Jotham of judah biography sample
A Model of Principled Leadership and Spiritual Integrity
King Jotham of Judah, who reigned in the 8th century BC, is often overlooked in the historical pantheon of biblical kings. However, he was known for his prudent leadership and unwavering moral integrity. After succeeding his father, Uzziah, Jotham distinguished himself by actively studying his father’s reign and taking measures to avoid repeating his mistakes. He focused on enhancing his kingdom’s defenses and infrastructure. Additionally, he dedicated himself to religious duties, ensuring he stayed within his limits. The astute blend of political acumen and spiritual dedication ensured stability and prosperity in Judah under his rule and set a benchmark for effective leadership, highlighting the importance of balancing authority with piety. Contrasting Jotham’s decision to prioritize constructive projects with Uzziah’s focus on personal glorification highlights vital leadership lessons that can shape individual and communal growth.
Jotham’s Wisdom and Prudence (2 Chronicles 27.1-2):
Jotham was determined to learn from his father Uzziah’s errors, which defined his otherwise successful reign. He wisely avoided overstepping his boundaries by considering his experiences, family history, and lessons from observing others. Unlike his father, Jotham remained humble and discerning and never trespassed into sacred spaces. His prudence, demonstrating his dedication to being a proper leader, underscored his effectiveness in guiding his kingdom.
Jotham’s Constructive Endeavors (2 Chronicles 27.3-5):
While his father concentrated on building structures for war and glorification, Jotham prioritized constructive projects that would benefit his people. This included fortifying Judah and rebuilding the Temple’s Upper Gate to improve the community’s security and welfare. His dedication to public service and the welfare of his people exemplified his altruistic leadership style and priorities.
Jotham’s Spiritual Integ Go to People in the Bible or Women in the Bible There are at least two people in the Bible named Jotham. One was the son of Gideon. The other was a king. King Jotham assumed the throne of Judah when he was 25 years old. He reigned for 16 years, although some of these years might overlap with the reign of his father, Uzziah, while Uzziah was isolated with leprosy. Jotham's mother was Jerusha, who was the daughter of Zadok. Jotham followed the generally good example of his father. He built the upper gate of the Temple and did extensive rebuilding of the walls on the hill where the Temple was located. He also built cities in the hill country of Judah. He had a successful war against the Ammonites and received annual tribute from them for three years. King Jotham became powerful because he was careful to follow the path of the Lord (2 Chronicles 27:6). When he died, he was buried in Jerusalem, and his son, Ahaz, became the new king. The story of Jotham is found in 2 Kings 15:32-38, and 2 Chronicles, chapter 27. The name Jotham means "may Yah (a name for God) complete." The other Jotham was Gideon's youngest son. Jotham's brother, Abimelech, tried to seize power by killing all of his own brothers. Jotham escaped and was the sole survivor. Jotham pronounced judgment on Abimelech and the Shechemites by telling a parable of the trees, while standing on Mount Gerizim (Judges 9:7-20). In fear of his life Jotham fled to Beer. Jotham disappears from the Bible, and no more is recorded of him. But the judgment he placed on Abimelech and the Shechemites was fulfilled three years later. Next person in the Bible: Jotham, son of Gideon Go to People in the Bible or Women in the BibleJotham, or Joatham, King of Judah
Who was King Jotham in the Bible?
Answer
Jotham became king of Judah at age twenty-five and reigned for sixteen years, from 750 to 735 BC (2 Kings 15:33; 2 Chronicles 27:1). “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done, but unlike him he did not enter the temple of the Lord. The people, however, continued their corrupt practices” (2 Chronicles 27:2; see also 2 Kings 15:34–35). King Uzziahhad been faithful to the Lord but then became prideful and attempted to burn incense on the altar of the Lord, something only priests were permitted to do (2 Chronicles 26:16–20). As a result, God afflicted Uzziah with leprosy. Uzziah lived out the rest of his days in a separate house, while his son Jotham oversaw the palace and governed the people (2 Chronicles 26:21). Jotham did not repeat his father’s mistake of presumptuously entering the temple.
“Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 27:6). He rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple and also did work on the wall at the hill of Ophel and built towns, forts, and towers (2 Chronicles 27:3–4). However, King Jotham failed to remove the high places so the people continued to make sacrifices there (2 Kings 15:35). Jotham waged a successful war against the Ammonites, resulting in their paying him tribute for three years (2 Chronicles 27:5). During Jotham’s reign “the Lord began to send Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah against Judah” (2 Kings 15:37). During the reign of Jotham’s son Ahaz, the Arameanswould march against Judah, resulting in defeat and heavy casualties for Judah (2 Chronicles 28:5). Initial defeat was followed by Ahaz seeking help from the Assyrians and ultimately looting and shutting up God’s temple and creating more high places (2 Kings 16:5–18; 2 Chronicles 28:5–25).
Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah all prophesied during Jotham’s reign (Isaiah 1:1; Hosea 1:1; Micah 1:1). Also, the genealogi
The History of King Jotham
2 Chronicles 27.
Many instructive lessons may be gleaned from the brief record of Jotham, King of Judah. Before he came to the throne, on the judgment which befell his father in consequence of his wicked intrusion into the holy place to burn incense, he had governed the land (chap. 26:21); but the divine estimate of his character and reign refers to him after his father's death. As the anointed king, he was held more directly responsible to God, both for his own individual state, and for that of his people and kingdom. It is everywhere a principle in Scripture that the more exalted the position, the greater the responsibility, that, in the Lord's own words, to whom much is given, of him much is required.
The first thing mentioned of Jotham is that "he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah did." It is good to notice, before examining the force of this statement, the plain indication here given of parental influence, and, on the other hand, of filial reverence for, and imitation of, his father's example. It is very blessed to see, although all is of grace, the piety of parents reproduced in their children, and when it is the case, it is a striking testimony to God's blessing having been bestowed upon the home training.
Acknowledging this, we may yet inquire what is exactly meant by Jotham's walking in his father's steps. It signifies, we judge, that it was good as far as it went, but that it was not piety, nor obedience, of the highest kind. Both of Hezekiah and Josiah, it is said that David their father was their model. (See chaps. 29:2; 34:2.) David was the man after God's own heart; Uzziah was not, and to remember this, is to see the difference. It is the oft-repeated truth, that to see what God's mind is, we must go back to the beginning. Jotham, therefore, should have considered the example of David, if he desired to obtain the full favour of God. Even believers now fall into t