2 Kings 15:33 – “He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years. His mother’s name was Jerusha daughter of Zadok.”
Extended Explanation
This verse introduces key details about Jotham, the king of Judah, who began his reign at the age of 25 and ruled for 16 years. It also mentions his mother, Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok. The inclusion of Jotham’s mother’s name highlights her significance, as the Bible often references the mother of a king to signify their potential influence or spiritual legacy.
Jotham is described elsewhere as a good and faithful king, one who followed in the ways of his father, Uzziah, but without the pride that led to Uzziah’s downfall. His reign was marked by stability and a focus on construction and fortification efforts in Judah, which helped strengthen the nation in difficult times. However, like many kings before him, he did not remove the high places where the people continued to offer sacrifices, a recurring problem throughout Judah’s history.
Historical Context
Jotham’s reign took place during a period of relative stability for Judah, in contrast to the northern kingdom of Israel, which was facing increasing political instability and external threats. His father, Uzziah, had ruled for over 50 years and had achieved significant military success and prosperity for Judah, but his reign ended in disgrace after he arrogantly entered the temple to offer incense and was struck with leprosy as a result (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).
Jotham took over leadership duties toward the end of his father’s reign and then became king in his own right. His rule was characterized by efforts to strengthen the nation’s defenses and maintain stability, though external threats, especially from Israel and Aram (Syria), were on the horizon. This time period also saw the rise of the Assyrian Empire, which would soon become a major threat to both Israel and Judah.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the importance of leadership that honors God and seeks to follow His commands. Jotham is one of the few kings in Judah who is described positively in Scripture. His faithfulness to God is seen in his efforts to lead the nation in a time of peace and stability. Although he did not fully remove the high places of false worship, Jotham’s reign is remembered as a time of relative obedience to God’s ways.
The mention of his mother, Jerusha, reminds us of the influence parents, particularly mothers, can have on their children, especially in terms of spiritual development. Jerusha, as the daughter of Zadok (possibly a priestly family), may have played a key role in shaping Jotham’s character and faith. Godly influence in the home can have lasting effects on the leadership and spiritual lives of children, as seen in Jotham’s case.
Literary Analysis
This verse follows a common biblical pattern in the Books of Kings, providing basic details about a king’s reign, including his age when he ascended the throne, the length of his rule, and the name of his mother. The structure is simple but significant, as it introduces the king and sets the stage for the evaluation of his reign.
The inclusion of Jotham’s mother’s name highlights the personal and familial aspect of leadership in Judah, where lineage and heritage played important roles in the shaping of a king’s character. This also serves to link Jotham to the priestly family of Zadok, potentially emphasizing the spiritual heritage he carried into his leadership.
Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Chronicles 27:1-2: Chronicles provides a parallel account of Jotham’s reign, stating that he “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.”
- 2 Kings 15:34: The next verse confirms that Jotham followed in his father’s footsteps by doing what was right in the Lord’s eyes.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7: This passage emphasizes the importance of parents teaching their children about God’s commands, which may have been reflected in Jotham’s upbringing.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of godly leadership, both in the home and in positions of influence. Jotham’s faithfulness as a king is a reflection of the spiritual foundation he likely received from his parents, particularly his mother. This challenges us to consider the spiritual legacy we are passing on to the next generation and the role of parents in shaping their children’s faith.
The verse also encourages us to seek faithfulness in our own lives, even when we may not be in positions of great power. Jotham’s reign, though brief and somewhat overshadowed by his father’s, was marked by a commitment to doing what was right in God’s eyes, a model for all believers to follow.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love for His people is demonstrated in His continued faithfulness to the line of David, from which Jotham descended. Despite the ups and downs of Judah’s kings, God remained committed to His covenant with David, preserving the line through which the Messiah would one day come. Jotham’s reign, though imperfect, was part of God’s greater plan to provide leadership for His people.
God’s love is also seen in how He raises up leaders like Jotham who, though human and imperfect, sought to lead with integrity and faithfulness. His love is not contingent on perfection but on a heart that seeks to honor Him, as seen in Jotham’s life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jotham’s reign is part of the Davidic line that eventually leads to the birth of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King. While Jotham was a relatively good king who ruled with faithfulness, he was still a human leader with flaws. Jesus, in contrast, is the perfect King who fulfills all the promises made to David and brings the kingdom of God in its fullness.
Jesus’ kingship is marked by perfect obedience to the Father, something that even the best of Judah’s kings, like Jotham, could not fully achieve. Through Jesus, we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to provide a leader who would reign with justice, righteousness, and love, bringing salvation to all who follow Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jotham’s faithfulness as a leader challenge us to be faithful in our own roles, whether in leadership or everyday life?
- What can we learn from the influence of Jotham’s mother, Jerusha, about the importance of spiritual guidance in the home?
- How does Jotham’s reign fit into God’s larger plan of preserving the line of David, and how does this encourage us to trust in God’s promises in our own lives?
- In what ways does Jesus’ perfect kingship inspire us to live in obedience and trust in His leadership over our lives?