Kings and prophets

Rehoboam

Judá

930–913 BC

17 years

Mau

Evil (rejected the elders' counsel and tolerated idolatrous high places)

Solomon's son; his harshness divided the nation. Pharaoh Shishak plundered the Temple's treasures.

1 Kings 12:1–24; 14:21–31; 2 Chronicles 10–12

Shemaiah

Ahijah of Shiloh

Jeroboam I

Abijah (Abijam)

Judá

913–910 BC

3 years

Mau

Evil (followed his father's sins without a fully devoted heart)

Defeated Jeroboam I by invoking God's covenant on Mount Zemaraim, but retained idolatrous practices in Judah.

1 Kings 15:1–8; 2 Chronicles 13

Iddo (Seer)

Jeroboam I

Asa

Judá

910–869 BC

41 years

Bom

Good (a godly reformer; removed idols and deposed the queen mother Maacah)

Trusted God against the army of Zerah the Ethiopian. Late in life, however, he allied with Syria and was rebuked by Hanani the seer.

1 Kings 15:9–24; 2 Chronicles 14–16

Azariah son of Oded

Hanani (Seer)

Jeroboam I

Nadab

Baasha

Elah

Zimri

Omri

Jeroboam I

Israel

1st Dynasty

930–909 BC

22 years

Mau

Evil (established Israel's institutional sin)

Erected two golden calves at Dan and Bethel to prevent the people from worshiping in Jerusalem, appointing illegitimate priests.

1 Kings 12:25–14:20

Ahijah of Shiloh

Man of God from Judah

Rehoboam

Abijah

Asa

Nadab

Israel

1st Dynasty

909–908 BC

2 years

Mau

Evil (followed his father's ways)

Assassinated by Baasha during the siege of the Philistine city of Gibbethon.

1 Kings 15:25–31

Ahijah (prophetic fulfillment)

Asa

Baasha

Israel

2nd Dynasty

908–886 BC

24 years

Mau

Evil (exterminated Jeroboam's house but committed the same sins)

Built Ramah to blockade Judah; confronted by the prophet Jehu son of Hanani.

1 Kings 15:32–16:7; 2 Chronicles 16:1–6

Jehu son of Hanani

Asa

Elah

Israel

2nd Dynasty

886–885 BC

2 years

Mau

Evil (drunk in Tirzah while the army fought)

Assassinated by Zimri, the chariot commander.

1 Kings 16:8–14

Jehu son of Hanani

Asa

Zimri

Israel

3rd Dynasty

885 BC

7 days

Mau

Evil (Israel's shortest reign)

The people proclaimed Omri king; Zimri set his own royal palace on fire and died.

1 Kings 16:15–20

Asa

Omri

Israel

4th Dynasty (House of Omri)

885–874 BC

12 years

Mau

Evil (militarily influential but spiritually apostate)

Bought Samaria's hill and made it the Northern Kingdom's legendary capital. Mentioned on the famous Mesha Stele.

1 Kings 16:21–28

Asa

Shemaiah

Profeta de Ação

~930–915 BC

Judah

1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 11–12

Prevented Rehoboam from waging civil war against Israel (“This is from Me”) and preached repentance in the face of Pharaoh Shishak.

Divine Sovereignty in the Nation's Division

Rehoboam

Jeroboam I

Thus says the LORD: Do not go up or fight against your brothers (1 Kings 12:24)

Ahijah of Shiloh

Profeta de Ação

~935–910 BC

Israel

1 Kings 11; 14

Tore his cloak into twelve pieces and gave ten to Jeroboam I, prophesying the division; later foretold the end of Jeroboam's dynasty because of idolatry.

The Tearing of the Kingdom and Judgment on Idolatry

Solomon

Rehoboam

Jeroboam I

I will tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand and give you ten tribes (1 Kings 11:31)

Jehu (son of Hanani)

Profeta de Ação

~900–850 BC

Israel and Judah

1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 19–20

Prophesied Baasha's ruin in Israel and later severely rebuked Judah's godly King Jehoshaphat for allying with wicked Ahab.

No Alliance with Wickedness

Jehoshaphat

Baasha

Omri

Ahab

Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? (2 Chronicles 19:2)

Jehoshaphat

Judá

872–848 BC

25 years

Bom

Good (a major spiritual and judicial reformer in Judah)

Sent Levites to teach Scripture in the cities. Defeated Moabites and Ammonites through praise in the wilderness of Tekoa, but erred gravely by allying with Ahab's house.

