2 Chronicles 27

Jotham King of Judah

1 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother’s name was Jerusha daughter of Zadok.

2 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done, but unlike him he did not enter the temple of the LORD. The people, however, continued their corrupt practices.

3 Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple of the LORD and did extensive work on the wall at the hill of Ophel.

4 He built towns in the hill country of Judah and forts and towers in the wooded areas.

5 Jotham waged war against the king of the Ammonites and conquered them. That year the Ammonites paid him a hundred talents^[a] of silver, ten thousand cors^[b] of wheat and ten thousand cors^[c] of barley. The Ammonites brought him the same amount also in the second and third years.

6 Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the LORD his God.

7 The other events in Jotham’s reign, including all his wars and the other things he did, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

8 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years.

9 Jotham rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David. And Ahaz his son 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.

Cross References

• 1. S 2 Kings 15:5,32; S 1 Chronicles 3:12
• 2. 2 Chronicles 33:14; Nehemiah 3:26
• 3. S Genesis 19:38
• 4. 2 Chronicles 26:5

Footnotes

• [a]. That is, about 3 3/4 tons or about 3.4 metric tons
• [b]. That is, probably about 1,800 tons or about 1,600 metric tons of wheat
• [c]. That is, probably about 1,500 tons or about 1,350 metric tons of barley

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.