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.
2 CHRONICLES 27:1KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 27:1 mean?
2 Chronicles 27:1 records that Jotham became king of Judah at the age of twenty-five and ruled in Jerusalem for sixteen years. The verse also names his mother as Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok, giving details about his family background.
This verse is part of a historical account written by the Chronicler for the people of Israel, summarizing the beginning of Jotham’s reign. By mentioning his age, the length of his rule, and his mother’s lineage, the text sets the stage for understanding Jotham’s place in Judah’s royal history and highlights the importance of family heritage in the biblical narrative.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 27:1
- "Reign" (מָלַךְ, malakh): This word is used twice—once for when Jotham began to reign and again for the length of his reign—emphasizing his official status and authority as king.
- "Jerushah" (יְרוּשָׁה, Yerushah): The name of Jotham’s mother is included, which is not always the case for kings. This detail may point to the significance of maternal lineage or connections to priestly families, since Zadok is a priestly name.
- "Jerusalem" (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, Yerushalayim): The verse specifies that Jotham reigned in Jerusalem, underlining the city’s central role as the political and spiritual capital of Judah.
Why 2 Chronicles 27:1 matters
- The verse clarifies the timeline and succession of Judah’s kings, helping readers track the history and stability of the kingdom.
- By naming Jotham’s mother and her father Zadok, the text hints at possible priestly connections, which can be important for understanding the religious context of his reign.
- The mention of Jerusalem as the seat of his rule reinforces the city’s ongoing importance in the story of Israel and Judah.