2 Chronicles 27:1

Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother's name was Jerushah daughter of Zadok.

Study Bible

Jotham
The name "Jotham" in Hebrew is יוֹתָם (Yotam), meaning "Yahweh is perfect" or "Yahweh is complete." This name reflects the theological understanding that God is the epitome of perfection and completeness, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures. Jotham's reign is a testament to the divine order and the fulfillment of God's promises to the line of David, emphasizing the importance of godly leadership.

was twenty-five years old
The age of Jotham when he ascended to the throne signifies a period of maturity and readiness for leadership. In the ancient Near Eastern context, reaching the age of twenty-five would have been seen as a time when a man was fully prepared to take on significant responsibilities. This detail underscores the importance of preparation and maturity in leadership roles, a principle that remains relevant in Christian teachings today.

when he became king
The transition to kingship marks a significant moment in Jotham's life and in the history of Judah. The role of a king in Israel was not just political but also spiritual, as the king was expected to lead the people in accordance with God's laws. Jotham's ascension to the throne is a reminder of the divine right and responsibility bestowed upon leaders to govern with justice and righteousness.

and he reigned in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds profound significance as the political and spiritual center of Israel. It is the place where God's presence dwelt in the temple, making it the heart of worship and governance. Jotham's reign in Jerusalem highlights the centrality of this city in God's plan for His people and serves as a symbol of divine authority and blessing.

sixteen years
The duration of Jotham's reign, sixteen years, indicates a period of stability and continuity in the kingdom of Judah. In biblical numerology, the number sixteen can be seen as a combination of the numbers seven (completeness) and nine (divine completeness from the Father), suggesting a reign that was marked by divine favor and fulfillment of God's purposes.

His mother’s name was Jerushah
The mention of Jotham's mother, Jerushah, whose name means "possessed" or "married" in Hebrew, highlights the importance of maternal influence in the king's life. In the biblical narrative, mothers often play crucial roles in shaping the character and faith of their children. Jerushah's presence in the text underscores the value of godly parenting and the impact it can have on future generations.

daughter of Zadok
Zadok, a name meaning "righteous" or "just," was a prominent priestly figure in Israel's history. The reference to Jerushah as the daughter of Zadok connects Jotham to a lineage of righteousness and priestly heritage. This association emphasizes the intertwining of royal and priestly lines in the biblical narrative, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is both King and High Priest.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jotham
The central figure in this verse, Jotham was the king of Judah. He is noted for his righteous reign and is a descendant of David, continuing the Davidic line.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where Jotham reigned. It holds significant religious and political importance as the center of Jewish worship and governance.

3. Jerushah
Jotham's mother, identified as the daughter of Zadok. Her mention highlights the importance of maternal lineage and influence in the biblical account.

4. Zadok
Although not much is detailed about him in this verse, Zadok is a name associated with priestly lineage, suggesting a heritage of faith and religious duty.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Jotham's reign is characterized by righteousness, which underscores the impact of godly leadership on a nation. Leaders today are called to uphold integrity and justice.

Influence of Family Heritage
The mention of Jerushah and Zadok highlights the influence of family and heritage. Believers are encouraged to honor their spiritual heritage and pass on faith to future generations.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Despite the challenges of his time, Jotham remained faithful. This teaches us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when faced with societal pressures.

The Role of Prophets
The ministries of Isaiah and Micah during Jotham's reign remind us of the importance of heeding prophetic voices that call us back to God's ways.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jotham's age at the start of his reign influence your understanding of leadership and responsibility in young adulthood?

2. In what ways can the mention of Jerushah and Zadok inspire you to consider the spiritual legacy you are building for future generations?

3. How do the prophetic ministries of Isaiah and Micah during Jotham's reign challenge you to listen to and apply God's word in your life today?

4. What lessons can you learn from Jotham's faithfulness in leadership that can be applied to your personal or professional life?

5. How does the historical context of Jotham's reign help you understand the importance of maintaining righteousness in a society that may not always value it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 15:32-38
This passage provides a parallel account of Jotham's reign, offering additional details about his accomplishments and challenges.

Isaiah 1:1
Isaiah's prophetic ministry began during the reign of Jotham, indicating the spiritual climate and challenges of the time.

Micah 1:1
Like Isaiah, Micah also prophesied during Jotham's reign, providing insight into the social and moral issues of Judah.