The last kings mentioned in the Bible depend on whether one refers to the Northern Kingdom of Israel or the Southern Kingdom of Judah, as these nations existed separately after the reign of King Solomon.
The Divided Monarchy: Israel and Judah
Following the death of King Solomon, the unified Kingdom of Israel split into two distinct entities around 931 BC. The northern tribes formed the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which maintained its own line of kings and often faced internal strife and idolatry. The southern tribes, primarily Judah and Benjamin, formed the Southern Kingdom of Judah, which continued the Davidic line of kings and whose capital remained Jerusalem. Each kingdom eventually met its demise at the hands of powerful empires.
Last King of the Northern Kingdom of Israel
The last king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel before its fall was Hoshea. His reign marked the end of an independent Israelite state.
- King: Hoshea
- Kingdom: Northern Kingdom of Israel
- Conquering Empire: Assyria
- Approximate Reign: circa 732–722 BC
Assyria, a formidable Mesopotamian empire, conquered Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants and effectively ending the kingdom's existence. This event is a significant marker in biblical history, often referred to as the scattering of the "ten lost tribes" of Israel.
Last King of the Southern Kingdom of Judah
The last king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah before its destruction and the subsequent Babylonian Exile was Zedekiah. He was the final monarch in the lineage of King David to rule in Jerusalem.
- King: Zedekiah
- Kingdom: Southern Kingdom of Judah
- Conquering Empire: Babylon
- Approximate Reign: circa 597–587 BC
Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Jerusalem, destroyed the First Temple, and exiled the people of Judah. This period, known as the Babylonian Captivity, is a pivotal event in the Old Testament narrative, profoundly shaping Jewish identity and leading to the eventual return and rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple.
Summary of the Last Kings
To provide a clear distinction, here is a summary of the last kings for each kingdom:
| King | Kingdom | Conquering Empire | Approximate Reign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoshea | Northern Kingdom of Israel | Assyria | 732–722 BC (approx.) |
| Zedekiah | Southern Kingdom of Judah | Babylon | 597–587 BC (approx.) |
Why This Distinction Matters
Understanding the last kings of both Israel and Judah is crucial for comprehending the historical narrative of the Bible:
- It highlights the distinct paths and ultimate fates of the two kingdoms.
- It clarifies the timelines of major biblical events, such as the Assyrian conquest and the Babylonian Exile.
- It provides context for prophetic writings and the later return from exile, which are central themes in the Old Testament.
While Hoshea was the last king of the northern kingdom, Zedekiah's reign marks the end of the Davidic monarchy in Jerusalem and directly precedes the Babylonian Exile, a defining moment that significantly impacts the later books of the Bible.
