Jerusha, a figure mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, is recognized as the daughter of Zadok and the mother of King Jotham of Judah. Her name, Jerusha, is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "possession" or "inheritance," which may reflect her esteemed position within the royal lineage of Judah.

Biblical References

Jerusha is mentioned in the context of the Judean monarchy, specifically in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Her primary biblical reference is found in 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." Similarly, 2 Chronicles 27:1 reiterates her identity: "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."

Family and Lineage

Jerusha's father, Zadok, is a name associated with the priestly lineage, although the specific Zadok mentioned as her father is not explicitly identified with the high priest Zadok from the time of King David and Solomon. Nonetheless, her connection to a Zadok suggests a family of notable standing, possibly with priestly or noble ties, which would have been significant in the context of Judah's sociopolitical structure.

Her marriage to King Uzziah (also known as Azariah) of Judah places her within the royal family, and her role as the mother of Jotham further cements her importance in the Davidic line. Jotham is noted for his righteous reign, as described in 2 Chronicles 27:2: "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done, but he did not enter the temple of the LORD. But the people continued their corrupt practices."

Historical and Theological Significance

Jerusha's mention in the biblical narrative, though brief, highlights the importance of maternal lineage in the royal succession of Judah. Her inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the role of women in the preservation and continuation of the Davidic line, which holds theological significance in the anticipation of the Messiah, who is prophesied to come from this lineage.

In the broader context of the biblical narrative, Jerusha's life and her son's reign occur during a period of relative stability and prosperity in Judah, despite the ongoing challenges faced by the kingdom. Her son Jotham's reign is characterized by military success and building projects, as noted in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6, which may reflect the influence of his upbringing and the stability provided by his mother and her family background.

Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, royal women like Jerusha played crucial roles in dynastic politics, often serving as key figures in alliances and the transmission of royal authority. While the biblical text does not provide extensive details about her life or actions, Jerusha's position as queen mother would have afforded her a degree of influence and responsibility within the court.

Jerusha's legacy, as preserved in the biblical record, serves as a testament to the enduring significance of familial and maternal connections in the unfolding history of God's people, as chronicled in the Scriptures. Her life, though not extensively detailed, is interwoven with the narrative of God's covenantal promises to the house of David, which ultimately find their fulfillment in the New Testament.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.
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2 Chronicles 27:1
Jotham was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok.
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Who was Zadok in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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