A son of the judge Gideon, known for the fable he told about Shechem.
About Jotham
The youngest of Gideon’s 70 sons and the only survivor of Abimelech’s murder of Jotham’s brothers at Ophrah (Judges 9:5). Upon learning of Abimelech's plan with the Shechemites, Jotham traveled to Shechem. This led to the death of his brothers. He addressed the people from on top of the nearby Mount Gerizim. Using a parable, he showed Abimelech's rise as king. He ended his criticism by cursing his half-brother (Judges 8:31) and the disloyal people of Shechem (Judges 9:7). Jotham then fled to Beer because he was worried about Abimelech seeking revenge (Judges 9:21). Later, God fulfilled Jotham's curse. The people of Shechem were killed in a revolt. Abimelech was struck down by a woman (Judges 9:57).
Family Relationships
- Parents
- Gideon
- Half-siblings 2
- Jether (Judges 8:20), Abimelech (Son of Gideon)
Key References
He went to his father’s house in Ophrah, and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself.
When this was reported to Jotham, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim, raised his voice, and cried out: “Listen to me, O leaders of Shechem, and may God listen to you.
Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech.
All Scripture References (4)
Judges (4)
He went to his father’s house in Ophrah, and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself.
When this was reported to Jotham, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim, raised his voice, and cried out: “Listen to me, O leaders of Shechem, and may God listen to you.
Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech.
And God also brought all the wickedness of the men of Shechem back upon their own heads. So the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came upon them.