1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 17–20

Jehu son of Hanani

Jahaziel (Levite)

Eliezer

Micaiah

Ahab

Ahaziah of Israel

Joram of Israel

Jehoram of Judah

Judá

848–841 BC

8 years

Mau

Evil (married Athaliah and murdered all his own brothers)

Received a prophetic letter from Elijah predicting his death from a severe intestinal disease. Died with no one mourning him.

2 Kings 8:16–24; 2 Chronicles 21

Elijah (letter of judgment)

Joram of Israel

Ahaziah of Judah

Judá

841 BC

1 year

Mau

Evil (followed his mother Athaliah's counsel)

Visited Joram of Israel in Jezreel and was killed by Jehu during the purge of Ahab's house.

2 Kings 8:25–29; 9:27–29; 2 Chronicles 22:1–9

Elisha

Joram of Israel

Athaliah (Usurper)

Judá

841–835 BC

6 years

Mau

Evil (attempted to exterminate all David's royal descendants)

Jezebel's daughter; usurped the throne by killing her grandchildren. The child Joash was hidden in the Temple by the priest Jehoiada, and she was executed in the holy revolt.

2 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 22:10–23:21

Jehoiada (Faithful High Priest)

Jehu of Israel

Ahab

Israel

House of Omri

874–853 BC

22 years

Mau

Evil (Israel's most wicked king up to his time)

Married the Phoenician princess Jezebel and introduced Baal and Asherah worship. Murdered Naboth for his vineyard. Died when struck by an arrow at Ramoth-gilead.

1 Kings 16:29–22:40

Elijah

Micaiah son of Imlah

Asa

Jehoshaphat

Ahaziah of Israel

Israel

House of Omri

853–852 BC

2 years

Mau

Evil (consulted Baal-zebub in Ekron)

Fell through the lattice of his upper room. Elijah prophesied that he would never leave his bed but would certainly die.

1 Kings 22:51–2 Kings 1:18

Elijah

Jehoshaphat

Joram of Israel

Israel

House of Omri

852–841 BC

12 years

Mau

Evil (removed Baal's pillar but retained Jeroboam's calves)

Witnessed Elisha's great miracles (victory over Moab, the siege of Samaria), but was killed by Jehu's arrow, which ended Ahab's house.

2 Kings 3:1–9:26

Elisha

Jehoshaphat

Jehoram of Judah

Ahaziah of Judah

Elijah (the Tishbite)

Profeta de Ação

~875–848 BC

Israel

1 Kings 17–2 Kings 2; 2 Chronicles 21:12–15

Challenged Baal's 450 prophets on Mount Carmel with fire from heaven; closed and opened the heavens through prayer; was taken to heaven in a whirlwind with a chariot of fire.

The LORD Is God! Holy Fire against Idolatry

Jehoshaphat

Jehoram of Judah

Ahab

Ahaziah of Israel

How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him! (1 Kings 18:21)

Micaiah (son of Imlah)

Profeta de Ação

~853 BC

Israel and Judah

1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18

The only true prophet before Ahab's four hundred flattering false prophets; accurately predicted Ahab's defeat and death in battle.

The Uncompromising Truth of God's Word

Jehoshaphat

Ahab

As the LORD lives, whatever the LORD tells me, that I will speak (1 Kings 22:14)

Elisha (son of Shaphat)

Profeta de Ação

~848–797 BC

Israel (and Neighboring Nations)

1 Kings 19:16–21; 2 Kings 2–13

Received a double portion of Elijah's spirit; performed miracles of mercy and power (Naaman's healing, multiplication of the widow's oil, resurrection of the Shunammite woman's son).

The Living God Who Heals, Saves, and Sustains

Jehoshaphat

Joram

Ahaziah

Joash

Joram of Israel

Jehu

Jehoahaz

Jehoash

Do not fear, for those with us are more than those with them (2 Kings 6:16)

Obadiah

Profeta Menor

~845 BC (or ~586 BC)

Edom (and Judah)

Obadiah (1 chapter)

Denounced Edom's arrogant pride (Esau's descendants) for rejoicing over Judah and plundering it on the day of its calamity.

