Judah, the Southern Kingdom
The kingdom of David’s descendants, centered on Jerusalem, that lasted until Babylon destroyed it in 586 BC.
What the sources say, and how sure we are
- The text says
Judah, with Benjamin and many Levites, stays loyal to David’s house. It has nineteen kings and one queen, Athaliah, all from David’s line except for her. Hezekiah and Josiah lead reforms, and Babylon takes Jerusalem in 597 and 586 BC.1 Kgs 12:21; 2 Kgs 11; 2 Kgs 18:1–7; 2 Kgs 22–23; 2 Kgs 24–25
- Outside evidence
A seal impression naming “Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah” was found in Jerusalem. Sennacherib’s Prism and the Lachish reliefs record the 701 BC attack, and the Babylonian Chronicle records the capture of 597 BC.Hezekiah seal impression; Sennacherib Prism; Lachish reliefs; Babylonian Chronicle (ABC 5)
- Debated
Scholars debate how far Hezekiah’s and Josiah’s religious reforms went, and how to read evidence such as the dismantled altars at Arad and Beersheba.2 Kgs 18:4; 2 Kgs 23:4–15
- Christian conclusion
Christians trace the Messiah’s line through Judah and David.Gen 49:10; Matt 1:1–17; Heb 7:14