But Jotham’s son Ahaz became notorious for practicing large-scale idolatry.​—2Ch 26:3, 4, 16-20; 27:1, 2; 28:1-4.

Judah’s next king, Hezekiah’s son Manasseh, revived idolatry. However, upon being taken as a captive to Babylon by the king of Assyria, he repented and, after his return to Jerusalem, undertook religious reforms. (2Ch 33:10-16) But his son Amon reverted to idolatry.​—2Ch 33:21-24.

The last sweeping campaign against idolatry came during the reign of Amon’s son Josiah. However, it was then too late for genuine repentance to be effected among the people in general.