Judgment on Pride and Mount Zion's Triumph

Jehoram of Judah

Joram of Israel

The day of the LORD is near upon all nations; as you have done, it will be done to you (Obadiah 1:15)

Joash of Judah

Judá

835–796 BC

40 years

Misto

Mixed (good while the priest Jehoiada lived; apostate after his death)

Restored the Temple using Jehoiada's famous offering chest. After the priest's death, however, he ordered the prophet Zechariah (Jehoiada's son) stoned in the Temple courtyard.

2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24

Joel

Zechariah (son of Jehoiada)

Jehu

Jehoahaz

Amaziah

Judá

796–767 BC

29 years

Misto

Mixed (did what was right, but without a fully sincere heart)

Defeated the Edomites but brought Edom's gods to worship in Jerusalem! Foolishly provoked Israel's king and suffered severe military humiliation.

2 Kings 14:1–22; 2 Chronicles 25

Unnamed Prophet (2 Chronicles 25:15)

Jehoash of Israel

Jeroboam II

Uzziah (Azariah)

Judá

792–740 BC (co-regency)

52 years

Bom

Good (a great builder and military leader until he became proud)

Reorganized the army and built innovative defenses. At the height of his fame, he became proud, entered the Temple to burn incense (the priests' exclusive duty), and remained a leper until death.

2 Kings 15:1–7; 2 Chronicles 26

Zechariah (his Instructor)

Isaiah (early ministry)

Amos

Hosea

Jeroboam II

Zechariah of Israel

Shallum

Menahem

Jehu

Israel

5th Dynasty (Dynasty of Jehu)

841–814 BC

28 years

Mau

Evil (zealous in destroying Ahab and Baal, but retained the golden calves)

Anointed by Elisha's disciple. Executed Joram, Ahaziah, and Jezebel. God promised four generations of his descendants on the throne.

2 Kings 9–10

Elisha

Athaliah

Joash of Judah

Jehoahaz of Israel

Israel

Dynasty of Jehu

814–798 BC

17 years

Mau

Evil (severely oppressed by King Hazael of Syria)

In distress, he cried to the Lord, and God sent temporary deliverance, but the people did not abandon Jeroboam's sins.

2 Kings 13:1–9

Elisha

Joash of Judah

Jehoash of Israel

Israel

Dynasty of Jehu

798–782 BC

16 years

Mau

Evil (retained Jeroboam's sins)

Wept at Elisha's deathbed; struck the ground three times with arrows as the prophet instructed, defeating Syria three times.

2 Kings 13:10–25; 14:8–16

Elisha (the Prophet's Death)

Amaziah

Jeroboam II

Israel

Dynasty of Jehu

793–753 BC

41 years

Mau

Spiritually evil despite Israel's greatest age of wealth and expansion

Restored Israel's borders from Hamath to the Dead Sea, according to Jonah son of Amittai's prophecy. His wealthy court was sharply rebuked by Amos and Hosea.

2 Kings 14:23–29

Jonah

Amos

Hosea

Amaziah

Uzziah

Joel (son of Pethuel)

Profeta Menor

~835 BC (or after the Exile)

Judah

Joel (3 chapters)

Used the devastating locust plague as a warning of the solemn “Day of the LORD” and prophesied the Holy Spirit's outpouring on all flesh (fulfilled at Pentecost in Acts 2).

The Day of the LORD and the Promise of the Spirit

Joash of Judah

Jehu

Afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28)

Jonah (son of Amittai)

Profeta Menor

~785–760 BC

Assyria (Nineveh) and Israel

Jonah (4 chapters); 2 Kings 14:25

Prophesied Jeroboam II's territorial victories and was sent to Nineveh, the Assyrian Empire's capital, where his preaching of repentance produced results that surprised the prophet himself.

God's Mercy Reaches Even the Gentiles

Uzziah

Jeroboam II

Salvation comes from the LORD (Jonah 2:9)

Amos (Shepherd of Tekoa)

Profeta Menor

~760–750 BC

Israel (Northern Kingdom)

Amos (9 chapters)

A simple sycamore grower sent from Judah to Samaria and Bethel; denounced oppression of the poor, bribery in the courts, and hypocritical worship.

Justice That Flows like Perennial Streams

Uzziah

Jeroboam II

Let justice roll like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream (Amos 5:24)

Hosea (son of Beeri)

Profeta Menor

~755–715 BC

Israel

Hosea (14 chapters)

Married Gomer by divine command, portraying through his own family suffering God's faithful and tireless love in the face of Israel's persistent spiritual adultery.

