Judah’s King Jotham

1Jotham was 25 years old a when he became king and reigned 16 years in Jerusalem. b His mother’s name was Jerushah daughter of Zadok. 2He did what was right in the LORD’s sight as his father Uzziah had done. In addition, he didn’t enter the LORD’s sanctuary, c but the people still behaved corruptly.

3Jotham built the Upper Gate of the LORD’s temple, and he built extensively on the wall of Ophel. d 4He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests. e 5He waged war against the king of the Ammonites. He overpowered the Ammonites, and that year they gave him 7,500 pounds f of silver, 50,000 bushels g of wheat, and 50,000 bushels h of barley. They paid him the same in the second and third years. 6So Jotham strengthened himself because he did not waver in obeying i the LORD his God. j

7As for the rest of the events k of Jotham’s reign, along with all his wars and his ways, note that they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. 8He was 25 years old when he became king and reigned 16 years in Jerusalem. 9Jotham rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. His son Ahaz became king in his place.