2 Chronicles 27:6

KJV

So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Jotham {H3147} became mighty {H2388}, because he prepared {H3559} his ways {H1870} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} his God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus Yotam became strong, because he prepared his ways [of doing things] before ADONAI his God.

Berean Standard Bible

So Jotham grew powerful because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God.

American Standard Version

So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before Jehovah his God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Jotham's reign, as depicted in 2 Chronicles 27:6, serves as a powerful biblical illustration of the profound connection between a leader's spiritual diligence and the resulting divine empowerment and success. This verse concisely attributes Jotham's remarkable might and prosperity to his conscious and consistent commitment to aligning his life and governance with the will of the LORD his God, thereby establishing a fundamental principle regarding the blessings that flow from devoted and intentional obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 27:6 is strategically placed within the Chronicler's theological history of Judah's kings, specifically following the detailed account of Jotham's father, King Uzziah. Chapter 26 meticulously records Uzziah's initial period of prosperity and divine assistance, which tragically ended in his prideful transgression of presumptuously entering the temple to burn incense, leading to his affliction with leprosy and subsequent isolation until his death, as described in [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2-chronicles/26-16-21 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy"). Jotham's relatively brief reign is presented as a deliberate and positive contrast to Uzziah's ultimate spiritual failure. The Chronicler emphasizes Jotham's righteous conduct and its beneficial outcomes, setting a theological precedent before transitioning to the largely negative reign of his son Ahaz in [2 Chronicles 28](/2-chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - The Wicked Reign of Ahaz"). Thus, this verse highlights a period of faithful leadership, reinforcing the Chronicler's overarching theological principle that a king's spiritual state directly influences the nation's well-being and prosperity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jotham reigned in Judah for 16 years, approximately from 750-735 BC, initially serving as co-regent with his leprous father, Uzziah. This era was marked by significant geopolitical instability, with the burgeoning power of the Assyrian Empire beginning to exert its influence over the smaller nations of the Levant. Despite these external pressures, Jotham's reign is portrayed as stable and prosperous. He undertook notable building projects, including strengthening the temple and constructing cities ([2 Chronicles 27:3-4](/2-chronicles/27-3-4 "2 Chronicles 27:3-4 - Jotham's Building and Fortification Efforts")), and successfully subdued the Ammonites, who subsequently paid him tribute ([2 Chronicles 27:5](/2-chronicles/27-5 "2 Chronicles 27:5 - Jotham's Victory Over the Ammonites")). Culturally, the concept of a king's "ways" or conduct before God was paramount in ancient Israelite thought, deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people. A king's adherence to the Mosaic Law and his personal piety were considered foundational to the nation's security, divine favor, and overall success, making Jotham's deliberate righteousness a commendable model for leadership.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several pivotal themes central to the Chronicler's theology and broader biblical teaching. A dominant motif is the **Retribution Principle**, which posits that obedience to God leads to blessing and prosperity, while disobedience results in judgment and decline. Jotham's "might" is presented as a direct consequence of his spiritual diligence, powerfully reinforcing this principle. Another significant theme is **Intentional Righteousness**. The phrase "prepared his ways" underscores that Jotham's godliness was not accidental or passive, but rather a conscious, deliberate, and sustained effort to align his actions, decisions, and entire life with God's revealed will. This stands in stark contrast to kings whose "heart was not wholly true to the LORD" ([1 Kings 11:4](/1-kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turns Away")) or who "did what was evil in the sight of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 28:1-2](/2-chronicles/28-1-2 "2 Chronicles 28:1-2 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign")). Finally, the verse highlights **Accountability Before God**. Jotham's preparation was "before the LORD his God," signifying that his conduct was not merely for human approval or political expediency, but was deeply rooted in a profound reverence and fear of God, acknowledging His omnipresence, ultimate authority, and the divine standard by which all human actions are judged.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _châzaq'_ - H2388):** This Hebrew root conveys the sense "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify)." In the context of Jotham, it signifies not only military prowess and physical strength but also a comprehensive sense of stability, enduring success, and divine empowerment throughout his reign. His might encompassed his ability to undertake significant building projects, achieve military victories, and maintain order, all attributed to God's favor and enablement.
* **Prepared (Hebrew, _kûwn'_ - H3559):** This primitive root properly means "to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous)." It implies a deliberate, intentional, and steadfast orientation. Jotham did not stumble into righteousness; rather, he actively and consciously directed, established, and made ready his life, his policies, and his decisions to conform to God's standards. This suggests a proactive and purposeful spiritual posture.
* **Ways (Hebrew, _derek'_ - H1870):** Derived from a root meaning "to tread," this noun refers to "a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action." It encompasses the totality of Jotham's actions, decisions, character, and overall lifestyle. Thus, "prepared his ways" means he carefully, intentionally, and consistently directed his entire life's course, his conduct, and his manner of living in accordance with what was right and pleasing in God's eyes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Jotham became mighty":** This opening clause presents the direct and divinely ordained consequence of Jotham's actions. The term "mighty" (חָזַק, _châzaq'_) here denotes his strength, stability, and remarkable success as king, which was evident in his extensive building projects and his military victories over adversaries like the Ammonites. The introductory "So" (וַיֶּחֱזַק, _vayyeḥĕzaq_) clearly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing that Jotham's power and prosperity were not merely human achievements but were directly sourced from divine favor.
* **"because he prepared his ways":** This is the crucial causal clause, providing the theological explanation for Jotham's might. The phrase "prepared his ways" (כּוּן דֶּרֶךְ, _kûwn derek'_) signifies a deliberate, conscious, and consistent effort on Jotham's part to live righteously. It was not accidental godliness but a focused, proactive commitment to align his actions, decisions, character, and overall conduct with God's will and commands. This implies intentional spiritual discipline, unwavering moral integrity, and a diligent pursuit of what is pleasing to God in every aspect of his life and reign.
* **"before the LORD his God":** This critical phrase defines both the standard and the audience of Jotham's "prepared ways." His conduct was not merely for human approval, political expediency, or personal gain, but was rooted in a profound reverence and fear of God. It signifies that his actions were performed in the conscious awareness of God's omnipresence, under His divine scrutiny, and in submission to His ultimate authority. This underscores the deep theological and devotional nature of his obedience, making it an act of worship and profound personal commitment to the covenant God of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Cause and Effect**, clearly articulating that Jotham's might and success were a direct result ("because") of his spiritual diligence and intentional obedience to God. This didactic structure is a hallmark of the Chronicler's theological agenda, which consistently links the fortunes of Judah and its kings to their faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God. There is also an implicit **Contrast** at play; Jotham's sustained righteousness and its positive outcomes stand in stark opposition to the eventual pride and failure of his father Uzziah, who, despite initial success, presumptuously overstepped his divinely appointed bounds. This contrast serves to emphasize the vital importance of sustained humility and consistent faithfulness. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Didacticism**, serving as a moral and theological lesson for the reader, illustrating the enduring biblical principle that true strength, lasting success, and divine favor are ultimately rooted in a right relationship with God and intentional, obedient submission to His commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound principle articulated in 2 Chronicles 27:6, that Jotham's might was a direct consequence of his intentional walk with God, resonates deeply throughout the entire biblical narrative. It powerfully underscores the covenantal framework of the Old Testament, where God's blessings and the flourishing of His people were often directly contingent upon the obedience of individuals and their leaders. This verse vividly illustrates that genuine strength and lasting prosperity are not merely products of human strategy, political acumen, or military might, but are ultimately derived from divine favor, which is graciously bestowed upon those who diligently seek and obey God. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises of blessing for obedience and serves as a profound reminder that spiritual integrity, intentional righteousness, and a humble posture before God are foundational to all forms of true and lasting success, whether personal, communal, or national.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-6](/deuteronomy/28-1-6 "Deuteronomy 28:1-6 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalm/1-1-3 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man's Path")
* [Proverbs 4:26-27](/proverbs/4-26-27 "Proverbs 4:26-27 - Ponder the Path of Your Feet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jotham's narrative in 2 Chronicles 27:6 offers a timeless and profoundly practical lesson for believers in every generation. The call to "prepare one's ways before the LORD" is not a passive or accidental state of being, but rather an active, deliberate, and ongoing commitment to align every facet of our lives—our thoughts, words, actions, decisions, and motivations—with God's revealed will. This involves cultivating intentional spiritual disciplines such as consistent and fervent prayer, diligent and meditative study of God's Word, and a conscious, unwavering effort to obey His commands, even when doing so is challenging, unpopular, or requires significant sacrifice. It means fostering a heart that is keenly sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and consistently choosing righteousness and integrity over convenience, worldly gain, or fleeting desires. Just as Jotham wisely learned from his father's tragic mistakes and chose a path of humility and unwavering devotion, we too are called to learn from biblical examples and to walk circumspectly, recognizing that our true strength, resilience, and lasting impact come not from our own limited abilities or human efforts, but from our intimate, obedient, and dependent relationship with the Almighty God. Our diligence in seeking, honoring, and submitting to God directly influences our effectiveness, our character development, and the spiritual fruitfulness we experience in every sphere of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Beyond outward religious observance, what does "preparing your ways before the LORD" practically entail in your daily life and decision-making?**
* **How does intentional spiritual discipline, exemplified by Jotham, contribute to genuine strength, resilience, and effectiveness in your personal, professional, and spiritual spheres?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be inadvertently relying on your own strength, wisdom, or worldly strategies, rather than consciously preparing your ways before the LORD?**
* **What profound lessons can we draw from the striking contrast between Jotham's sustained righteousness and his father Uzziah's initial faithfulness that eventually succumbed to pride and tragic failure?**

### FAQ
**What does "prepared his ways" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Prepared his ways" (Hebrew: כּוּן דֶּרֶךְ, _kûwn derek'_) signifies a deliberate, conscious, and steadfast effort on Jotham's part to align his entire life—including his decisions, actions, character, and overall conduct—with God's will and commands. It implies a proactive pursuit of righteousness, not a passive or accidental godliness. Jotham intentionally directed his path to be in accordance with God's standards, demonstrating a deep reverence and accountability to the LORD. This consistent and intentional commitment was the foundational reason for his "might" and success as king.

**How did Jotham's reign differ from his father Uzziah's, particularly in light of this verse?**

Answer: While King Uzziah began his reign with great success and was "marvelously helped" by God as long as he sought the LORD ([2 Chronicles 26:5](/2-chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God")), his later years were tragically marked by pride and a presumptuous act of entering the temple to burn incense, a sacred duty reserved exclusively for priests ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2-chronicles/26-16-21 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Transgression and Leprosy")). This act of disobedience led to him being afflicted with leprosy and living in isolation until his death. Jotham, in stark contrast, seems to have learned profoundly from his father's tragic error. The text highlights that Jotham "prepared his ways before the LORD his God," indicating a consistent, humble, and intentional devotion that steadfastly avoided the pitfalls of pride and presumption. His "might" was sustained precisely because his obedience was consistent and purposeful, unlike Uzziah's initial faithfulness which ultimately faltered due to pride.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jotham's righteous reign serves as a commendable and instructive example of human obedience leading to divine blessing and earthly might, his "prepared ways" ultimately find their perfect and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jotham's strength was a temporal, earthly might, limited by human fallibility, but Christ's might is eternal, redemptive, and all-encompassing. Jesus perfectly embodied the principle of preparing His ways before the LORD, for He consistently and perfectly did the Father's will, declaring, "I always do what is pleasing to him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does the Father's Will")). His entire life was a path of flawless obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, through which He secured eternal might, victory over sin and death, and salvation for all who believe. Where Jotham's preparation was a human effort, albeit divinely enabled and blessed, Christ's preparation was the flawless, divine-human obedience that fulfilled all righteousness, as He Himself stated, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). Believers, through their spiritual union with Christ, are now empowered by His indwelling Spirit to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him" ([Colossians 1:10](/colossians/1-10 "Colossians 1:10 - Walk Worthy of the Lord")), to "prepare their ways" not in their own strength or by their own merit, but by drawing from His infinite might and perfect obedience. Our spiritual "might," fruitfulness, and ability to live righteously are not earned by our perfect preparation, but are a gracious gift received through the One who perfectly prepared a new and living way for us to God, "through the curtain, that is, through his flesh" ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way Through Christ")).

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 26:5

And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.

2 Chronicles 19:3

Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.