Jotham, the son of Uzziah (also known as Azariah) and Jerusha, was the king of Judah who reigned after his father. His reign is recorded in 2 Kings 15:32-38 and 2 Chronicles 27. Jotham became king at the age of 25 and reigned for 16 years in Jerusalem. He is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD, following the example of his father Uzziah, though he did not enter the temple of the LORD as his father had done (2 Chronicles 27:2).

Jotham's reign was marked by military success and building projects. He fortified the wall of Ophel and built cities in the hill country of Judah, as well as fortresses and towers in the forests (2 Chronicles 27:3-4). He also fought against the Ammonites and prevailed, receiving tribute from them for three years (2 Chronicles 27:5). Despite his personal faithfulness, the people continued in their corrupt practices, and the high places were not removed (2 Kings 15:35).

Jotham's reign is seen as a period of relative stability and prosperity, setting the stage for the challenges his son Ahaz would face. His legacy is one of faithfulness to God, though his reforms did not fully turn the nation back to the LORD.

Ahaz

Ahaz, the son of Jotham, ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of 20 and reigned for 16 years. His reign is detailed in 2 Kings 16 and 2 Chronicles 28. Unlike his father, Ahaz did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD. He followed the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, even sacrificing his own son in the fire (2 Kings 16:3).

Ahaz's reign was marked by political turmoil and spiritual decline. He faced military threats from the northern kingdom of Israel and Aram (Syria), leading him to seek assistance from Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria. In exchange for Assyrian support, Ahaz plundered the temple and the royal treasury, sending the wealth to Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-8).

Ahaz's religious apostasy included the construction of altars to foreign gods throughout Jerusalem and the closing of the temple doors, effectively halting the worship of the LORD (2 Chronicles 28:24-25). His actions led to further moral and spiritual decay in Judah, setting a low point in the nation's history.

Hezekiah

Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, became king of Judah at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years. His reign is chronicled in 2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32, and Isaiah 36-39. Hezekiah is remembered as one of Judah's most faithful kings, doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as David had done (2 Kings 18:3).

Hezekiah's reign was characterized by significant religious reforms. He reopened the temple, cleansed it, and restored proper worship, including the celebration of the Passover (2 Chronicles 29-30). He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles, even breaking into pieces the bronze serpent Moses had made, which the Israelites had begun to worship (2 Kings 18:4).

Hezekiah also demonstrated strong leadership during the Assyrian invasion led by Sennacherib. He fortified Jerusalem, built a tunnel to secure the city's water supply, and sought the LORD's deliverance through prayer and the counsel of the prophet Isaiah. The LORD miraculously delivered Judah by striking down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (2 Kings 19:35).

Hezekiah's faith was tested when he fell ill, but after praying to the LORD, his life was extended by 15 years (2 Kings 20:1-6). However, he showed the Babylonian envoys all his treasures, a decision that Isaiah prophesied would lead to future Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 20:12-18).

Hezekiah's reign is celebrated for his devotion to God and his efforts to restore Judah's spiritual integrity, standing as a model of faithfulness amidst adversity.