In brief
Jotham is a king of Judah, son of Uzziah, also called Azariah. During his father’s leprosy he already runs the king’s house and judges the people. Becoming king at twenty-five, he reigns sixteen years in Jerusalem and does what is right in Yahweh’s eyes. He builds the upper gate of the temple, cities and towers, and prevails over the Ammonites. We remember his steady faithfulness, even though the people keep acting corruptly.
What does the name Jotham King of Judah mean?
The name Jotham is generally linked to the Hebrew for “Yahweh is perfect” or “Yahweh is upright.” The Bible gives no explanation of it. This king should not be confused with Jotham, Gideon’s youngest son, who escaped the massacre of his brothers (Judges 9:5).
The story of Jotham King of Judah
Regent during his father’s leprosy
2 Chronicles 26:21King Uzziah, struck with leprosy for entering the temple to burn incense, lives in a separate house until his death. Meanwhile his son Jotham is over the king’s house, judging the people of the land. He thus exercises power before taking the throne himself.
An upright reign
2 Kings 15:32-35In the second year of Pekah king of Israel, Jotham becomes king at twenty-five and reigns sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother is Jerusha, daughter of Zadok. He does what is right in Yahweh’s eyes, like his father. Yet the high places are not taken away, and the people still sacrifice there.
A king who does not enter the temple
2 Chronicles 27:2The Chronicler says Jotham did what his father Uzziah had done, but adds that “he didn’t enter into Yahweh’s temple.” This is generally taken to mean that he did not repeat the offense that had brought leprosy on his father. The text notes, however, that the people still acted corruptly.
Building and victories
2 Chronicles 27:3-6Jotham builds the upper gate of Yahweh’s house and builds much on the wall of Ophel. He builds cities in the hill country of Judah, and fortresses and towers in the forests. He prevails over the Ammonites, who pay him tribute for three years in a row. He becomes mighty because he ordered his ways before Yahweh.
End of the reign
2 Kings 15:37-38In those days Yahweh begins to send Rezin king of Syria and Pekah king of Israel against Judah. Jotham dies and is buried with his fathers in the city of David. Ahaz his son reigns in his place, but will not follow his father’s faithfulness.
What Jotham King of Judah teaches us
- True strength comes from ordering our ways before God, day after day.
- We can learn from our parents’ mistakes without rejecting what they did well.
- A leader’s personal faithfulness is not always enough to change the heart of a whole people.
- Serving God steadily, even without fanfare, leaves a mark that the Bible honors.
Key verses
The secret of Jotham’s strength is spiritual. He ordered his ways before his God, and his prosperity flows from this upright and steady walk.
Jotham imitates his father’s good without entering the temple as he did. The verse also reminds us that a king’s piety does not stop the people from acting corruptly.
Jotham does what is right, but the high places remain. The Bible notes both his faithfulness and the limits of reform under his reign.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Jotham become mighty?
The Bible explains it directly: “So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before Yahweh his God” (2 Chronicles 27:6). His building projects and his victory over the Ammonites are presented as the fruit of his steady faithfulness toward God.
What does the name Jotham mean?
The name is generally understood as “Yahweh is perfect” or “Yahweh is upright.” The Bible does not comment on it. It is also borne by a son of Gideon, in the book of Judges, who should not be confused with the king of Judah.
Where is Jotham’s story found in the Bible?
His reign is told in 2 Kings 15:32-38 and in 2 Chronicles 27. His regency during his father’s leprosy is mentioned in 2 Kings 15:5 and 2 Chronicles 26:21. He is also cited in Isaiah 1:1 and, under the name Jotham, in the genealogy of Matthew 1:9.