Jotham was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok.
Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he ruled for sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jerushah, and she was the daughter of Zadok.
This verse introduces King Jotham of Judah, telling us his age when he became king, how long he ruled, and his mother's family background.
📚 Historical Context
Jotham ruled the southern kingdom of Judah from approximately 750-735 BC, during a time when the northern kingdom of Israel was declining under Assyrian pressure. The mention of his mother Jerushah and her father Zadok reflects the importance of maternal lineage in royal succession, as the queen mother held significant influence in the royal court. Zadok was likely from a priestly family, suggesting Jotham had connections to Israel's religious leadership.
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