2 Chronicles 27:1-2
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It's easy to skim over the mention of Jotham's mother, but naming her as "Jerushah the daughter of Zadok" is a subtle nod to continuity and divine lineage. This connection to Zadok, the righteous priest in David's time, suggests Jotham's reign was intended to uphold the established covenant and faithfulness.
Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD according to all that his father Uzziah had done, except he did not enter the temple of the LORD. But the people still followed corrupt practices.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage introduces Jotham, a king of Judah, during a period that largely followed the good reign of his father, Uzziah. While Jotham himself is presented as a righteous king who "did what was right in the sight of the Lord," the narrative immediately preceding and following this verse highlights his father's eventual pride and downfall due to overstepping his priestly role. This sets up a contrast, showing Jotham's adherence to God's ways, even as his father’s actions led to national division and his own isolation.
In a world that often celebrates the loud and the dramatic, some of the most impactful lives are lived with quiet faithfulness. Jotham's story is one such example.
Jotham's reign is often overshadowed by the more prominent kings who came before and after him. However, the Bible doesn't shy away from highlighting his faithfulness. Unlike his father Uzziah, who grew proud and sinned, Jotham 'did what was right in the sight of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done' (2 Chronicles 26:27, referring to his father's righteous actions before his sin). His narrative is a testament to the power of consistent obedience, even when it's not headline news.
The Foundation of Faith
His mother, Jerushah, is mentioned, likely to show his godly heritage. She was the daughter of Zadok, a significant priest. This suggests Jotham was raised in an environment that valued righteousness and devotion to God, providing a strong foundation for his own leadership.
We often think of legacy as what we build or achieve. But the Bible also highlights the importance of our roots and the legacy passed down to us.
The inclusion of Jotham's mother, Jerushah, and her father, Zadok, isn't just a genealogical detail; it's significant. Zadok was a prominent and faithful priest during David's and Solomon's reigns. His lineage represented a connection to faithful service and proper worship of God.
Inherited Faithfulness
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This detail underscores the idea that godly heritage matters. Jotham didn't just inherit a throne; he inherited a spiritual legacy. His upbringing, influenced by a priestly family known for its devotion, likely played a role in his own commitment to 'doing what was right in the sight of the Lord.' It reminds us that the values and faith passed down through our families can profoundly shape our character and our walk with God.
Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The standard Hebrew term for the Sovereign God of Israel, the covenant name revealed to Moses, emphasizing His eternal nature and faithfulness to His people.
yashar · Hebrew Adjective
In the context of the monarchy, this refers to conduct that aligns with the Mosaic Law and the expectations of God for His people, particularly regarding worship and moral conduct.
hekal · Hebrew Noun
A consecrated place for the worship of God, typically the central location of the tabernacle or temple where His presence rested among His people.
shachath · Hebrew Verb/Adjective
A word used for acts of disobedience, moral ruin, or departure from the statutes and requirements of the Mosaic covenant, leading to spiritual decay.
Jotham's reign occurred during a period of regional stability but growing external threats, particularly from the expanding Assyrian Empire, setting the stage for later difficulties faced by his son Ahaz.
c. 790 BC
Uzziah Begins Reign
Jotham's father, Uzziah (also known as Azariah), began his long and prosperous reign as king of Judah.
c. 770 BC
Rise of Assyrian Power
The Neo-Assyrian Empire began its expansion, growing into a major regional power that would eventually impact the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
c. 767 BC— this verse
Jotham Begins Reign
Jotham, son of King Uzziah, ascended to the throne of Judah at age twenty-five, ruling during a period of relative peace and prosperity.
753 BC
Traditional Founding of Rome
While not directly related to Judah, this date marks a significant event in the wider ancient world, indicating a period of growth in various civilizations.
c. 750 BC
Reign of Pekah in Israel
Pekah began his reign as king of the northern kingdom of Israel, a kingdom that would soon face increasing pressure from Assyria.
c. 740 BC
Uzziah Dies
Jotham's father, King Uzziah, died. He was a notable king who expanded Judah's influence and military strength, leaving a solid legacy for his son.
c. 739 BC
Jotham's Reign Ends
Jotham's sixteen-year reign concluded. He was succeeded by his son, Ahaz, during whose reign Judah faced severe crises.
This verse provides a parallel account of Jotham's reign from the perspective of the Books of Kings, confirming his father Uzziah and his own ascension to the throne.
2 Chronicles 26:1-5This passage describes Jotham's father, Uzziah, highlighting his successful reign and significant accomplishments, which set the stage for Jotham's own rule.
2 Chronicles 26:23This verse details the death and burial of Uzziah, Jotham's father, directly preceding the account of Jotham's reign and showing the transition of leadership.
Proverbs 22:29This proverb speaks about diligence and skill leading to positions of honor, which can be seen as a general principle reflecting the character and success expected of a good king like Jotham.
It's easy to skim over the mention of Jotham's mother, but naming her as "Jerushah the daughter of Zadok" is a subtle nod to continuity and divine lineage. This connection to Zadok, the righteous priest in David's time, suggests Jotham's reign was intended to uphold the established covenant and faithfulness.
This passage introduces Jotham, a king of Judah, during a period that largely followed the good reign of his father, Uzziah. While Jotham himself is presented as a righteous king who "did what was right in the sight of the Lord," the narrative immediately preceding and following this verse highlights his father's eventual pride and downfall due to overstepping his priestly role. This sets up a contrast, showing Jotham's adherence to God's ways, even as his father’s actions led to national division and his own isolation.
This passage introduces Jotham, a king of Judah, during a period that largely followed the good reign of his father, Uzziah. While Jotham himself is presented as a righteous king who "did what was right in the sight of the Lord," the narrative immediately preceding and following this verse highlights his father's eventual pride and downfall due to overstepping his priestly role. This sets up a contrast, showing Jotham's adherence to God's ways, even as his father’s actions led to national division and his own isolation.
"Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD according to all that his father Uz…" — It's easy to skim over the mention of Jotham's mother, but naming her as "Jerushah the daughter of Zadok" is a subtle nod to continuity and divine lineage. This connection to Zadok, the righteous pri…
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Last reviewed October 2026
