How many kings are in the Bible? This is a question that has intrigued many Bible scholars and readers over the years. The Bible, a sacred text for Christians, Jews, and Muslims, contains numerous references to kings, each playing a significant role in the historical and spiritual narrative. Determining the exact number of kings mentioned in the Bible requires a careful examination of both the Old and New Testaments.
In the Old Testament, the number of kings is relatively straightforward. Starting with Saul, the first king of Israel, there were a total of twenty kings who ruled over Israel and Judah. These kings are divided into two groups: the Israelite kings and the Judahite kings. The Israelite kings included Saul, David, Solomon, and their successors, while the Judahite kings were the rulers of the southern kingdom of Judah.
The Israelite kings are as follows:
1. Saul
2. David
3. Solomon
4. Rehoboam
5. Abijah
6. Asa
7. Jehoshaphat
8. Jehoram
9. Ahaziah
10. Athaliah (reigned as a queen)
11. Jehoash
12. Amaziah
13. Azariah (Uzziah)
14. Jotham
15. Ahaz
16. Hezekiah
17. Manasseh
18. Amon
19. Josiah
20. Jehoahaz
21. Jehoiakim
22. Jehoiachin
23. Zedekiah
The Judahite kings are as follows:
1. Rehoboam (also ruled Israel)
2. Abijah (also ruled Israel)
3. Asa (also ruled Israel)
4. Jehoshaphat (also ruled Israel)
5. Jehoram (also ruled Israel)
6. Ahaziah (also ruled Israel)
7. Athaliah (reigned as a queen)
8. Jehoash
9. Amaziah
10. Azariah (Uzziah)
11. Jotham
12. Ahaz
13. Hezekiah
14. Manasseh
15. Amon
16. Josiah
17. Jehoahaz
18. Jehoiakim
19. Jehoiachin
20. Zedekiah
In the New Testament, there are no direct references to kings. However, Jesus Christ is often referred to as the “King of Kings” and the “Lord of Lords,” symbolizing His ultimate authority and sovereignty.
In conclusion, the Bible mentions a total of twenty kings in the Old Testament, with Saul being the first and Zedekiah being the last. The New Testament does not directly mention kings but refers to Jesus Christ as the ultimate King. Understanding the role of these kings in the biblical narrative provides valuable insights into the historical and spiritual context of the text.
