2 Chronicles 27:3

KJV

He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.

KJV (with Strong's)

He built {H1129} the high {H5945} gate {H8179} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and on the wall {H2346} of Ophel {H6077} he built {H1129} much {H7230}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He built the Upper Gate of the house of ADONAI and added considerably to the wall of the 'Ofel.

Berean Standard Bible

Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD, and he worked extensively on the wall at the hill of Ophel.

American Standard Version

He built the upper gate of the house of Jehovah, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Jotham of Judah, a righteous monarch, demonstrated his devotion to God and his commitment to national security through significant building projects. This verse specifically highlights his construction of the "high gate of the house of the LORD," signifying his investment in the spiritual center of the nation, and his extensive fortifications "on the wall of Ophel," which bolstered Jerusalem's defenses. These actions underscore Jotham's balanced and effective leadership, which prioritized both sacred reverence and practical governance for the well-being of his kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the Chronicler's account of King Jotham's reign, immediately following a brief introduction to his character and relationship with the Lord in [2 Chronicles 27:1-2](/2_chronicles/27-1 "2 Chronicles 27:1-2 - Jotham's Righteous Reign"). The narrative flow emphasizes Jotham's positive actions, particularly his avoidance of the transgression that marred his father Uzziah's later years (specifically Uzziah's unauthorized entry into the Temple, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Leprosy")). By highlighting Jotham's building of the Temple gate, the Chronicler draws a direct contrast, showcasing Jotham's reverence for the sacred space. The subsequent verses in [2 Chronicles 27](/2_chronicles/27 "2 Chronicles 27 - Jotham's Reign and Prosperity") continue to detail Jotham's military successes and the prosperity he enjoyed because "he prepared his ways before the LORD his God" ([2 Chronicles 27:6](/2_chronicles/27-6 "2 Chronicles 27:6 - Jotham's Prosperity")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jotham reigned in Judah from approximately 750-735 BCE, a period of relative stability for Judah but one overshadowed by the rising power of the Assyrian Empire. Defensive building projects were crucial for the security of Jerusalem, the capital city, against potential external threats. The "house of the LORD" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the spiritual and religious heart of the kingdom, which had undergone various phases of construction and renovation since Solomon's time. Kings were often seen as stewards of the Temple and responsible for its upkeep and enhancement, a duty that signaled their piety and legitimate rule. The "Ophel" was a fortified spur of land south of the Temple Mount, strategically vital for the defense of the city, and its fortification would have been a significant engineering and security undertaking.
* **Key Themes:** Jotham's building activities in [2 Chronicles 27:3](/2_chronicles/27-3 "2 Chronicles 27:3 - Jotham's Building Projects") contribute to several overarching themes in the book of Chronicles. First, the theme of **righteous leadership and its blessings** is prominent; Jotham's devotion to God, exemplified by his work on the Temple, leads to his prosperity and strength, as explicitly stated in [2 Chronicles 27:6](/2_chronicles/27-6 "2 Chronicles 27:6 - Jotham's Prosperity Due to Righteousness"). Second, the **centrality of the Temple and proper worship** is underscored. Unlike his father Uzziah, who desecrated the Temple, Jotham enhances it, demonstrating a proper reverence for God's dwelling place. Third, the theme of **national security and responsible governance** is evident in his fortification of Ophel, showing a king who cares for the physical well-being and defense of his people. These themes collectively portray Jotham as an ideal king in the Chronicler's theological framework, one who balances spiritual devotion with practical, effective rule.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **High gate (Hebrew, שַׁעַר הָעֶלְיוֹן, _sha'ar ha'elyon_):** This term literally means "the upper gate." While its precise location within the Temple complex is debated, it likely refers to a prominent or elevated entrance, possibly leading to the inner court or a significant part of the Temple structure. The construction of such a gate would have been a visible and substantial improvement, symbolizing Jotham's commitment to enhancing the accessibility and grandeur of God's house, and by extension, the reverence for divine worship. It contrasts sharply with Uzziah's transgression, which involved an improper entry into the Temple.
* **Ophel (Hebrew, עֹפֶל, _‘ophel_):** This refers to a specific, naturally fortified hill or mound located south of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It was a crucial defensive position, often integrated into the city's wall system. Archaeological excavations have revealed extensive fortifications and structures in this area. Jotham's decision to build "much" on the wall of Ophel indicates a strategic and substantial investment in the physical security of the capital, demonstrating his foresight and dedication to protecting his kingdom from potential invaders.
* **Built much (Hebrew, רַב, _rav_):** The Hebrew word _rav_ implies "great," "many," or "much." When used in the context of building, it denotes extensive, significant, or ample construction, rather than mere repairs or minor additions. This phrase underscores the scale and seriousness of Jotham's commitment to these projects, suggesting that considerable resources, labor, and planning were dedicated to fortifying Ophel, making it a formidable part of Jerusalem's defenses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He built the high gate of the house of the LORD":** This clause highlights Jotham's spiritual devotion and his role as a steward of God's sanctuary. By constructing or significantly improving a prominent gate to the Temple, Jotham not only enhanced the physical structure but also symbolically affirmed the importance of access to and reverence for the divine presence. This act would have been seen as an expression of his piety and a commitment to facilitating proper worship in Judah.
* **"and on the wall of Ophel he built much":** This second clause reveals Jotham's practical wisdom and his dedication to the physical security of his kingdom. His extensive building on the strategic Ophel wall demonstrates a proactive approach to national defense. This investment in infrastructure would have strengthened Jerusalem's fortifications, providing a greater sense of security for its inhabitants and showcasing Jotham's effective leadership in protecting his people and their capital.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Parallelism** by presenting two distinct but complementary building projects: one focused on the spiritual center (Temple gate) and the other on national security (Ophel wall). This structure highlights Jotham's balanced leadership. **Symbolism** is also at play, with the "high gate of the house of the LORD" symbolizing Jotham's reverence for God and his commitment to proper worship, while the "wall of Ophel" symbolizes his practical wisdom, foresight, and dedication to the physical protection of his people. The phrase "built much" serves as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, conveying the extensive and significant nature of his construction efforts, rather than just minor repairs, thereby underscoring the scale of his achievements.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
King Jotham's actions in this verse provide a powerful biblical example of holistic leadership and faithful stewardship. His balanced approach—investing in both the spiritual infrastructure (the Temple) and the physical security (the city walls) of his nation—reflects a profound understanding that true well-being for a people depends on both their relationship with God and their practical preparedness in the world. This integration of spiritual devotion and practical governance is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where righteous kings are often depicted as those who ensure both the purity of worship and the physical flourishing of their kingdom. Jotham's reign, marked by such diligence, served as a testament to the blessings that accompany a king who "prepared his ways before the LORD his God" ([2 Chronicles 27:6](/2_chronicles/27-6 "2 Chronicles 27:6 - Jotham's Righteousness and Prosperity")). His example encourages believers to consider how they, too, can cultivate both their spiritual lives and their practical responsibilities in a way that honors God and serves their communities.

* [Nehemiah 3:26](/nehemiah/3-26 "Nehemiah 3:26 - Repair of the Ophel Wall")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - The Lord Builds the House")
* [Proverbs 24:27](/proverbs/24-27 "Proverbs 24:27 - Prepare Your Work Outside")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jotham's reign, encapsulated in this verse, offers a compelling blueprint for how we, as individuals and communities, can live lives of purpose and integrity. His simultaneous focus on enhancing God's house and fortifying the city walls challenges us to consider our own priorities. Are we investing in our spiritual foundations—our relationship with God, our engagement with His Word, our participation in the life of the church—with the same diligence Jotham showed for the Temple gate? And are we, at the same time, wisely building up our "walls"—our character, our discernment, our practical skills, and our emotional resilience—to withstand the challenges and temptations of the world? True flourishing, much like for Jotham's Judah, comes from a balanced commitment to both our inner spiritual lives and our outward practical responsibilities. It calls for a proactive approach to both worship and wisdom, ensuring that our lives are built on a firm foundation, both spiritually and practically.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you "building the high gate of the house of the LORD," prioritizing your spiritual growth and relationship with God?**
* **What are the "walls of Ophel" in your life that need strengthening—areas of personal discipline, boundaries, or wisdom that protect you from spiritual or worldly attacks?**
* **How can you cultivate a more balanced approach to life, integrating spiritual devotion with practical diligence, as exemplified by King Jotham?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to invest more deeply in either your spiritual foundations or your personal "defenses"?**

### FAQ
**What was the "high gate of the house of the LORD" and why was it significant?**

Answer: The "high gate of the house of the LORD" (Hebrew: *sha'ar ha'elyon*) refers to a prominent or elevated entrance to the Temple in Jerusalem. While its exact location within the Temple complex is debated among scholars, it was likely a significant access point, possibly leading to the inner court or a particularly revered section. Its construction or substantial renovation by King Jotham was significant because it demonstrated his deep reverence for God and his commitment to the proper functioning and grandeur of the Temple, the spiritual heart of Judah. This act stood in stark contrast to his father Uzziah's later transgression, which involved an unauthorized entry into the Temple to burn incense ([2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Unlawful Incense Offering")). Jotham's action highlighted his respect for divine boundaries and his dedication to enhancing the sacred space.

**Why was building "on the wall of Ophel" so important for Judah?**

Answer: The "Ophel" was a strategically vital fortified spur of land located south of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It formed a crucial part of the city's defenses, particularly protecting the vulnerable southern approach to the Temple and the royal palace. In a historical period marked by regional instability and the rising threat of empires like Assyria, strengthening Jerusalem's fortifications was paramount for national security. Jotham's extensive building "on the wall of Ophel" (implied by "built much") indicates a significant investment in military infrastructure, demonstrating his foresight and commitment to protecting his capital and his people from external threats. This practical leadership, alongside his spiritual devotion, contributed to the stability and prosperity of his reign, as noted in [2 Chronicles 27:6](/2_chronicles/27-6 "2 Chronicles 27:6 - Jotham's Prosperity")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Jotham's dual focus on building the Temple gate and fortifying the city walls, while commendable, ultimately points to the superior and eternal work of Jesus Christ. Jotham built a physical gate to a physical temple, but Jesus declared, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door to Salvation")). He is the ultimate "high gate" through whom we gain access to the very presence of God, a spiritual access far surpassing any physical entrance. Furthermore, while Jotham built walls for physical security, Jesus established a spiritual kingdom that "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")), and He Himself is the ultimate fortress and protector for His people. He is the one who declared, "I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")), signifying a spiritual construction far more enduring than any stone wall. His body became the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), and through His sacrifice, He provides ultimate security and peace, a spiritual defense that no earthly enemy can breach. Thus, Jotham's good works serve as a shadow, directing our gaze to the perfect and complete work of Christ, who builds an eternal spiritual house and provides everlasting security for all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 33:14

Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.

Nehemiah 3:26

Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto [the place] over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.

Nehemiah 3:27

After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.

Jeremiah 20:2

Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that [were] in the high gate of Benjamin, which [was] by the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 23:20

And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of the LORD: and they came through the high gate into the king's house, and set the king upon the throne of the kingdom.