- 65-
** I am following the calculations of Schrader (Keilinschr. u. d. A. Test. pp. 142-144,
and in the Article in Riehm's Hand-W. According to Herzfeld (Handelsgesch, p. 172), the
sum would amount to 18,800 pounds, but his computation is based on a misconception.
In the fourth, probably the last year of Jotham's reign, it ceased, no doubt in consequence
of the Syro-Israelitish league against Judah, which was apparently joined by the
neighboring tribes who had hitherto been subject to Uzziah and Jotham. Lastly, of the
internal condition of the country, of its prosperity, wealth, and commerce, but also of its
luxury and its sins, a vivid picture has been left in those prophecies of warning judgment
which form the opening chapters of the Book of Isaiah (chap. 1:5-6.).
Jotham himself only witnessed the approach of the calamities which were so soon to
befall Judah. In the northern kingdom Pekah must have found himself in the midst of
turbulent elements. Even if he had not to defend his crown against another pretender,* the
disorganized condition of the country, the necessity of keeping the people engaged in
undertakings that would divert them from domestic affairs, as well as the obvious
desirableness of forming foreign alliances to support his throne - perhaps even more
ambitious plans - must have made the thirty years** of this military usurper a period of
sore trouble in Israel.
- Some writers have supposed that there was such during the first period after the
revolution headed by Pekah.
** One year contemporarily with Uzziah; sixteen years contemporarily with Jotham;
twelve years contemporarily with Ahaz = twenty-nine, or, allowing for the mode of
reckoning years: thirty years.
We catch only glimpses of it at the close of Jotham's reign. But our scanty information is
to some extent supplemented by the Assyrian records. Holy Scripture simply informs us
that "in those days Jehovah began to send against Judah Rezin, the king of Syria, and
Pekah, the son of Remaliah" (2 Kings 15:37).
It is a majestic and truly prophetic mode of viewing events, thus to recognize in such a
league as that of Rezin and Pekah the divinely-appointed judgment upon Judah. It is to
pass from the secondary and visible causes of an event straight to Him Who over-rules
all, and Who with Divine skill weaves the threads that man has spun into the web and
woof of His dealings. In point of fact, the Syro-Israelitish league against Judah ultimately
embraced not only the Ammonites, who refused to continue their tribute, but also the
Edomites, the Philistines, and all the southern tribes lately reduced to subjection (2
Chronicles 28:17, 18).
As already stated, Jotham only witnessed the commencement of this great struggle, or
else he was sufficiently strong still to keep in check what at first were probably only
(^)