He became proud and full of himself, he abandoned the temple of the Lord and returned to worshipping Asherah poles and idols. When the nation of Judah abandoned God, God sent the prophet Zachariah to call them to repentence. God sent many prophets including the prophet Joel to warn them that they were heading for disaster. After his mentor’s (i.e. priest JEHOIADA) death JOASH eventually killed Zachariah the prophet who was actually the son of his mentor. After Jehoiada’s death, King JOASH, who was always depending of the priest, was now on his own. Never developing a mind of his own, JOASH listened to council from others which carried him into evil practices. He was assinated by his own officials.

AMAZIAH- Joash’s son succeeded him. He was 29 years old when he became king of Judah. He first did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly. When Amaziah became king, he did some things in keeping with God’s word by following the law, yet went to war against the Edomites and slaughtered them, bringing back their gods and began to engage in paganism in Judah. He bowed down to them, set them as his own gods and burnt offerings to them. AMAZIAH was killed by his own people in Jerusalem; he had turned away from God.

UZZIAH – succeeded his father. He was sixteen when he became king of Judah. At first UZZIAH did right in the eyes of the Lord and became a successful powerful king. His great success brought him fame, however after his power grew, he became very proud. UZZIAH was successful in war and peace, in planning and execution, in building and planting. He overestimated his own importance in bringing about the great achievements he accomplished. He did so many things well, that a consuming pride gradually invaded his life.

UZZIAH’S pride was rooted in his lack of thankfulness. There is no account of this king ever showing appreciation to God for the marvelous gifts he received. In his arrogance, he disregarded the position that God had given to the Priests. He overstepped himself by going into the temple and burning incense to God. (That was the duty of the Priests only). UZZIAH was not a priest he was a king, but he thought in his arrogant mind that he could do anything he wanted. The Lord afflicted UZZIAH with Leprosy. King UZZIAH is remembered for his arrogant acts, then for his great reforms. God requires lifelong obedience. Only he who stands firm to the end will be rewarded (Mark 13 v 13) After he was struck with leprosy his son JOTHAM took over his reign.

JOTHAM was 25 years old when he became king. He reigned sixteen years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He did not enter the temple like his father. However the people continued their corrupt practices.

AHAZ his son succeeded him. He was 20 years old and reigned 16 years. AHAZ was a wicked king. He made cast idols and followed the pagan priest of the northern kingdom and worshipped the god Baal. He burnt sacrifices, and sacrificed his own sons in the fire. AHAZ shut up the temple after removing all the furnishing from the temple and setting up alters at every street corner in Jerusalem. In every town in Judah, he built high places to burn sacrifices to other gods. The prophet Isaiah prophesied to the people about the Lord burning anger during this time.

HEZEKIAH his son succeeded him. HEZEKIAH was 25 years when he became king. He ruled Jerusalem 25 years. His mother was the daughter of the prophet Zachariah. HEZEKIAH did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He reopened the doors of the temple and repaired them. He brought back the involvement of the priests. HEZEKIAH was dedicated to God and the spiritual progress of the nation. He encouraged the nation to return to their God. It was around the time of HEZEKIAH’S rule that the northern kingdom was conquered by Assyria, and most of the people were carried away to foreign lands.

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