God's Unconditional Love and the Tragedy of Apostasy

Uzziah

Jotham

Ahaz

Hezekiah

Jeroboam II to Hoshea (the Last King)

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6)

Jotham

Judá

750–735 BC

16 years

Bom

Good (built the Temple's upper gate and cities in the mountains)

Became powerful because he ordered his ways before the Lord, although the people continued in corruption.

2 Kings 15:32–38; 2 Chronicles 27

Isaiah

Micah

Hosea

Pekahiah

Pekah

Ahaz

Judá

735–715 BC

16 years

Mau

Evil (burned his own children as sacrifices to Molech)

Became a vassal of Assyria's King Tiglath-pileser III; ordered a copy of a pagan Damascus altar to replace the Lord's altar. Rejected God's sign in Isaiah 7.

2 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 28; Isaiah 7

Isaiah

Micah

Pekah

Hoshea (Last of Israel)

Hezekiah

Judá

715–686 BC

29 years

Bom

Good (one of the most faithful kings in Judah's history)

Destroyed the bronze serpent that had become an idol; reopened the Temple and celebrated a united Passover. When Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem in 701 BC, he prayed, and the Angel of the Lord destroyed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.

2 Kings 18–20; 2 Chronicles 29–32; Isaiah 36–39

Isaiah

Micah

Hoshea (until 722 BC)

Fall of Samaria

Zechariah of Israel

Israel

753 BC

6 months

Mau

Evil (end of Jehu's dynasty as prophesied)

Publicly assassinated by Shallum in Ibleam.

2 Kings 15:8–12

Hosea

Uzziah

Shallum

Israel

752 BC

1 month

Mau

Evil (a short-lived usurper)

Assassinated by Menahem, who marched from Tirzah.

2 Kings 15:13–15

Hosea

Uzziah

Menahem

Israel

752–742 BC

10 years

Mau

Evil (brutal and bloodthirsty)

Paid a thousand talents of silver to the Assyrian king Pul (Tiglath-pileser III) by harshly taxing Israel's nobles.

2 Kings 15:16–22

Hosea

Uzziah

Pekahiah

Israel

742–740 BC

2 years

Mau

Evil (perpetuated Jeroboam's worship)

Assassinated in the fortress of Samaria's palace by his commander Pekah.

2 Kings 15:23–26

Hosea

Uzziah

Pekah

Israel

740–732 BC

20 years (includes earlier claims)

Mau

Evil (allied with Rezin of Syria against Judah in the Syro-Ephraimite War)

Tiglath-pileser III conquered Naphtali and Gilead, deporting the first Israelites. Pekah was assassinated by Hoshea.

2 Kings 15:27–31; Isaiah 7

Hosea

Oded (Prophet of Samaria, 2 Chronicles 28:9)

Jotham

Ahaz

Hoshea (Last King of Israel)

Israel

732–722 BC

9 years

Mau

Evil (the Northern Kingdom's last monarch)

Tried to ally with Egypt and withheld tribute from Assyria. Samaria was besieged for three years and destroyed in 722 BC; Israelites were deported to Media, and Israel's kingdom ceased to exist.

2 Kings 17:1–23

Hosea

Ahaz

Hezekiah

Isaiah (son of Amoz)

Profeta Maior

~740–681 BC

Judah (and the Nations)

Isaiah (66 chapters)

The “Prince of Prophets”; received the sublime vision of God's holiness (Isaiah 6). The Old Testament's greatest Messianic prophet, announcing virgin-born Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14), the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and the Suffering Servant who bore our sorrows (Isaiah 53).

The LORD's Holiness, Judgment, and the Messianic Redeemer's Glory

Uzziah

Jotham

Ahaz

Hezekiah

Manasseh

Pekah

Hoshea (until 722 BC)

To us a child is born, to us a son is given; the government rests on His shoulders (Isaiah 9:6)

Micah (of Moresheth)

Profeta Menor

~735–700 BC

Judah and Samaria

Micah (7 chapters)

A rural prophet defending peasants exploited by Jerusalem's leaders; prophesied the Messiah's birth in little Bethlehem Ephrathah (Micah 5:2) and summarized practical faith: do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Social Justice, Repentance, and the Messiah's Eternal Origin

Jotham

Ahaz

Hezekiah

Pekah

Hoshea

You, Bethlehem Ephrathah, small among Judah's thousands, from you will come the one who will rule in Israel (Micah 5:2)

Manasseh

Judá

697–642 BC (initial co-regency)

55 years (Judah's longest)

Misto

Mixed (deeply wicked for most of his life; converted in prison in Babylon)

Rebuilt pagan high places, placed idols inside the Temple itself, and shed innocent blood throughout Jerusalem. Taken captive with hooks to Babylon, he humbled himself deeply before God and was restored to the throne.

2 Kings 21:1–18; 2 Chronicles 33:1–20

Isaiah (martyred under him according to tradition)

Unnamed Prophets

Amon

Judá

642–640 BC

2 years

Mau

Evil (returned to his father's abominations without ever repenting)

Assassinated by his own servants in his house; the people of the land killed the conspirators and proclaimed his eight-year-old son Josiah king.

2 Kings 21:19–26; 2 Chronicles 33:21–25

Josiah

Judá

640–609 BC

31 years

Bom

Good (the king with the most contrite heart in Judah's history)

At sixteen he began seeking God; at twenty he began purifying the lands as far as Israel's ruins. In 622 BC, High Priest Hilkiah found the Book of the Law in the Temple, prompting the greatest Passover ever seen. Died fighting Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo.

2 Kings 22–23; 2 Chronicles 34–35

Jeremiah (early ministry)

Zephaniah

Huldah (Prophetess)

Habakkuk

Jehoahaz (Shallum)

Judá

609 BC

3 months

Mau

Evil (rejected his father Josiah's godly ways)

Deposed and taken in chains to Egypt by Pharaoh Neco, where he died in captivity as Jeremiah prophesied.

2 Kings 23:31–34; 2 Chronicles 36:1–4; Jeremiah 22:10–12

Jeremiah

Jehoiakim (Eliakim)

Judá

609–598 BC

11 years

Mau

Evil (proud, tyrannical, and rebellious against God's Word)

Installed by Pharaoh Neco; taxed the people to build luxurious palaces. Cut Jeremiah's prophetic scroll with a knife and burned it in the brazier. In 605 BC, Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem and took the first nobles, including Daniel.

2 Kings 23:36–24:7; 2 Chronicles 36:5–8; Jeremiah 22:13–19; Jeremiah 36

Jeremiah

Habakkuk

Uriah (martyred)

Jehoiachin (Jeconiah / Coniah)

Judá

598–597 BC

3 months and 10 days

Mau

Evil (subject of the solemn curse in Jeremiah 22:30)

Surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar in 597 BC and was deported to Babylon with ten thousand nobles, craftsmen, and the priest Ezekiel. Spent thirty-seven years imprisoned before being honored by Evil-merodach.

2 Kings 24:8–17; 2 Chronicles 36:9–10; Jeremiah 22:24–30

Jeremiah

Ezekiel (among the Exiles)

Zedekiah (Mattaniah, Last King)

Judá

597–586 BC

11 years

Mau

Evil (weak and hesitant; rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar and refused to hear Jeremiah)

Judah's last king. After a brutal eighteen-month siege with devastating famine, the walls were breached in 586 BC. He saw his sons murdered, had his eyes put out, and was taken blind to Babylon. The Temple and Jerusalem were burned to their foundations.

2 Kings 24:18–25:21; 2 Chronicles 36:11–21; Jeremiah 37–39; Jeremiah 52

Jeremiah

Ezekiel (prophesying in Babylon)

Nahum (of Elkosh)

Profeta Menor

~663–612 BC

Nineveh (Assyrian Empire) and Judah

Nahum (3 chapters)

Around 150 years after temporary repentance under Jonah, Nineveh returned to atrocious cruelty. Nahum prophesied the bloody city's complete and irreversible destruction, which occurred in 612 BC.

God's Holy Vengeance against Oppressive Tyrants

Manasseh

Amon

Josiah

The LORD is good, a fortress in the day of distress; He knows those who trust Him (Nahum 1:7)

Zephaniah (King Hezekiah's Great-great-grandson)

Profeta Menor

~635–625 BC

Judah and the Nations

Zephaniah (3 chapters)

A prophet of noble lineage who spiritually supported Josiah's youth; proclaimed the urgency of repentance before the “Great Day of the LORD” and promised a humble and meek remnant.

