Jotham Succeds Uzziah

(2 Kings 15:32-38)

1Jotham was 25 years old when he began his reign, and he reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother was Zadok’s daughter Jerusha. 2He practiced what the LORD considered to be right, just as his father Uzziah had done, even though he did not enter the Temple. Nevertheless, the people continued acting corruptly.

3Jothama constructed the Upper Gate of the LORD’s Temple and did extensive work on the wall of Ophel.b 4He also built cities in the hill country of Judah, along with fortresses and guard towers in the forests. 5He launched a military excursion against the king of the Ammonites and defeated him. As a result, that year the Ammonites paid 100 talentsc of silver in tribute, as well as 10,000 korsd of wheat and 10,000 korse of barley. The Ammonites continued to pay this same amount in tribute over the following two years. 6Jotham grew in power because he had determined to live his life in the presence of the LORD his God. 7The rest of the accomplishments of Jotham’s reign, including all of his military exploits and campaigns, are recorded in the book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. 8He started his reign at the age of 25 years and he reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem. 9Then Jotham died, as had his fathers, and he was buried in the City of David. His son Ahaz became king in his place.