2 Chronicles 27

1 Jotham was 25 years old when he began to rule. He ruled for 16 years in Jerusalem. His mother was Jerushah, daughter of Zadok.

2 He did what the LORD considered right, as his father Uzziah had done. But unlike his father, he didn't [illegally] enter the LORD's temple. Nevertheless, the people continued their corrupt ways.

3 Jotham built the Upper Gate of the LORD's temple and did extensive building of the wall at the Ophel.

4 He built cities in the hills of Judah, and he built forts and towers in the wooded areas.

5 He fought with the king of the Ammonites and conquered them. That year the Ammonites gave him 7,500 pounds of silver, 60,000 bushels of wheat, and 60,000 bushels of barley. The Ammonites gave him the same amount for two more years.

6 Jotham grew powerful because he was determined to live as the LORD his God wanted.

7 Everything else about Jotham--all his wars and his life--is written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.

8 He was 25 years old when he began to rule as king. He ruled for 16 years in Jerusalem.

9 Jotham lay down in death with his ancestors, and they buried him in the City of David. His son Ahaz succeeded him as king.

2 Chronicles 27 Commentary

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.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 27

This chapter treats of the reign of Jotham, which was a good one, 2Ch 27:1,2, of his buildings and wars, 2Ch 27:3-6, and of his death and burial, 2Ch 27:7-9.