The Great Day of the LORD and the Faithful Remnant

Josiah

The LORD your God is in your midst, mighty to save; He will rejoice over you with gladness (Zephaniah 3:17)

Habakkuk

Profeta Menor

~612–605 BC

Judah

Habakkuk (3 chapters)

An honest, anguished dialogue with God: “Why do You tolerate violence in Judah?” When God answers that He will use the cruel Babylonians as His rod of judgment, the prophet trembles but ends with a hymn of unshakable trust: “The righteous will live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).

God's Incomprehensible Sovereignty and Persevering Faith

Josiah

Jehoiakim

His soul is proud... but the righteous will live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4)

Jeremiah (the Weeping Prophet)

Profeta Maior

~627–580 BC

Judah, Jerusalem, and the Remnant

Jeremiah (52 chapters) and Lamentations

Called when young; ministered for over forty years amid rejection, imprisonment, muddy pits, and deadly persecution. Witnessed the Temple's destruction and Jerusalem's burning. Prophesied seventy years of Babylonian captivity and announced the New Covenant written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:31–34).

Inevitable Judgment, Pastoral Anguish, and the New Covenant in the Heart

Josiah

Jehoahaz

Jehoiakim

Jehoiachin

Zedekiah

The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with Israel and Judah (Jeremiah 31:31)

Jehoiachin (Jeconiah in Exile)

Judá

Captivity in Babylon (597–561 BC)

37 years as a Prisoner

Misto

Preservation of David's descendants in captivity

In his thirty-seventh year of captivity, the new Babylonian emperor Evil-merodach freed Jehoiachin, changed his prison clothes, and gave him a daily place at the imperial table, preserving the royal line that would lead to Zerubbabel and Jesus.

2 Kings 25:27–30; Jeremiah 52:31–34; Matthew 1:11–12

Ezekiel

Daniel

Nebuchadnezzar II

Império Babilónico / Persa

605–562 BC

43 years

Pagão / Soberano Estrangeiro

The Neo-Babylonian Empire's greatest monarch

Used as God's rod of judgment to discipline Judah. Dreamed of the statue of world empires (interpreted by Daniel), and after seven periods of madness in the fields, humbled himself and glorified the King of Heaven.

2 Kings 24–25; Daniel 1–4; Jeremiah 25

Daniel

Ezekiel

Jeremiah

Belshazzar (co-regent with Nabonidus)

Império Babilónico / Persa

553–539 BC

Co-regency with Nabonidus

Pagão / Soberano Estrangeiro

Proud and a desecrator of holy things

Used Jerusalem's sacred Temple vessels in a licentious banquet. Daniel interpreted the mysterious writing on the wall: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin. That very night, the Persians captured Babylon, and Belshazzar was killed.

Daniel 5

Daniel

Cyrus II, the Great

Império Babilónico / Persa

559–530 BC (conquered Babylon in 539)

Founder of the Persian Achaemenid Empire

Pagão / Soberano Estrangeiro

Called “My shepherd” and “My anointed” by God through Isaiah 150 years earlier!

In 538 BC, issued the historic decree of religious tolerance allowing Jews to return to Jerusalem with the Temple vessels to rebuild God's House, fulfilling Jeremiah's predicted seventy years.

2 Chronicles 36:22–23; Ezra 1; Isaiah 44:28; 45:1–4

Daniel

Isaiah (earlier prophecy)

Ezekiel (son of Buzi)

Profeta do Exílio

~593–571 BC

Jewish Captives in Babylon (Tel-abib, River Chebar)

Ezekiel (48 chapters)

A priest deported in 597 BC with King Jehoiachin; received cosmic visions of God's glory departing Jerusalem because of secret abominations. Yet he promised a new heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36), national resurrection in the Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37), and a glorious restored Temple where the city would be named “THE LORD IS THERE” (Yahweh-Shammah).

The LORD's Transcendent Glory, Personal Responsibility, and Spiritual Restoration

Jehoiachin in Exile

Zedekiah (until 586 BC)

Nebuchadnezzar

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove the heart of stone (Ezekiel 36:26)

Daniel (Belteshazzar)

Profeta do Exílio

~605–536 BC

Imperial Courts of Babylon and Persia; God's People in Every Era

Daniel (12 chapters)

A young noble taken in 605 BC, he resolved not to defile himself with the king's food. Served with unassailable integrity as prime minister of rival world empires. Interpreted dreams, survived the lions' den unharmed, and received prophetic revelations of successive empires leading to God's Eternal Kingdom and the Messianic prophecy of seventy weeks.

