Jotham, the son of King Azariah (also known as Uzziah) and Jerusha, daughter of Zadok, was the eleventh king of the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is chronicled in the biblical books of 2 Kings 15:32-38 and 2 Chronicles 27. Jotham's rule is noted for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to strengthen the kingdom both spiritually and materially.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Jotham was born into the royal lineage of David, inheriting the throne after his father, Azariah, was struck with leprosy. Azariah's condition led to Jotham assuming the responsibilities of governance even before his official reign began. According to 2 Kings 15:5, "The LORD afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, and he lived in a separate house. So Jotham the king’s son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land."

Jotham officially became king at the age of 25 and reigned for 16 years in Jerusalem. His reign is dated approximately from 750 to 735 BC.

Religious and Political Achievements

Jotham is commended for his adherence to the ways of the LORD, following the example of his father, Azariah, albeit without repeating his father's mistake of unlawfully entering the temple. 2 Chronicles 27:2 states, "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done, but he did not enter the temple of the LORD. The people, however, continued their corrupt practices."

Jotham's reign was marked by significant building projects, which included fortifying the walls of Jerusalem and constructing cities, fortresses, and towers in Judah. These efforts not only enhanced the security of the kingdom but also demonstrated his commitment to strengthening the nation. 2 Chronicles 27:3-4 records, "Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD and carried out extensive work on the wall of Ophel. He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests."

Military Success and Tribute from Ammon

Jotham's military prowess is highlighted by his successful campaign against the Ammonites, who became subject to Judah and paid him a substantial tribute. This victory is detailed in 2 Chronicles 27:5, "Jotham waged war against the king of the Ammonites and prevailed. That year the Ammonites paid him a hundred talents of silver, ten thousand cors of wheat, and ten thousand cors of barley. They paid him the same in the second and third years."

Legacy and Death

Jotham's reign is characterized by stability and prosperity, attributed to his steadfastness in following the LORD. 2 Chronicles 27:6 summarizes his reign, "So Jotham grew powerful because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God."

Jotham passed away and was buried in the City of David, succeeded by his son Ahaz. His life and reign serve as a testament to the blessings of obedience to God, even amidst a nation where the people continued in their corrupt practices. His account is a reminder of the importance of personal integrity and faithfulness in leadership.2 Kings 15:5-7,32,38
And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper to the day of his death, and dwelled in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.
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1 Chronicles 3:12
Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,
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2 Chronicles 26:21-23
And Uzziah the king was a leper to the day of his death, and dwelled in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son was over the king's house, judging the people of the land.
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2 Chronicles 27:1
Jotham was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok.
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The Kingdom Op Judah.
... leaving his son Uzziah, also called Azariah, to succeed ... His son Jotham became the
governor of the kingdom during his ... when he was succeeded by his son Ahaz, one ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

The Call of Isaiah
... to burn incense upon the altar." Azariah the high ... seemed to have a restraining influence
on his son. Jotham bore heavy responsibilities during the later years ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 25 the call of.htm

The Divided Kingdom.
... Uzziah or Azariah, 2:K.14:21-25; 2:Chron.28:1-23. ... Jotham, 2:K.15:32-36;
2:Chron.27:1-9. Reigned ... and whose unhappy alliance with Ahab, led his son, who followed ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of those mentioned in the Chronicles, eg Azariah son of Oded (2 ... in the days of Jeroboam,
the son of Joash ... the additional mention of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... will then naturally fall into the reign of Jotham. ... version, "talking of thee:" "Also,
thou son of man ... three companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, "in the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Appendices
... Exodus out of Egypt in the fifth year of Meneptah, son of Ramses II ... or Jehoahaz 842
Athaliah 842 Joash 837 Amaziah 797 Uzziah or Azariah 768 Jotham 736 Ahaz ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

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