This book describes the development of Israel's institutions by building the temple, establishing temple worship, and its restoration after being exiled.

Chapters 1-9 describe the reign of King Solomon and his work building the temple and its dedication.

Chapters 10-12 describe the revolt of ten tribes and the reign of Rehoboam.

Chapter 13 describes the reign of Abijah.

Chapters 14-16 describe the reign of Asa when a period of prosperity camein Judah because Asa instituted moral and religious reforms that established him as a true servant of the Lord.

Chapters 17-20 describe the reign of Jehoshaphat who was also diligent in his efforts to serve God and to make the people understand God's laws.

Chapters 21-22 describe the reigns of Jehoram and Ahaziah.

Chapters 22-23 describe the reign of Athaliah, the only queen of Judah.

Chapter 24 describes the reign of Joash who became king at the age of seven and was advised by the high priest Jehoida. He brought about the restoration of true worship. After Jehoida's death, Joash fell into idol worship.

Chapters 25-28 describe the reigns of Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz.

Chapters 29-32 describe the reign of Hezekiah who began a great restoration that helped the nation regain power and glory.

Chapter 33 describes the reigns of Manasseh and Amon.

Chapters 34-35 describe the reign of Josiah that began when he was 8 years old, and in the 18th year of his reign he began the most sweeping reforms ever in Judah. During the renovation of the temple, the book of the Law was found, leading the people to a great time of revival.

Chapter 36 describes the last days of Judah, its destruction and the people taken into exile in Babylon. In the final verses, the Persian king Cyrus the Great conquered the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 539 BC and authorised the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem and the return of the exiles.

After a brief reign by Jehoahaz, the throne was overtaken by Jehoiakim, who reigned for 11 years. He became a vassal to Egypt and then Babylon. But then he died in an attempt to revolt against Babylonian. He was succeeded by Jehoiachin who reigned only three months and was then taken away to Babylon. The last king of Judah was Zedekiah. Nebuchadnezzar plundered Jerusalem of most of its treasure and men, leaving only the poorest people in Jerusalem.