The Kings of the Northern Kingdom (Israel)

When the ten northern tribes broke away under Jeroboam, they formed the kingdom of Israel, ruled from Shechem and later Samaria. Unlike Judah’s single dynasty, the northern throne passed through nine different dynasties amid repeated coups and assassinations, and Scripture judges every one of its kings to have "done what was evil in the sight of the LORD," beginning with the golden calves Jeroboam set up (1 Kings 12:28–30). After about two centuries Assyria destroyed Samaria and deported its people in 722 BC (2 Kings 17:6).

The kings of Israel

In order of reign, by dynasty:

Jeroboam I — who led the revolt and made the golden calves

Nadab — Jeroboam’s son, killed by Baasha

Baasha — who seized the throne and wiped out Jeroboam’s house

Elah — murdered by Zimri while drunk

Zimri — who reigned only seven days before dying in the flames

Omri — a powerful king who founded Samaria

Ahab — who with Jezebel promoted Baal and opposed Elijah

Ahaziah — who died after a fall and consulted Baal-zebub

Jehoram — Ahab’s son, killed by Jehu

Jehu — who destroyed the house of Ahab and Baal worship

Jehoahaz — oppressed by Aram in his days

Jehoash — who defeated Aram and plundered Judah

Jeroboam II — under whom Israel reached its greatest extent, though Amos and Hosea warned of its fall

Zechariah — murdered after six months, ending Jehu’s line

Shallum — who reigned one month before Menahem killed him

Menahem — a brutal king who paid tribute to Assyria

Pekahiah — assassinated by his officer Pekah

Pekah — who lost much of the land to Assyria

Hoshea — the last king, under whom Samaria fell to Assyria