What is it that changes a son away from the mistakes of a father? Jotham was the son of Uzziah whose life did not end well (yesterday’s devotional). When Uzziah was found with leprosy following his arrogance before the Lᴏʀᴅ, his son became King and reigned while his father was kept in isolation until Uzziah’s death. While Uzziah had become taken by his own accomplishments, there is a phrase in today’s verse that speaks of a different, better course for Jotham.
‘Mighty’ and ‘ordered’ are two distinct words in Hebrew but though coming from different roots both have to do with that which is established, firmly in place, erected. The picture goes back to Joshua 3:17 when the Israelites were about to cross the Jordan River to begin the conquest. The Ark of the Covenant was to be carried on the shoulders of the priests into the river where they would remain while the tribes crossed over. We are told that as soon as the priests’ feet touched the water, the River stopped flowing to make a path across.
‘Stood firmly’ is the same word for Jotham’s ‘ordered’ his ways before the Lᴏʀᴅ. While his father had wavered and became arrogant in his perception of ‘his’ accomplishments, Jotham was firm in standing firm before the Lᴏʀᴅ. In the New Testament, we are encouraged to be rooted, grounded 2 and built up3 in this same Lᴏʀᴅ. It is our privilege to have opportunity to be firmly engaged with God in our lives today. Thank You, Lᴏʀᴅ.