2 Chronicles 27:8

He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.

He was five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} years {H8141} old {H1121} when he began to reign {H4427}, and reigned {H4427} sixteen {H8337}{H6240} years {H8141} in Jerusalem {H3389}.

He was twenty-five years old when he began his reign, and he ruled for sixteen years in Yerushalayim.

He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years.

He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 27:8

This verse provides specific chronological details about King Jotham of Judah. It follows the narrative of his father, King Uzziah, whose long and generally prosperous reign ended with him being afflicted with leprosy due to his presumption in burning incense in the temple (2 Chronicles 26:21). As a result of Uzziah's condition, Jotham began to administer the kingdom while his father was still alive, serving as a co-regent. This verse, along with 2 Chronicles 27:1, marks the formal commencement and duration of Jotham's sole rule after Uzziah's death. The book of 2 Chronicles focuses on the kings of Judah, emphasizing their obedience or disobedience to God and its consequences.

Key Information and Themes

Verse 8 is a concise, factual statement typical of the biblical summaries of the reigns of Judah's kings, also paralleled in 2 Kings 15:33.

  • Age at Ascension: Jotham was twenty-five years old when he formally began his reign as sole king. This indicates he was mature and had prior experience in governance from his time as co-regent.
  • Duration of Reign: He reigned for sixteen years. This period is further elaborated in the preceding and following verses, detailing his military successes, building projects, and his generally righteous conduct before God (2 Chronicles 27:6).
  • Location of Reign: His rule was centered in Jerusalem, the capital city of Judah and the seat of the Davidic dynasty.

The meticulous recording of these biographical details underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and provides a clear chronological framework for understanding the history of the kingdom of Judah. It also highlights the continuity of the Davidic line, despite the challenges faced by the nation.

Significance and Reflection

While seemingly a simple historical record, 2 Chronicles 27:8 contributes to the larger biblical narrative by providing a foundational fact for understanding King Jotham's impact. The consistent pattern of detailing the age, duration, and location of a king's reign serves several purposes: it validates the historical accounts, establishes a timeline for prophetic utterances, and emphasizes God's sovereignty over human rulers and the flow of history. Jotham's reign is presented as largely positive, particularly in contrast to his son Ahaz, who would later lead Judah into significant apostasy. This verse sets the stage for evaluating Jotham's legacy based on his adherence to God's ways, as recorded elsewhere in the chapter.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 27:1

    ¶ Jotham [was] twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also [was] Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok.
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