Jotham

Jotham was a king of Judah who reigned for sixteen years, from approximately 750 to 735 BC (2 Kings 15:32-33; 2 Chronicles 27:1). He was the son of Uzziah (also known as Azariah) and succeeded him as king (2 Kings 15:7; 2 Chronicles 26:23).

Jotham became co-regent with his father Uzziah when Uzziah was struck with leprosy for burning incense in the temple (2 Kings 15:5; 2 Chronicles 26:21). After Uzziah's death, Jotham assumed full control of the kingdom (2 Kings 15:7; 2 Chronicles 26:23).

During his reign, Jotham is described as doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, following the example of his father Uzziah (2 Kings 15:34; 2 Chronicles 27:2). He rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple and carried out construction projects on the wall at Ophel (2 Chronicles 27:3).

Jotham also successfully waged war against the Ammonites, subjecting them to tribute (2 Chronicles 27:5). He became powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God (2 Chronicles 27:6).

The prophets Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah prophesied during Jotham's reign (Isaiah 1:1; Hosea 1:1; Micah 1:1). Jotham died and was buried with his fathers in the City of David, and his son Ahaz succeeded him as king (2 Kings 15:38; 2 Chronicles 27:7, 9).