Compare Translations for 2 Chronicles 27:3
2 Chronicles 27 Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise)
Chapter 27
Jotham's reign in Judah.
- The people did corruptly. Perhaps Jotham was wanting towards the reformation of the land. Men may be very good, and yet not have courage and zeal to do what they might. It certainly casts blame upon the people. Jotham prospered, and became mighty. The more stedfast we are in religion, the more mighty we are, both to resist evil, and to do good. The Lord often removes wise and pious rulers, and sends others, whose follies and vices punish a people that valued not their mercies.
2 Chronicles 27 Commentary - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 27
2 Chronicles 27:1-4 . JOTHAM, REIGNING WELL, PROSPERS.
1. Jotham was twenty and five years
His mother's name . . . Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok--or descendant of the famous priest of that name [ 2 Samuel 8:17 ].
2. he did that which was right--The general rectitude of his government is described by representing it as conducted on the excellent principles which had guided the early part of his father's reign.
the people did yet corruptly--(See 2 Kings 15:35 ); but the description here is more emphatic, that though Jotham did much to promote the good of his kingdom and aimed at a thorough reformation in religion, the widespread and inveterate wickedness of the people frustrated all his laudable efforts.
3. He built the high gate of the house of the Lord--situated on the north--that portion of the temple hill which was high compared with the southern part--hence "the higher," or upper gate
and on the wall of Ophel--Hebrew, "the Ophel," that is, the mound, or eminence on the southeastern slope of the temple mount, a ridge lying between the valleys Kedron and Tyropoeon, called "the lower city" [JOSEPHUS]. He
built much--having the same desire as his father to secure the defense of Jerusalem in every direction.
4. in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers--that is, in the elevated and wooded spots where fortified cities could not be placed, he erected castles and towers.
2 Chronicles 27:5 . HE SUBDUES THE AMMONITES.
5. He fought also with the king of the Ammonites--This invasion he not only repelled, but, pursuing the Ammonites into their own territory, he imposed on them a yearly tribute, which, for two years, they paid. But when Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah, king of Israel, combined to attack the kingdom of Judah, they took the opportunity of revolting, and Jotham was too distracted by other matters to attempt the reconquest