Jotham
Judah · 750 – 732 BC · 16 years · 2 Kings 15:32 – 38; 2 Chronicles 27
His Story
Uzziah’s son, who governed Judah for years as regent during his father’s leprosy and then reigned. He built the high gate of the Temple, fortified Ophel extensively, built cities and castles in Judah’s mountains, and forced the Ammonites to a heavy three-year tribute. In his days Isaiah and Micah prophesied.
His Sin — How He Displeased the LORD
His personal record is nearly clean — the failure named is the people’s, not his: “And the people did yet corruptly” (2 Chronicles 27:2) — the high places stood all his reign. Scripture hints at a quiet limitation: he governed well but reformed shallowly; the nation’s heart did not turn with its king.
The Good He Did
“So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God” (2 Chronicles 27:6) — and notably, he would not enter the Temple unlawfully: he had watched leprosy take his father for that very sin, and learned from another man’s fall.
The LORD’s verdict
“And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.”2 Kings 15:34 (KJV)
How His Reign Ended
He died after sixteen years and was buried with his fathers; his son Ahaz — the great disappointment — succeeded him.
Lessons for Believers Today
- Learn from your father’s scars: Jotham is proof a son can honor a good father’s example and refuse his one ruinous sin.
- Good administration is not the same as revival; a king can build gates while the high places stand. Our generation needs the altars addressed, not only the walls.