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 of Judah's reign is presented as a powerful testament to the direct correlation between spiritual diligence and divine blessing. This verse succinctly attributes his remarkable strength and success, both militarily and in his building endeavors, to his intentional and consistent commitment to aligning his life and leadership with the will of the LORD his God, thereby offering a profound principle about the fruits of devoted obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 27:6 stands as a pivotal verse within the Chronicler's narrative of the kings of Judah, particularly following the detailed account of King Uzziah, Jotham's father. Chapter 26 meticulously chronicles Uzziah's initial prosperity and divine help, which tragically culminated in his prideful transgression of presumptuously entering the temple to burn incense, resulting in leprosy and a life of isolation until his death ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2-chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Transgression and Leprosy")). Jotham's reign, though brief in comparison, is presented as a deliberate contrast to Uzziah's ultimate failure. The Chronicler emphasizes Jotham's righteous conduct and its positive outcomes, setting the stage for the subsequent, largely negative, reign of his son Ahaz in [2 Chronicles 28](/2-chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - The Wicked Reign of Ahaz")). This verse, therefore, highlights a moment of faithful leadership, reinforcing the Chronicler's overarching theological theme that a king's spiritual state directly impacts the nation's well-being and prosperity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jotham reigned in Judah for 16 years, approximately from 750-735 BC, initially as co-regent with his leprous father Uzziah. This period was characterized by significant geopolitical shifts, with the rising power of the Assyrian Empire beginning to cast a long shadow over the smaller nations of the Levant. Despite these external pressures, Jotham's reign is depicted as stable and prosperous. He undertook significant building projects, including strengthening the temple and constructing cities ([2 Chronicles 27:3-4](/2-chronicles/27-3 "2 Chronicles 27:3-4 - Jotham's Building Projects")), and successfully subdued the Ammonites, who paid him tribute ([2 Chronicles 27:5](/2-chronicles/27-5 "2 Chronicles 27:5 - Jotham Subdues the Ammonites")). Culturally, the emphasis on a king's "ways" or conduct before God was paramount in ancient Israelite thought, reflecting the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people. A king's adherence to the Law and his personal piety were seen as foundational to the nation's security and divine favor, making Jotham's deliberate righteousness a model for leadership.

* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Retribution Principle**, which is a dominant motif for the Chronicler: obedience to God leads to blessing and prosperity, while disobedience results in judgment and decline. Jotham's "might" is a direct consequence of his spiritual diligence, reinforcing this principle. Another significant theme is **Intentional Righteousness**. The phrase "prepared his ways" underscores the idea that Jotham's godliness was not accidental or passive, but a conscious, deliberate effort to align his actions and decisions with God's will. This stands in stark contrast to kings whose "heart was not perfect with the LORD" ([1 Kings 11:4](/1-kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turns from God")) or who "did evil in the sight of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 28:1-2](/2-chronicles/28-1 "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 rooted in a profound reverence and fear of God, acknowledging His omnipresence and ultimate authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mighty (חָזַק, _chazaq'_):** This Hebrew verb means "to be strong, firm, courageous, to prevail." In this context, it signifies not merely physical strength or military prowess, but a comprehensive sense of stability, enduring success, and divine empowerment in his reign. Jotham's might encompassed his ability to build, conquer, and maintain order, all attributed to God's favor.
* **Prepared (כּוּן, _kun'_):** This verb carries the sense of "to establish, make firm, direct, make ready, set right." It implies a deliberate, intentional, and steadfast orientation. Jotham didn't stumble into righteousness; he actively and consciously directed his life, his policies, and his decisions to conform to God's standards. It suggests a proactive, rather than reactive, spiritual posture.
* **Ways (דֶּרֶךְ, _derekh'_):** This noun refers to a "path, course of life, conduct, or manner." It encompasses the totality of Jotham's actions, decisions, character, and overall lifestyle. Thus, "prepared his ways" means he carefully and intentionally directed his entire life's course in accordance with what was right in God's eyes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Jotham became mighty":** This clause presents the direct consequence of Jotham's actions. His "might" (חָזַק, _chazaq'_) refers to his strength, stability, and success as king, evident in his building projects and military victories. The "So" indicates a clear cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting divine favor as the source of his power and prosperity.
* **"because he prepared his ways":** This is the causal clause, explaining *why* Jotham became mighty. The phrase "prepared his ways" (כּוּן דֶּרֶךְ, _kun derekh'_) signifies a deliberate, conscious, and consistent effort on Jotham's part to live righteously. It was not accidental godliness but a focused commitment to align his actions, decisions, and overall conduct with God's will. This implies intentional spiritual discipline, moral integrity, and a proactive pursuit of what is pleasing to God.
* **"before the LORD his God":** This crucial phrase defines the standard and audience of Jotham's "prepared ways." His conduct was not merely for human approval or political gain, but was rooted in his reverence and fear of God. It signifies that his actions were performed in the conscious awareness of God's presence, under His scrutiny, and in submission to His divine authority. This underscores the theological depth of his obedience, making it an act of worship and devotion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Cause and Effect**, clearly stating that Jotham's might was a direct result ("because") of his spiritual diligence. This didactic structure is characteristic of the Chronicler's theological agenda, which consistently links a king's obedience or disobedience to the nation's fortunes. There is also an implicit **Contrast** at play; Jotham's consistent righteousness stands in stark opposition to the later pride and failure of his father Uzziah, who, despite initial success, presumptuously overstepped his bounds. This contrast serves to emphasize the importance of sustained humility and faithfulness. The verse functions as a **Didacticism**, serving as a moral and theological lesson for the reader, illustrating the principle that true strength and lasting success are rooted in a right relationship with God and intentional obedience to His commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The 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 biblical narrative. It underscores the covenantal framework of the Old Testament, where God's blessings were often contingent upon the obedience of His people and their leaders. This verse powerfully illustrates that true strength and lasting prosperity are not merely products of human strategy or military might, but are ultimately derived from divine favor, which is granted to those who diligently seek and obey God. It highlights God's faithfulness to His promises of blessing for obedience and serves as a reminder that spiritual integrity is foundational to all forms of success, whether personal or national.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Proverbs 16:3](/proverbs/16-3 "Proverbs 16:3 - Commit Your Works to the LORD")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jotham's story in 2 Chronicles 27:6 offers a timeless and profoundly practical lesson for believers today. "Preparing one's ways before the LORD" is not a passive or accidental state but an active, deliberate, and ongoing commitment to align every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, words, actions, and decisions—with God's revealed will. This involves intentional spiritual disciplines such as consistent prayer, diligent study of God's Word, and a conscious effort to obey His commands, even when it is difficult or unpopular. It means cultivating a heart that is sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and choosing righteousness over convenience or worldly gain. Just as Jotham learned from his father's mistakes and chose a path of humility and devotion, we too are called to learn from biblical examples and to walk circumspectly, recognizing that our true strength and lasting impact come not from our own abilities, but from our intimate and obedient relationship with the Almighty God. Our diligence in seeking and honoring God directly influences our effectiveness and the blessings we experience in every sphere of life, from our personal character to our professional endeavors and our spiritual fruitfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "preparing your ways before the LORD" practically look like in your daily life, beyond mere religious observance?**
* **How does intentional spiritual discipline, like Jotham's, contribute to true strength, resilience, and effectiveness in your personal and professional spheres?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be relying on your own strength or wisdom, rather than consciously preparing your ways before the LORD?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the contrast between Jotham's sustained righteousness and his father Uzziah's eventual pride and failure?**

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

Answer: "Prepared his ways" (Hebrew: כּוּן דֶּרֶךְ, _kun derekh'_) signifies a deliberate, conscious, and steadfast effort on Jotham's part to align his entire life, including his decisions, actions, 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 commitment was the foundation of 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 ([2 Chronicles 26:5](/2-chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God")), his later years were marked by pride and a presumptuous act of entering the temple to burn incense, a duty reserved for priests ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2-chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Transgression")). This disobedience led to him being afflicted with leprosy and living in isolation until his death. Jotham, in contrast, seems to have learned from his father's tragic error. The text highlights that Jotham "prepared his ways before the LORD his God," indicating a consistent and humble devotion that avoided the pitfalls of pride and presumption. His "might" was sustained because his obedience was consistent and intentional, unlike Uzziah's initial faithfulness which eventually faltered.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jotham's righteous reign serves as a commendable example of human obedience leading to divine blessing, his "prepared ways" ultimately point to the perfect and ultimate "prepared ways" of Jesus Christ. Jotham's strength was a temporal, earthly might, but Christ's might is eternal and redemptive. Jesus perfectly embodied the principle of preparing His ways before the LORD, for He always did the Father's will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does the Father's Will")). His entire life was a path of perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, through which He secured eternal might and salvation for all who believe. Where Jotham's preparation was a human effort, albeit divinely enabled, Christ's preparation was the flawless, divine-human obedience that fulfilled all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). Believers, through union with Christ, are now empowered by His Spirit to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord" ([Colossians 1:10](/colossians/1-10 "Colossians 1:10 - Walk Worthy of the Lord")), to "prepare their ways" not in their own strength, but by drawing from His infinite might and perfect obedience. Our spiritual "might" and fruitfulness are not earned by our perfect preparation, but are a gift received through the One who perfectly prepared the way for us to God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")).

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.