Ten Gentile Kings -- Have You Met Your Match? Quiz

Answer:

Chedorlaomer was the king of Elam and an adversary of Abram and Lot. His story is told in Genesis 14:1-17.

Cyrus was king of Persia. It was under his reign, a decree was issued allowing the Israelites to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the holy city. In Old Testament books like Ezra and 2 Chronicles, Cyrus is featured in a good light.

Nebuchadnezzar was the feared king of Babylon who conquered Judah and razed Jerusalem. After conquering Judah, tens of thousands of people were taken captive and forced to trek to Babylon.

Belshazzar technically wasn't a king. He was a co-ruler and prince of Babylon, but he definitely had the power of a king. He is best known for a disembodied hand writing a message on a wall during a gala banquet. Scripture goes on to tell of his kingdom falling.

Ahasuerus, who is known as Xerxes in the NIV, was king of Persia. He is best known for marrying Esther after Vashti was dethroned as queen. Scripture tells of Esther and Mordecai joining forces to prevent Haman from carrying out a plan to kill all the Jews in the vast empire ruled by Ahasuerus.

Hiram was the king of Tyre. According to Scripture he provided supplies and assigned servants to help Solomon build the temple in Jerusalem.

Eglon was the very obese king of Moab who was stabbed to death by Ehud, a judge of Israel. According to Scripture, he had oppressed Israal for 18 years. See Judges 3:12-30.

Og was the king of Bashan. The third chapter of Deuteronomy tells of the Israelites defeating Og as they moved into Canaan, the Promised Land.

Balak was king of the Moabites and yet another adversary of the Israelites. Scripture tells of him calling on the prophet Balaam to curse the Jews. The king's plan backfired, however, when God intervened. See Numbers 22 and 23 for details.

Sihon was the king of the Amorites and an adversary of the Israelites. When Sihon refused permission to the Israelites to travel through his kingdom, east of the Jordan River, a bloody battle erupted. See Numbers 21 for details.

Meanwhile, Zimri, Ishbosheth, Saul, Solomon, Manessah were Jewish kings who reigned over either Israel or Judah. As a result, their names were featured as an incorrect answer.