Jotham, the son of Uzziah (also known as Azariah) and Jerusha, daughter of Zadok, was the eleventh king of the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings 15:32-38 and 2 Chronicles 27. Jotham ascended to the throne at the age of 25 and reigned for 16 years in Jerusalem. His rule is noted for its strength, stability, and adherence to the ways of the Lord, distinguishing him as a righteous leader in the lineage of David.

Strength and Righteousness

Jotham's strength as a king is attributed to his steadfast commitment to the ways of the Lord, as he followed the example of his father Uzziah, albeit without repeating his father's mistake of entering the temple to burn incense, which had led to Uzziah's leprosy. The Berean Standard Bible states, "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done" (2 Kings 15:34). This adherence to divine commandments fortified his reign and brought prosperity to Judah.

Jotham's strength was not only spiritual but also political and military. He successfully subdued the Ammonites, who paid him a significant tribute for three consecutive years, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 27:5. This tribute included "a hundred talents of silver, ten thousand cors of wheat, and ten thousand cors of barley" , underscoring his influence and the respect he commanded from neighboring nations.

Architectural and Administrative Achievements

Jotham's legacy is also marked by his contributions to the infrastructure and fortifications of Judah. He is credited with building the Upper Gate of the Temple of the LORD and extensively fortifying the wall of Ophel. Additionally, he constructed cities in the hill country of Judah and built fortresses and towers in the forests (2 Chronicles 27:3-4). These projects not only enhanced the security of the kingdom but also demonstrated his commitment to the welfare and prosperity of his people.

Spiritual Leadership and Legacy

Jotham's reign is characterized by a period of relative peace and spiritual fidelity, despite the ongoing idolatry among the people. His personal devotion to God set a standard for leadership, as noted in 2 Chronicles 27:6: "So Jotham grew powerful because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God" . This verse highlights the correlation between his piety and the strength of his rule.

Jotham's legacy is further cemented by his role in the Davidic line, as he is an ancestor of Jesus Christ, according to the genealogy presented in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:9). His life and reign serve as a testament to the blessings of obedience to God and the enduring impact of righteous leadership.

Jotham's death marked the end of a prosperous era, and he was buried in the City of David. His son, Ahaz, succeeded him, ushering in a period of challenges and idolatry that contrasted sharply with Jotham's faithful reign.