Topical Encyclopedia Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a significant yet often overlooked figure in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Judges. His account is primarily recorded in Judges 9, where he emerges as a voice of truth and justice amidst the chaos following his father's death.Family Background and Historical Context Jotham was one of the seventy sons of Gideon, a mighty judge and deliverer of Israel, who led the Israelites to victory against the Midianites (Judges 6-8). Gideon, despite his initial reluctance, became a central figure in Israel's history, known for his faith and obedience to God. However, after Gideon's death, Israel quickly fell back into idolatry and moral decay, setting the stage for the events involving Jotham. The Rise of Abimelech After Gideon's passing, his son Abimelech, born to a concubine in Shechem, sought to establish himself as king over Israel. Abimelech's ambition led him to commit fratricide, killing his seventy brothers on a single stone to eliminate any threats to his rule. Jotham, however, managed to escape this massacre, as he was the youngest and perhaps overlooked in the slaughter (Judges 9:5). Jotham's Parable Jotham's most notable contribution to the biblical narrative is his parable, delivered from Mount Gerizim. In this parable, he uses the imagery of trees seeking a king to illustrate the folly and danger of Abimelech's kingship. The trees first approach the olive tree, fig tree, and vine, all of which decline the offer to reign, valuing their God-given purpose over power. Finally, the trees turn to the bramble, which accepts the offer, symbolizing Abimelech's unworthy and destructive rule (Judges 9:7-15). Jotham's parable serves as a prophetic warning to the people of Shechem and a moral indictment of Abimelech's character. He concludes with a curse, stating, "If you have acted in truth and integrity in making Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done to him as he deserved...then may you rejoice in Abimelech, and he in you. But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech" (Judges 9:16-20). The Fulfillment of Jotham's Curse Jotham's words proved prophetic. Abimelech's reign was marked by treachery and violence, ultimately leading to his downfall. Conflict arose between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, resulting in mutual destruction, as Jotham had foretold. Abimelech's death came at the hands of a woman who dropped a millstone on his head, fulfilling the curse pronounced by Jotham (Judges 9:53-57). Legacy Jotham's brief but impactful role in the biblical narrative highlights the themes of justice, divine retribution, and the consequences of ungodly leadership. His parable and subsequent curse underscore the importance of integrity and righteousness, serving as a timeless reminder of the dangers of ambition and the inevitable downfall of those who pursue power through unrighteous means. Nave's Topical Index Judges 9:5,57And he went to his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, being three score and ten persons, on one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself. Nave's Topical Index Library The Crowning of Abimelech That the Judges who Succeeded Gideon Made War with the Adjoining ... The Antiquities of the Jews Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs A Discourse An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Who was Micah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow did Isaiah die? | GotQuestions.org Who was Gomer in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jotham: Son of Azariah, King of Judah Jotham: Son of Azariah, King of Judah: Ancestor of Jesus Jotham: Son of Azariah, King of Judah: Piety of Jotham: Son of Azariah, King of Judah: The Moral Condition of Israel During his Reign Jotham: Son of Gideon: Rebukes the Shechemites With the Parable About the Trees Related Terms Tiglathpileser (3 Occurrences) |
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