For the chronicler, David and Solomon were ideal kings. Their example is worthy of imitation, for they embodied the principles of righteousness and godliness that should characterize the people of God. For us, these principles are re-embodied in the Person of Jesus Christ, our perfect and eternal King. Nine kings followed David and Solomon, from Rehoboam to Uzziah. Each was called by God to govern and guide Israel according to these very principles, serving as His under-shepherds. As we have seen, some did it well, some badly; and most were a very human mixture of good and evil. But what about the people? How are they doing? What is happening to them? We might assume that people will follow their leader, for better or worse. And no doubt, a leader’s influence will generally affect the spiritual climate among the people he oversees. But there are always exceptions. And it works both ways. When these rulers turned aside from the right way, not only did the prophets speak out against them, but common people also acted to topple the ungodly king. And despite the efforts of faithful kings, people who were blessed to live under their reigns sometimes chose to rebel against the LORD and go their own way instead. Jotham was a good king, following the example of his father Uzziah in every respect—“except he did not enter the temple of the LORD” (v 2). When Uzziah became a powerful leader, it led him to imagine that he was above God’s law. So he presumptuously assumed the role of priest by burning incense on the altar (26:16). Jotham also became a powerful leader, but unlike his dad, he recognized that his power was dependent on his obedience to God (v 6). He was a great builder, as Solomon had been (v 3-4). He was also a successful military leader, like David, collecting tribute from all his defeated foes (v 5). This was a good man, embodying those principles of godliness and justice. “But the people…” So here comes the sour note. Are you ready for it? “But the people,” the Chronicler tells us, “still followed corrupt practices” (v 2b). Jotham was a faithful king who did his job well. Still, he did not have the power to keep the country from slowly sliding away from God. During his days, there was a corruption in the heart of Judah which was not shamed by the king’s goodness. The nation only prospered because of Jotham. People thought, “Jotham has his beliefs, I have mine. Where’s the problem?” The problem will surface in the next chapter, when a new leader comes to power. For further meditation: