2 Kings 15:32 – “In the second year of Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel, Jotham son of Uzziah king of Judah began to reign.”
Extended Explanation
This verse marks the beginning of Jotham’s reign over Judah, situating it in the second year of Pekah’s reign over the northern kingdom of Israel. Jotham, the son of Uzziah (also called Azariah), became the king of Judah. The verse sets the historical context for Jotham’s rule, placing it within the broader timeline of Israel’s political history. The overlapping reigns of kings in Israel and Judah were often recorded in this way to help readers understand the timing and relationships between the two kingdoms.
Jotham’s reign followed his father’s, Uzziah, who had ruled for many years but had been stricken with leprosy due to his prideful disobedience to God (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Jotham, therefore, had taken on more responsibility toward the end of his father’s reign before fully stepping into kingship. His leadership was marked by a relatively stable and faithful reign compared to many of the kings of Israel.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is significant because it shows the continued division between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. During Jotham’s reign, Judah remained relatively more stable and faithful to God compared to Israel, which was experiencing increasing political turmoil and spiritual decline. Pekah, who was ruling in Israel during Jotham’s rise to power, had come to the throne by assassinating the previous king, continuing a pattern of instability in Israel.
Jotham’s father, Uzziah, had been one of Judah’s more successful kings, and Jotham inherited a relatively strong and secure kingdom. However, Jotham’s reign also occurred during a time of rising external threats, particularly from the Assyrian Empire. While Jotham remained faithful to God, his reign would set the stage for more challenging times ahead as the northern kingdom of Israel moved closer to destruction.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse introduces a king who was known for his relative faithfulness to God in contrast to many of his contemporaries. Jotham’s reign represents a continuation of the Davidic line in Judah, a line that God had promised to sustain. His ascension to the throne reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His promises, particularly the covenant made with David, that there would always be a ruler from his line over Judah.
Jotham’s reign also serves as a reminder that political power and leadership should be guided by a commitment to God’s will. Jotham is one of the few kings of Judah who is described as doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, though the high places where people practiced false worship were not removed during his time (2 Kings 15:35).
Literary Analysis
This verse follows the standard format used throughout the Books of Kings to introduce the reigns of new kings, situating their leadership within the timeline of the other kingdom. The reference to Pekah’s reign helps establish the broader political landscape and the overlapping of Israel and Judah’s histories. The mention of Jotham being the son of Uzziah also links his reign to the previous era of stability and prosperity in Judah, contrasting the instability in Israel.
The simplicity of the verse reflects the Bible’s focus on summarizing the essential details before moving on to an evaluation of Jotham’s reign and its spiritual implications.
Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Kings 15:34-35: These verses describe Jotham’s reign in more detail, stating that he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, like his father Uzziah, though he did not remove the high places.
- 2 Chronicles 27:2: Chronicles also records Jotham’s reign, noting that he walked in obedience to God and strengthened Judah.
- Isaiah 1:1: The prophet Isaiah ministered during the reign of Jotham, indicating that Judah’s relative faithfulness still needed the prophetic guidance of Isaiah to keep the nation on track.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness in leadership. Jotham’s rise to power came at a time when Israel was falling deeper into rebellion against God, but Judah, under his leadership, remained faithful. This contrast encourages believers to consider how they can remain faithful to God even when those around them are not. Jotham’s steady reign in a time of political and spiritual instability challenges us to stay committed to God’s ways, regardless of the circumstances.
This verse also reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His promises. Just as He kept the line of David alive through kings like Jotham, God remains faithful to His promises in our lives. We are called to trust in His guidance and live in obedience, knowing that He honors those who follow Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love for His people is evident in His continued faithfulness to Judah through kings like Jotham. Even in times of difficulty and potential external threats, God provided leaders who sought to honor Him and guide the nation according to His commandments. This verse shows God’s patience and grace in allowing Judah to remain relatively stable under Jotham, even when Israel was facing judgment for their continued rebellion.
God’s love is also seen in His commitment to the covenant with David, preserving the line through which the Messiah would eventually come. His care for His people, even when they falter, reveals His desire to protect and guide them.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jotham’s reign continues the Davidic line, a line through which Jesus Christ would eventually come. While Jotham was a relatively good king, he was still human and imperfect, and his reign foreshadows the need for a perfect King—Jesus. Jesus fulfills the promise made to David that there would always be a king from his line to rule, but unlike Jotham and other kings, Jesus reigns with perfect justice, love, and righteousness.
Jesus’ kingship brings ultimate peace and security, something that even the best human kings could not achieve. Through Jesus, the kingdom of God is established forever, offering hope and salvation to all who follow Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jotham’s faithfulness in leadership challenge us to remain committed to God’s ways, even when those around us may not?
- What can we learn from God’s continued faithfulness to the Davidic line, and how does that encourage us to trust in His promises today?
- In what ways does Jesus fulfill the role of the perfect King, and how can we follow His example of love, justice, and obedience to God?
- How does the example of Jotham’s reign inspire us to seek godly leadership in our own lives and communities?