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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.

Jotham Reigns Righteously

1
Yotam was twenty-five years old when he began his reign, and he ruled for sixteen years in Yerushalayim. His mother's name was Yerushah the daughter of Tzadok.
2
He did what was right from ADONAI's perspective, following the example of everything his father 'Uziyah had done, except that he did not enter the temple of ADONAI. Nevertheless, the people acted corruptly. ​

Jotham's Building and Military Success

3
He built the Upper Gate of the house of ADONAI and added considerably to the wall of the 'Ofel. ​
4
He built cities in the hills of Y'hudah, and in the wooded areas he built forts and towers.
5
He fought with the king of the people of 'Amon and defeated them. That year the people of 'Amon paid him tribute of three-and-a-third tons of silver, 50,000 bushels of wheat and 50,000 [bushels] of barley. The people of 'Amon paid him the same amount the second and third years also. ​
6
Thus Yotam became strong, because he prepared his ways [of doing things] before ADONAI his God. ​

Conclusion of Jotham’s Reign

7
Other activities of Yotam, all his wars and his ways [of doing things] are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el and Y'hudah.
8
He was twenty-five years old when he began his reign, and he ruled for sixteen years in Yerushalayim.
9
Yotam slept with his ancestors and they buried him in the City of David. Then Achaz his son took his place as king. ​

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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