Topical Bible: Obedience: Jotham

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Jotham, the son of Uzziah (also known as Azariah) and Jerusha, was the king of Judah who reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years following the reign of his father. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 15:32-38 and 2 Chronicles 27. Jotham is noted for his obedience to God, which is a significant aspect of his reign and character.

Background and Reign

Jotham ascended to the throne of Judah around 750 BC, during a time when the kingdom was experiencing both political and spiritual challenges. His father, Uzziah, had been struck with leprosy for his disobedience to God by unlawfully entering the temple to burn incense (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). As a result, Jotham began to govern the people even before his official reign, gaining experience and insight into leadership.

Obedience to God

Jotham's reign is marked by his commitment to following the ways of the Lord, as he did what was right in the eyes of God. 2 Kings 15:34 states, "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done." However, unlike his father, Jotham did not enter the temple of the LORD, demonstrating his respect for God's commandments and the established order of worship.

His obedience is further highlighted in 2 Chronicles 27:6 , which says, "So Jotham grew powerful because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God." This verse underscores the connection between Jotham's faithfulness and his success as a ruler. His dedication to God was reflected in his personal life and his governance, leading to a period of relative stability and prosperity for Judah.

Religious and Civic Contributions

Jotham's obedience to God was not only personal but also extended to his leadership and civic responsibilities. He undertook significant building projects, including the construction of the Upper Gate of the temple of the LORD and extensive work on the wall of Ophel (2 Chronicles 27:3). These projects not only fortified the city but also demonstrated his commitment to the spiritual and physical well-being of his people.

Despite his personal obedience, the people of Judah continued in their corrupt practices, as noted in 2 Kings 15:35 : "Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there." This indicates that while Jotham was faithful, the nation as a whole struggled with complete obedience to God.

Legacy

Jotham's reign is a testament to the blessings that come from obedience to God. His life serves as an example of how personal faithfulness can lead to divine favor and success. Although he faced the challenge of leading a people who were not fully committed to God, Jotham's own obedience set a standard for righteousness and integrity.

Jotham's legacy is preserved in the biblical narrative as a king who "ordered his ways before the LORD his God" (2 Chronicles 27:6), reminding believers of the importance of aligning one's life with God's will. His account encourages a steadfast commitment to God's commandments, even in the face of societal disobedience.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 36:22,23
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jotham
... 'Jotham became mighty.' That was simple outward blessing ... being perpetually upon him,
and make that thought a motive for holiness and loving obedience and effort ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jotham.htm

The Prophet Hosea.
... the tribe of Judah as truly his sovereigns, although he yielded civil obedience
to the ... places his ministry in the reigns of the kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet hosea.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... No doubt Rehoboam's obedience saved him from sharing the fate of the other kings ...
His son Jotham became the governor of the kingdom during his lifetime, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... What difference, indeed, does it make to you and me whether Jotham reigned sixteen ...
the wavering affairs of states, we seem to comprehend that obedience to his ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

The Great Suit: Jehovah Versus Judah
... he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and ... Willing
obedience to our Father God secures all good, the full satisfaction of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the great suit jehovah versus.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... bring salvation to the soul, where inward faith, love, and obedience are wanting ...
Isaiah prophesied "in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Israel and Britain. A Note of Warning
... be so, it is not ours to bargain for success, but to yield implicit obedience. ... Israel
and Syria attacked Ahaz, whose reign followed those of Uzziah and Jotham. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/israel and britain a note.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... obedience comes short, I look up to the perfect righteousness and obedience of Christ ...
The trees in the field of Jotham's parable, despised the vine-tree, which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

The First vision "On Earth"
... As to the Command, the obedience to it "and he went forth," shows that the ... is a vision
for the purpose of instructing him; just as Jotham's parable instructed ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah ...
of divine punishment, if it be not performed from love and obedience to God ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm