2 Chronicles - Chapter 27

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. 2 Chronicles 27.2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly. 2 Chronicles 27.3 He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much. 2 Chronicles 27.4 Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers. 2 Chronicles 27.5 He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third. 2 Chronicles 27.6 So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God. 2 Chronicles 27.7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. 2 Chronicles 27.8 He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 27.9 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles : Chapter 27

The Reign of Jotham: A Model of Justice and Faithfulness

Chapter 27 of 2 Chronicles sheds light on the reign of Jotham, a king of Judah whose example of justice and faith deserves our attention. This text invites us to reflect on the characteristics of a just reign, illustrating Jotham's successes, constructions, and military victories. Indeed, his exemplary conduct underscores essential themes such as the importance of faithfulness to God, the benefits of obedience, and the influence of a godly leader on his people.

In this chapter, Jotham's justice is contrasted with the corruption that affects his people, reminding us that good government is based on righteousness and faith. We invite you to meditate on five biblical passages that relate to the profound principles of this instructive chapter.

Biblical Passages to Meditate On

2 Kings 15:32-33: "In the second year of Pekah son of Remaliah, king of Israel, Jotham son of Uzziah king of Judah began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem." This passage provides additional information about Jotham's reign, enriching our understanding of his authority.

Proverbs 29:14 : "A king who judges the poor righteously establishes his throne forever." This proverb resonates deeply with Jotham's righteous reign, highlighting the importance of justice in leadership.

Micah 1:1 : "The word of the Lord that came to Micaiah the Moreshethite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and the vision he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem." This verse highlights the ministry of the prophet Micah during the reign of Jotham, illustrating the link between prophecy and kingship.

Isaiah 1:1: "A vision that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah." Like Micah, the prophet Isaiah ministered during this time, highlighting the spiritual importance of these leaders.

Psalm 127:1: "Unless the Lord builds the house, the work of building it is useless. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman is useless." This psalm resonates with Jotham's efforts to build and strengthen his kingdom, reminding us that all work must be based on God's will.

Meditating on these passages, we are encouraged to follow Jotham's example, pursue righteousness, and remain faithful to God in all our endeavors.