The Most High's Sovereign Rule over All Human Kingdoms

Jehoiakim

Jehoiachin

Zedekiah

Nebuchadnezzar

Belshazzar

Darius the Mede

Cyrus the Great

The Most High rules over the kingdom of humanity and gives it to whomever He chooses (Daniel 4:32)

Zerubbabel (Prince and Governor of Judah)

Judá

~538–515 BC

Leader of the First Return

Bom

A faithful leader of David's royal line

Grandson of King Jehoiachin and legitimate heir to the Davidic throne (Matthew 1:12). As a Persian-appointed governor, laid the foundations and completed the Second Temple in 516 BC, celebrated by Haggai as God's “signet ring.”

Ezra 2–6; Haggai 1–2; Zechariah 4; Matthew 1:12

Haggai

Zechariah

Darius I of Persia

Nehemiah (Governor of Judah)

Judá

~445–432 BC

12 years as Governor

Bom

An upright governor, courageous reformer, and man of prayer

Cupbearer to Persian King Artaxerxes I; secured permission to rebuild Jerusalem's ruined walls. Faced conspiracies and armed threats, building the walls in fifty-two days with a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other.

Nehemiah 1–13

Malachi

Ezra (Scribe)

Artaxerxes I of Persia

Darius I (Hystaspes)

Império Babilónico / Persa

522–486 BC

36 years

Pagão / Soberano Estrangeiro

A Persian emperor favorable to the Jews

Confirmed Cyrus's decree after finding the scroll at Ecbatana's palace and financed the completion of the Second Temple from the Persian royal treasury.

Ezra 5–6; Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 1:1

Haggai

Zechariah

Artaxerxes I (Longimanus)

Império Babilónico / Persa

465–424 BC

41 years

Pagão / Soberano Estrangeiro

The Persian monarch who authorized Ezra's and Nehemiah's expeditions

In 458 BC, issued the letter to Ezra; in 445 BC, sent his cupbearer Nehemiah with letters to the governors and a military escort to rebuild Jerusalem.

Ezra 7–8; Nehemiah 2; Daniel 9:25 (decree to restore Jerusalem)

Malachi

Ezra

Haggai

Profeta do Pós-Exílio

~520 BC

Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the Remnant in Jerusalem

Haggai (2 chapters)

Four powerful messages in 520 BC roused the people from selfish paralysis: “Is it time for you to live in paneled houses while God's House lies in ruins?” Promised that the second house's glory would exceed the first.

The Absolute Priority of God's House over Personal Comfort

Zerubbabel (Governor)

Darius I

The glory of this latter house will be greater than the former, says the LORD of Hosts (Haggai 2:9)

Zechariah (son of Berechiah)

Profeta do Pós-Exílio

~520–480 BC

The Remnant after the Exile and All Generations

Zechariah (14 chapters)

A young prophet and priest contemporary with Haggai; received eight comforting night visions and extraordinary Messianic prophecies: the King entering Jerusalem on a young donkey (Zechariah 9:9), betrayal for thirty silver coins (Zechariah 11:12–13), and the sorrowful gaze upon the One they pierced (Zechariah 12:10).

Eschatological Comfort, the Messianic Branch, and the Priest-King

Zerubbabel

Jeshua (High Priest)

Darius I

Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts (Zechariah 4:6)

Malachi (My Messenger)

Profeta do Pós-Exílio

~435–415 BC

Judah, Priests, and the Restored People

Malachi (4 chapters)

The Old Testament's final canonical prophet; confronted the people's cynicism (“How have You loved us?”), casual divorce, sick animals offered by priests, and withheld tithes and offerings. Closed Scripture by prophesying Elijah's coming (John the Baptist) to prepare the way for the Sun of Righteousness with healing in His wings.

Covenant Faithfulness, Genuine Worship, and the Coming Messenger of the Covenant

Nehemiah (Governor)

Ezra

Artaxerxes I

For you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2)

20

1 Unbroken Dynasty (House of David)

8

12

Jerusalem

930 – 586 BC (~344 years until the Babylonian destruction)

Egypt

Arameans/Syria

Israel (rebellious brother)

Assyria

Babylon

19

9 Unstable Dynasties Marked by Coups and Regicide

0

19

Tirzah, then Samaria (founded by Omri)

930 – 722 BC (~208 years until the Assyrian destruction)

Syria/Damascus

Moab

Judah

Assyrian Empire