Name Meaning: The name Jeru'sha is derived from the Hebrew root "yarash," meaning "to possess" or "to inherit." It can be translated as "possession" or "inheritance."

Biblical References: Jeru'sha is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the kings of Judah. Her primary reference is found in 2 Kings 15:33 and 2 Chronicles 27:1.

Scriptural Account:

1. 2 Kings 15:33 : "He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother’s name was Jerusha daughter of Zadok."

2. 2 Chronicles 27:1 : "Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother’s name was Jerusha daughter of Zadok."

Historical Context: Jeru'sha lived during the period of the divided monarchy in Israel's history, specifically in the southern kingdom of Judah. She was the wife of King Uzziah (also known as Azariah) and the mother of King Jotham. Her son Jotham is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father Uzziah had done, although he did not remove the high places (2 Kings 15:34-35).

Family Lineage: Jeru'sha was the daughter of Zadok. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about her father, the name Zadok is associated with a priestly lineage, suggesting that Jeru'sha may have come from a family with religious significance.

Role and Influence: Although the Bible does not provide detailed accounts of Jeru'sha's life or her influence as queen mother, her mention in the genealogical and regnal records underscores her role in the Davidic line. As the mother of Jotham, she would have played a part in his upbringing and possibly in his adherence to the worship of Yahweh, as indicated by his generally positive evaluation in the biblical narrative.

Theological Significance: Jeru'sha's inclusion in the biblical record highlights the importance of maternal figures in the royal lineage of Judah. Her connection to Zadok may also imply a link between the royal and priestly lines, emphasizing the intertwined nature of religious and political leadership in ancient Israel.

Cultural and Religious Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, the role of the queen mother was significant, often involving influence over court affairs and the religious upbringing of the heir to the throne. Jeru'sha's position would have afforded her a degree of authority and respect within the royal household and the broader society of Judah.

Legacy: While Jeru'sha's personal actions and character are not detailed in the biblical text, her legacy is preserved through her son Jotham, who is remembered as a king who maintained the worship of Yahweh and upheld the traditions of his father Uzziah. Her mention in the genealogical records serves as a testament to her role in the continuation of the Davidic dynasty.Jeru'sha (1 Occurrence)

2 Kings 15:33
Five and twenty years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok.
(See RSV)

Jeru'sha (1 Occurrence)
Jeru'sha. Jerusha, Jeru'sha. Jerushah . Multi-Version Concordance
Jeru'sha (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 15:33 Five and twenty years old ...
/j/jeru'sha.htm - 6k

Jerusha (2 Occurrences)

/j/jerusha.htm - 7k

Jerushah (1 Occurrence)

/j/jerushah.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus