his son, Abijah. Abija tried to reunite the tribes of Judah and Israel but was unsuccessful. He was a bad king because he followed the ways of his father. He was succeeded by his son Asa. Asa was a good king because he brought back the worship of God. He was succeeded by his son Jehoram. Jehoram was a bad king because he married a daughter of a king of Israel. His wife led him back to the worship of idols. He was succeeded by his son Ahaziah. Ahaziah reigned a short time before he was killed and his mother became queen. Her grandson, Joash, succeeded her. Joash started out as a good king, but when someone died, he brought back idol worship to Juday. He was succeeded by his son Amaziah. Amaziah was a good king for a short time, but then he also set up idols in Judah. He was succeeded by his son Uzziah. Uzziah was a good king because he did many great things for the kingdom of Judah, but he died because of leprosy for doing a horrible sin and was succeeded by his son Jothan. He was a good king because he was a faithful godly king, but his people worshiped idols. He was succeeded by his son Ahaz. Ahaz was a bad king because he erected many idols and committed many sins. He was succeeded by his son Hezekiah. Hezekiah was a great king because he was quick to clean out the temple, tear down the idols, restore the worship of God, and many more great things. He was succeeded by his son Manasseh. Manasseh was a bad king because he brought back the worship of idols, but before he died he repented of his sin, returned to Judah from captivity, and removed all the idols from Judah. He was succeeded by his son Amon. Amon was a bad king because he continued to worship idols. He did not repent and was succeeded by his son Josiah. Josiah is the last king of Judah and made repairs to the temple. While people were doing this, the book of the Law was rediscovered. Josiah had someone read it to him. Josiah found out it was God's law and told his people to worship God and follow him. He died in battle and the people of Juday mourned for him many days, but they continued to worship God. Was that amazing?