2 Chronicles27

Jotham began his sixteen-year reign over Judah at age twenty-five, doing what was right in the sight of the LORD, though the people remained corrupt. He undertook significant building projects, including the high gate of the temple and fortifications throughout the land. Jotham also successfully warred against the Ammonites, who paid him substantial tribute for three years, and he became mighty because he prepared his ways before God.
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Jotham Reigns Righteously

1
Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother’s name was Jerushah daughter of Zadok.
2
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done. In addition, he did not enter the temple of the LORD. But the people still behaved corruptly. ​

Jotham's Building and Military Success

3
Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD, and he worked extensively on the wall at the hill of Ophel. ​
4
He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests.
5
Jotham waged war against the king of the Ammonites and defeated them, and that year they gave him a hundred talents of silver, ten thousand cors of wheat, and ten thousand cors of barley. They paid him the same in the second and third years. ​
6
So Jotham grew powerful because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God. ​

Conclusion of Jotham’s Reign

7
As for the rest of the acts of Jotham, along with all his wars and his ways, they are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.
8
He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years.
9
And Jotham rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Ahaz reigned in his place. ​

Study Notes for 2 Chronicles 27

Verse 2

Jotham is assessed positively, succeeding his father Uzziah but avoiding Uzziah’s sin of presumptuous entry into the temple (26:16-21). The note that 'the people did yet corruptly' highlights the limits of royal influence over popular piety, often a concern for the Chronicler.

Verse 3

The high gate of the house of the LORD and the fortifications on the wall of Ophel (a fortified area south of the Temple Mount) signify Jotham’s commitment both to the Temple and the defense of Jerusalem.

Verse 5

Jotham’s successful military campaign against the Ammonites resulted in a massive annual tribute, demonstrating God's blessing and establishing Judah's strong regional position during his reign.

Verse 6

This verse provides the theological summary of Jotham's success. The Chronicler attributes the king's growing strength ('became mighty') directly to his commitment to following the ways of the LORD, reinforcing the theme of immediate divine reward for obedience.

Verse 9

The burial in the City of David signifies that Jotham was considered a legitimate and righteous king, unlike his father Uzziah, who was buried separately due to his leprosy (26:23).

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