How does Jotham's reign compare to other kings in 2 Kings? Setting the Scene • 2 Kings 15 is a revolving door of rulers—six kings of Israel fall one after another, most by assassination, and every one of them “did evil in the sight of the LORD.” • In Judah, Uzziah (Azariah) finishes well but stumbles with pride and leprosy (15:5). His son Jotham steps in amid political chaos, regional threats, and widespread idolatry. • Against that backdrop, 2 Kings 15:34 quietly notes a bright spot: “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done”. Snapshot of Jotham’s Reign (2 Kings 15:32-38) • Age at coronation: 25 • Length of reign: 16 years • Signature project: rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple (v. 35) • Spiritual assessment: “did what was right,” yet “the high places were not removed” (v. 35) • Warning clouds: In his days, Rezin of Aram and Pekah of Israel begin raids against Judah (v. 37)—early rumblings of the judgment that will fall under his son Ahaz. What Jotham Got Right • Personal integrity – Unlike the northern kings and many of Judah’s own rulers, “he did what was right.” No hint of idolatry in his own life is recorded. • Respect for the temple – Restoring the Upper Gate signals commitment to true worship (compare 2 Chron 27:3). • Absence of scandal – No record of murder, coup, or apostasy mars his reign, a rarity in the book. Where Jotham Fell Short • High places tolerated – The same compromise noted for “good” kings like Amaziah (14:4) and Uzziah (15:4) is repeated: people still sacrificed on unauthorized sites. • Limited reform – He stops short of the sweeping purges carried out later by Hezekiah (18:3-4) and Josiah (23:4-20). • No national repentance – The heart of the nation remains divided; judgment is only postponed, not averted. Side-by-Side with Other Kings in 2 Kings Better than… • Ahaz (16:2-4) – Ahaz follows Jotham, practices child sacrifice, and copies pagan altars. • Manasseh (21:2-9) – Fills Jerusalem with idols and innocent blood. • Every contemporary king of Israel in chapter 15 – Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, Pekah: each “did evil,” ruled briefly, and fell violently. Not as thorough as… • Hezekiah (18:3-7) – “Removed the high places…broke into pieces the bronze serpent.” • Josiah (22:2; 23:4-25) – Destroys altars, celebrates Passover, leaves no trace of idolatry. • David – The benchmark for wholehearted devotion (1 Kings 15:5). Comparable to… • Uzziah/Azariah (15:3-4) – Father and son share a basically upright walk but identical blind spot on high places. • Amaziah (14:3-4) – Right living personally, partial obedience nationally. Key Takeaways • Personal righteousness shines even brighter when the culture is collapsing; Jotham proves faithfulness is possible in dark times. • Partial obedience leaves doors open for future compromise; the tolerated high places become Ahaz’s playground. • God notes and rewards integrity (2 Chron 27:6 says Jotham “grew powerful because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God”), yet He also requires wholehearted reform—foreshadowed by the greater cleansing under Hezekiah and Josiah. |
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