1 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok.
2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord according to all that his father Uzziah had done, except he did not enter the temple of the Lord. But the people still followed corrupt practices.
3 He built the upper gate of the house of the Lord and did much building on the wall of Ophel.
4 Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and forts and towers on the wooded hills.
5 He fought with the king of the Ammonites and prevailed against them. And the Ammonites gave him that year one hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand cors of wheat and ten thousand of barley. The Ammonites paid him the same amount in the second and the third years.
6 So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God.
7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars and his ways, behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.
8 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.
9 And Jotham slept with his fathers and they buried him in the city of David, and Ahaz his son reigned in his place.
The True Meaning of 2 Chronicles 27
The Book of 2 Chronicles was written by an anonymous author, likely a Levite priest or scribe, who compiled the historical accounts of the kingdom of Judah after the reign of King David. This chapter focuses on the reign of King Jotham, who ascended the throne after the death of his father, King Uzziah.
Jotham’s reign was marked by both successes and challenges. He, as a righteous king, sought to honor God and lead the people of Judah in the ways of the Lord. However, the chapter also foreshadows the impending downfall of the kingdom, as the people continued to stray from their covenant with God. The stage is set for the eventual exile of Judah, as prophesied in earlier books of the Bible.
The chapter provides insights into Jotham’s character, his military victories, and his efforts to strengthen the kingdom. It also highlights the ongoing spiritual battle between the people’s obedience to God and their tendency to fall into idolatry and sin. Previous kings like Rehoboam and Uzziah demonstrate the consequences of turning away from God’s commands, reminding us of the importance of faithful leadership as we read this passage.
2 Chronicles 27:1-2
Verse 1 of 2 Chronicles 27 starts by introducing Jotham, the son of Uzziah, who became king of Judah after his father. It mentions that Jotham was 25 years old when he became king and reigned in Jerusalem for 16 years. This section lays the foundation for understanding the reign of Jotham and sets the stage for the events described in the following verses.
Jotham’s age at the start of his reign is significant because it highlights his youth and potential in leading the kingdom. Despite his young age, Jotham’s reign lasted for 16 years, indicating a period of stability and continuity for the kingdom of Judah. This shows that age is not always a barrier to effective leadership, and God can empower and guide those who are willing to serve Him, regardless of their age or experience.
The mention of Jotham’s father, Uzziah, is crucial in understanding the context of his reign. Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king who started off well but later became proud and disobeyed God by entering the temple to burn incense—an act reserved for the priests. Leprosy struck Uzziah until his death, and his son Jotham had to take over the kingdom as a result. The story of Uzziah serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the consequences of disobeying God’s commands. These opening verses of 2 Chronicles 27 set the stage for the reign of Jotham, showcasing his youth, the legacy of his father Uzziah, and the importance of obedience and humility before God. It underscores the theme of succession in leadership and the repercussions of individual actions on future generations, echoing the broader Biblical narrative of how one person’s choices can impact a nation and its people.
2 Chronicles 27:3-4
Jotham, the son of King Uzziah, became king at the age of twenty-five and reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years, as discussed in 2 Chronicles 27:3-4. This section highlights specific aspects of Jotham’s reign, focusing on his commitment to the ways of the Lord. It mentions that he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, following the footsteps of his father Uzziah, but unlike his father, he did not enter the temple of the Lord.
Jotham’s reign is characterized by his faithfulness and obedience to God. The mention that he did not enter the temple of the Lord could be seen as an indication of his humility and reverence for God’s laws. This act could be interpreted as Jotham showing respect for the sacredness of the temple and the roles assigned to priests, as only they were permitted to enter certain areas of the temple according to the Mosaic Law.
While Jotham continued in the ways of the Lord, it also subtly implies that his father, Uzziah, had strayed from God’s commands when he entered the temple to burn incense, an act reserved for the priests. This narrative serves as a contrast between the two kings, showing Jotham’s obedience and respect for God’s ordinances compared to his father’s transgression.
