2 Chronicles Chapter 27 — The Reign of King Jotham
King Jotham rules Judah with integrity, undertaking major construction projects and defeating the Ammonites while remaining faithful to God.
1Jotham 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.
2He did that which was right in the LORD’s eyes, according to all that his father Uzziah had done. However he didn’t enter into the LORD’s temple. The people still acted corruptly.
3He built the upper gate of the LORD’s house, and he built much on the wall of Ophel.
4Moreover he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests he built fortresses and towers.
5He also fought with the king of the children of Ammon, and prevailed against them. The children of Ammon gave him the same year one hundred talents*A talent is about 30 kilograms or 66 pounds of silver, ten thousand cors†1 cor is the same as a homer, or about 55.9 U. S. gallons (liquid) or 211 liters or 6 bushels. 10,000 cors of wheat would weigh about 1,640 metric tons. of wheat, and ten thousand cors of barley.‡10,000 cors of barley would weigh about 1,310 metric tons. The children of Ammon also gave that much to him in the second year, and in the third.
6So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God.
7Now 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.
8He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.
9Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in David’s city; and Ahaz his son reigned in his place.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
2 Chronicles 27:2
“He did that which was right in the LORD’s eyes, according to all that his father Uzziah had done. However he didn’t enter into the LORD’s temple.”
This verse highlights Jotham's obedience while showing he learned from his father's mistake regarding the temple.
2 Chronicles 27:6
“So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God.”
This verse provides the central explanation for Jotham's success and strength as a ruler.
Chapter Summary
Jotham begins his sixteen-year reign in Jerusalem at age twenty-five. He is characterized as a righteous king who follows the positive example of his father, Uzziah, though he notably avoids the error of entering the temple improperly. Despite the king's righteousness, the text notes that the people of Judah continue to act corruptly. Jotham focuses on strengthening the kingdom's infrastructure, building the upper gate of the temple, extending the wall of Ophel, and establishing fortresses and towers throughout the hill country. His military campaign against the Ammonites is successful, resulting in three years of significant tribute in silver, wheat, and barley. The chapter attributes Jotham’s increasing power to his commitment to ordering his ways before the Lord. Upon his death, he is buried in the City of David, and his son Ahaz takes the throne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jotham was the son of Uzziah. While he followed his father's example of doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, Jotham specifically avoided the prideful mistake of entering the temple to burn incense.
Jotham built the upper gate of the Lord's house and significantly improved the wall of Ophel. He also constructed cities in the hill country of Judah and established various fortresses and towers in the forests.
Jotham fought and prevailed against the king of the Ammonites. As a result, the Ammonites were forced to pay a tribute of silver, wheat, and barley for three consecutive years.
Study Note
The mention of the wall of Ophel refers to a specific fortified area on the eastern hill of Jerusalem, south of the temple mount.
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