Introduction:
Jotham, the son of Uzziah (also known as Azariah) and Jerusha, daughter of Zadok, was the eleventh king of the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is chronicled in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Jotham is noted for his piety and adherence to the ways of the Lord, continuing the reforms initiated by his father, Uzziah, albeit with a more cautious approach to temple worship.

Biblical Account:
Jotham's reign is recorded in 2 Kings 15:32-38 and 2 Chronicles 27:1-9. He ascended to the throne at the age of 25 and reigned for 16 years in Jerusalem. The Berean Standard Bible states, "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done" (2 Kings 15:34). However, unlike his father, Jotham did not enter the temple of the LORD, a decision that likely reflects his awareness of Uzziah's punishment for unlawfully burning incense in the temple (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

Religious and Political Context:
Jotham's reign occurred during a period of relative stability in Judah, though the kingdom faced external threats from neighboring nations. The Assyrian Empire was expanding its influence, and the Northern Kingdom of Israel was experiencing political turmoil. Despite these challenges, Jotham maintained Judah's independence and fortified its defenses. He is credited with building the Upper Gate of the temple of the LORD and extensively fortifying the wall of Ophel (2 Chronicles 27:3).

Religious Reforms and Practices:
Jotham is commended for his faithfulness to God, yet the high places were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there (2 Kings 15:35). This indicates that while Jotham was personally devoted to God, he was unable to fully eradicate the syncretistic practices that persisted among the people. His reign is characterized by a commitment to the worship of Yahweh, but with limited success in reforming the broader religious practices of Judah.

Military Achievements:
Jotham's military accomplishments include successful campaigns against the Ammonites, who became tributaries to Judah, paying him a substantial tribute for three years (2 Chronicles 27:5). This not only demonstrated his military prowess but also contributed to the economic prosperity of his kingdom.

Legacy:
Jotham's reign is often viewed as a period of preparation for the challenges that would face his son, Ahaz, who succeeded him. The biblical narrative portrays Jotham as a king who walked in the ways of the LORD, setting a standard of righteousness for his successors. His reign is a testament to the importance of faithfulness to God amidst external pressures and internal challenges.

Death and Succession:
Jotham died and was buried in the City of David, and his son Ahaz succeeded him as king (2 Kings 15:38). His death marked the end of a relatively peaceful and prosperous era in Judah's history, as the kingdom would soon face significant trials under Ahaz's rule.