The Bible often emphasizes the importance of obedience and humility before God. Jotham’s example in this passage reminds us of the significance of following God’s ways faithfully and not allowing pride or disobedience to lead us astray. It also shows that even within a lineage of kings, each individual is responsible for their own relationship with God and their choices have consequences. The recurring theme of the repercussions of disobedience and the blessings of obedience is seen in the broader context of the Bible. “God commands you to walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you in Deuteronomy 5:33, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”” Jotham’s adherence to God’s commands during his reign is a testament to the blessings that come from honoring God with obedience and humility.
2 Chronicles 27:5-6
Jotham waged war against the king of the Ammonites and conquered them in 2 Chronicles 27:5-6. That year the Ammonites paid him a hundred talents of silver, ten thousand cors of wheat and ten thousand of barley. The Ammonites brought him the same amount also in the second and third years.” This passage focuses on the reign of King Jotham of Judah and his military campaign against the Ammonites.
King Jotham, who was the son of Uzziah, was a righteous king who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to 2 Chronicles 27:2. Despite his obedience to God, he faced external threats, notably from the Ammonites. The Ammonites were a perennial enemy of the Israelites, often causing trouble and engaging in warfare with God’s chosen people.
Jotham’s victory over the Ammonites highlights God’s faithfulness to his people when they trust in him. Jotham defeated a formidable enemy and secured tribute from them for three consecutive years by obeying God and leading his army in battle. This victory not only demonstrated Jotham’s military prowess but also showcased God’s favor upon him and the kingdom of Judah.
The tribute of silver, wheat, and barley paid by the Ammonites to Jotham serves as a reminder of God’s provision and blessings to those who follow his ways. It shows that when we are faithful to God and walk in obedience to his commands, he can turn our enemies into sources of blessing and abundance. This also echoes the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, as mentioned in Galatians 6:7, where it states that whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Trusting in God, obeying his commands, and relying on his strength in times of adversity are underscored in this passage in 2 Chronicles 27. It reveals that even in the face of powerful enemies, God is able to grant victory to those who remain faithful to him. The story of King Jotham’s triumph over the Ammonites serves as a valuable lesson for believers today, encouraging them to seek God’s guidance and protection in all circumstances.
2 Chronicles 27:7-9
Jotham, the king of Judah after his father Uzziah, concluded his reign as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:7-9. These verses speak of Jotham’s accomplishments, military campaigns, and building projects during his sixteen-year reign.
Jotham “built the upper gate of the house of the Lord and did extensive work on the wall of Ophel.” This shows Jotham’s dedication to the Lord and his commitment to fortifying the defenses of Jerusalem. Jotham ensured the security of his people against potential invaders by repairing the walls of the city, reflecting his responsibility as a leader to protect and care for his subjects.
The verse also mentions that Jotham “built towns in the hill country of Judah and forts and towers in the wooded areas.” This highlights Jotham’s efforts to improve the infrastructure and defense capabilities of his kingdom. Jotham expanded Judah’s reach and influence by constructing towns and military outposts, making it stronger both economically and militarily. This demonstrates his wisdom in governance, as a king’s role is not only to maintain the status quo but also to strategically advance the interests of the nation. Jotham waged war against the king of the Ammonites and conquered them.” This military victory shows Jotham’s prowess as a commander and his success in defending Judah against its enemies. It also reflects the importance of relying on God for strength and guidance in times of conflict, as many biblical stories illustrate how God supports those who trust in Him during battles. Jotham’s triumph over the Ammonites echoes the victories of other faithful leaders like David and Joshua, reinforcing the timeless message of divine assistance in the face of adversity. Jotham, a competent and faithful king, prioritized the well-being and security of his people in these verses. His reign serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership that is grounded in righteousness, wisdom, and reliance on God. Jotham’s legacy, though brief compared to some other kings in Judah’s history, underscores the significance of using one’s position of power to serve the greater good and to honor the Lord, as exemplified in passages like Micah 6:8, which speaks of doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.
After 2 Chronicles 27
The reign of Jotham, king of Judah, came to an end. He had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done. However, the people continued to act corruptly. Jotham’s son, Ahaz, now sat on the throne of Judah. Little did the people know the trials that would soon befall them under Ahaz’s leadership. For the Lord’s hand was about to move in a way that would test the faith of all who lived in the land.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.