Jotham
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Jotham in the Bible?
The entry conflates two different biblical figures: Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon who delivered a parable against Abimelech (Judges 9), and Jotham, the king of Judah who was the son of Uzziah and Jerusha (2 Kings 15). These are two distinct individuals.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Jotham clarifies the narrative tension between legitimate dynastic succession and usurpation in the books of Judges and Kings, illustrating the biblical theme that political stability is contingent upon adherence to divine law rather than mere military strength.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Jotham reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Jotham in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Jotham clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Jotham." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/jotham/