Jotham

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Yôtām (יוֹתָם), “Yahweh is perfect/complete,” reflecting a theophoric name honoring Israel’s God.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (8th century BC)
• Main References: 2 Kings 15:32–38; 2 Chronicles 27:1–9
• Key Connections: Son of Uzziah (Azariah) and Jerusha; father of Ahaz; ruled Judah during the rise of Aram (Syria) and the Northern Kingdom (Israel).

Who was Jotham?

Jotham was king of Judah who reigned in Jerusalem and is evaluated as doing what was right in the LORD’s sight.
He governed during a time of external pressure from Aram and Israel and internal persistence of high-place worship among the people.
His reign is associated with building activity and administrative strength in Judah.

Key Events & Achievements

• Temple Gate Construction: Built the upper gate of the house of the LORD (2 Kings 15:35; 2 Chronicles 27:3).
• Fortifications and Urban Works: Built cities in the hill country and fortified sites in the forests (2 Chronicles 27:4).
• Campaign Against Ammon: Defeated the Ammonites and received tribute for three years (2 Chronicles 27:5).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Jotham’s reign shows how personal faithfulness in leadership can coexist with ongoing communal religious compromise.

Key Verse

"And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done." — 2 Kings 15:34, ESV