2 Kings 15:32-38

What does Jotham’s reign carry forward, and leave unresolved?

Berean Standard Bible

32 In the second year of the reign of Pekah son of Remaliah over Israel, Jotham son of Uzziah became king of Judah. 33 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother’s name was Jerusha daughter of Zadok. 34 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done. 35 Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there. Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD. 36 As for the rest of the acts of Jotham, along with his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 37 (In those days the LORD began to send Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah against Judah.) 38 And Jotham rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David his father. And his son Ahaz reigned in his place.

What is the context?

Jotham becomes king of Judah and receives a favorable judgment like that of his father Uzziah. Yet the high places remain, and the people continue sacrificing and burning incense there.

He rebuilds the Upper Gate of the Lord’s house. At the same time, the narrative notes the beginnings of pressure against Judah from Rezin of Aram and Pekah of Israel.

Jotham dies and is succeeded by Ahaz. The chapter leaves Judah with some continuity in leadership and temple work, but also unresolved worship and a growing external threat that will shape the next reign.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley treats Jotham’s earlier role under his afflicted father separately from his own reign. His proposal about the gate’s precise location is not required to understand the notice. Its place in the chapter links Judah’s qualified faithfulness with the pressure developing around it.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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