Jotham
11th King of Judah
750–732 BC
Father
Uzziah
Children
Ahaz
Biography
Jotham served as co-regent while his father Uzziah was a leper, then became sole king after Uzziah's death. He is distinguished among Judah's kings for consistent faithfulness without the dramatic falls many of his predecessors experienced. He built the Upper Gate of the Temple, constructed extensively on the wall of Ophel, built cities in the hill country, and conducted a successful military campaign against the Ammonites who paid tribute for three years. The text uniquely notes that he "grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the LORD his God." Yet the high places were not removed, and the people continued their corrupt practices even during his good reign. During his reign the Syro-Ephraimite coalition that would threaten Judah under his son Ahaz began to form.
Key Events
Governed the country and judged the people while his father Uzziah was leprous and isolated
Built the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD and did extensive construction on the wall of Ophel
Defeated the Ammonites who paid annual tribute of 100 talents of silver, 10,000 kors of wheat, and 10,000 kors of barley for three years
Built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the wooded areas
Spiritual Significance
Jotham is one of scripture's quiet heroes — a king who did right consistently without fanfare, whose obedience directly produced national strength. His story is a positive counterpoint to kings who started well and ended badly: here is one who simply stayed faithful.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Consistent faithfulness, military success, strong builder and administrator, learned from father's mistake (never entered Temple)
Weaknesses
Failed to remove the high places; could not change the corrupt religious culture of the people
Lessons
Steady, consistent faithfulness produces lasting strength. Jotham's greatness came not from dramatic exploits but from walking steadfastly with God over the long haul. Faithfulness in the ordinary is the foundation of extraordinary blessing.