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2 Chronicles 27

2 Chronicles 27 recounts the reign of Jotham, son of Uzziah, as king of Judah. Unlike his father, Jotham did not enter the temple of the Lord but ruled faithfully. His reign was marked by building projects and victories in battle. He strengthened Judah, maintained a good relationship with God, and experienced prosperity. The chapter highlights his obedience to God and how it led to success and power.

2 Chronicles 27:1 (NKJV)
1 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok.

Jotham, son of Uzziah, began his reign at the age of 25, ruling for 16 years. His mother, Jerushah, is mentioned as the daughter of Zadok, indicating a lineage of righteousness, as Zadok was a priestly figure. Jotham's young age suggests a transition of power due to his father's leprosy, which had restricted Uzziah from continuing to serve fully as king.

2 Chronicles 27:2 (NKJV)
2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done (although he did not enter the temple of the Lord). But still the people acted corruptly.

Jotham followed in the footsteps of his father, Uzziah, in doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. However, unlike his father, he did not repeat the mistake of entering the temple and attempting to perform priestly duties. Despite Jotham’s righteousness, the people of Judah remained corrupt, indicating that even good leadership does not always lead to a fully obedient nation.

2 Chronicles 27:3 (NKJV)
3 He built the Upper Gate of the house of the Lord, and he built extensively on the wall of Ophel.

Jotham’s reign included significant building projects that strengthened Jerusalem. The construction of the Upper Gate of the temple and extensive work on the wall of Ophel reflects his dedication to protecting and enhancing the city of Jerusalem. These efforts improved the security and religious structure of the city, demonstrating his focus on strengthening the kingdom both spiritually and physically.

2 Chronicles 27:4-5 (NKJV)
4 Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built fortresses and towers.
5 He also fought with the king of the Ammonites and defeated them. And the people of Ammon gave him in that year one hundred talents of silver, ten thousand kors of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. The people of Ammon paid this to him in the second and third years also.

Jotham’s reign was marked by successful expansion and military victories. He fortified Judah by building cities, fortresses, and towers in strategic locations. His victory over the Ammonites resulted in significant tributes, enriching Judah with silver, wheat, and barley. This tribute continued for two additional years, demonstrating Jotham's military strength and the prosperity that came with his leadership. His efforts in both construction and warfare brought stability and wealth to Judah.

2 Chronicles 27:6 (NKJV)
6 So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God.

Jotham’s success and might were attributed to his dedication to following God’s ways. By maintaining his faithfulness and preparing his actions according to God’s guidance, he was able to prosper. This verse highlights the importance of obedience to God as the foundation for success in leadership and life.

2 Chronicles 27:7 (NKJV)
7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars and his ways, indeed they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

The additional details of Jotham’s reign, including his military campaigns and other actions, were recorded in the official historical records of Israel and Judah. This suggests that Jotham had a significant impact during his time as king, with notable accomplishments in both governance and warfare.

2 Chronicles 27:8 (NKJV)
8 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.

This verse reiterates Jotham’s age when he began his reign and the duration of his rule. The repetition emphasizes the relatively young age at which he ascended to the throne and the stability of his 16-year reign.

2 Chronicles 27:9 (NKJV)
9 So Jotham rested with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David. Then Ahaz his son reigned in his place.

Jotham’s death is recorded as peaceful, and he was buried with honor in the City of David, alongside the other kings of Judah. His son Ahaz succeeded him, marking the transition of power to the next generation. Despite Jotham’s righteous rule, his son Ahaz would go on to lead Judah in a different, more corrupt direction.

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