Bible Figure
Jotham
King of Judah
A king of Judah who generally did what was right and strengthened the kingdom, though the people continued corrupt practices.
Biography
Jotham son of Uzziah assumed increasing responsibility while his father was isolated with leprosy and later became king. He rebuilt the Upper Gate of the Temple, strengthened Jerusalem's defenses, constructed towns and fortifications, and defeated the Ammonites, who paid tribute. Chronicles says Jotham became powerful because he ordered his ways before the Lord. Unlike his father, he did not unlawfully enter the Temple. Nevertheless, Kings notes that the high places remained, and the people continued sacrificing there.
Biblical Significance
Jotham is presented as a comparatively faithful king whose strength is explicitly connected with ordering his life before God. His reign also shows that a good ruler did not automatically remove the people's entrenched spiritual problems.