ScriptureDepth's study of 2 Chronicles 27
“So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before Yahweh his God.”
2 Chronicles 27:6
The chronicler notes Jotham's strength from ordering his ways before Yahweh, which establishes his military success and righteousness during his reign.
What 2 Chronicles 27 is about
2 Chronicles chapter 27 describes the reign of Jotham, king of Judah, who began to rule at the age of 25 and reigned for 16 years. Jotham is noted for his righteous leadership, following in the ways of his father, Uzziah, especially in building the kingdom and fortifying cities. He also initiated construction projects and maintained a robust military presence, contributing to the stability of Judah during his reign. However, despite his faithful actions, the people did not turn back to God, which indicates that true spiritual reform was lacking during his kingship. Jotham's faithfulness stands in contrast to the people's unfaithfulness, highlighting the complexity of leadership that includes both individual righteousness and collective responsibility.
The chapter also emphasizes the importance of humility before God. Jotham prospered because he directed his ways before the Lord, signifying the biblical principle that true success comes from aligning one's life with God's will. The chapter concludes with a brief overview of Jotham's life and reign, indicating that he was honored for his accomplishments but also serving as a reminder that spiritual fervor is essential for national well-being.
Moreover, the underlying themes of faithfulness and the consequences of collective sin serve to teach future generations about the significance of covenant fidelity. The historical context serves as a lesson for contemporary readers, urging them to evaluate their own faithfulness in their relationship with God and its impact on society as a whole.
2 Chronicles 27 at a glance
- 2 Chronicles 27:1–2Jotham's Ascension and Righteousness
- 2 Chronicles 27:3–5Building Projects and Military Success
- 2 Chronicles 27:6–8Jotham's Strength and Legacy
- 2 Chronicles 27:9Conclusion of Jotham's Reign
Key verse: 2 Chronicles 27:6
One thing to notice
Jotham engaged in military actions against the children of Ammon in verses 5-6. He prevailed against them and received tribute: 'one hundred talents of silver, ten thousand cors of wheat, and ten thousand cors of barley.' This tribute was also given in the following year, affirming his military success.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read 2 Chronicles 27 (WEB)
Jotham's Ascension and Righteousness 2 Chronicles 27:1–2
1Verse 1. Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. 2Verse 2. He did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes, according to all that his father Uzziah had done. However he didn’t enter into Yahweh’s temple. The people still acted corruptly.
Building Projects and Military Success 2 Chronicles 27:3–5
3Verse 3. He built the upper gate of Yahweh’s house, and he built much on the wall of Ophel. 4Verse 4. Moreover he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests he built fortresses and towers. 5Verse 5. He also fought with the king of the children of Ammon, and prevailed against them. The children of Ammon gave him the same year one hundred talents of silver, ten thousand cors of wheat, and ten thousand cors of barley. The children of Ammon also gave that much to him in the second year, and in the third.
Jotham's Strength and Legacy 2 Chronicles 27:6–8
6Verse 6. So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before Yahweh his God. 7Verse 7. Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. 8Verse 8. He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.
Conclusion of Jotham's Reign 2 Chronicles 27:9
9Verse 9. Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in David’s city; and Ahaz his son reigned in his place.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in 2 Chronicles 27
Faithfulness
Jotham is described as doing 'that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes' (v. 2) and following the ways of his father Uzziah. His commitment to righteousness is evident in his actions, even as he did not enter Yahweh's temple. The chapter notes that despite his faithfulness, 'the people still acted corruptly', showing a contrast between Jotham's personal integrity and the general state of the community.
Righteous Leadership
Jotham's reign is marked by his righteous leadership as he undertakes significant building projects, including 'the upper gate of Yahweh’s house' and fortifications in Judah (vv. 3-4). His military success against the children of Ammon, where he prevailed and received tribute (v. 5), indicates his effectiveness as a leader. The text shows that his righteousness contributed to his strength and success during his reign.
Covenant Community
While Jotham himself is portrayed as righteous, the text notes that 'the people still acted corruptly' (v. 2). This suggests a tension within the covenant community of Judah, where the leader's faithfulness does not extend to all. The failure of the people to follow Yahweh's ways indicates a communal struggle that contrasts Jotham's individual righteousness and highlights the complexity of leadership within a covenant community.
Divine Prosperity
Jotham's reign is marked by prosperity, as seen when the children of Ammon provide him with substantial tribute of 'one hundred talents of silver, ten thousand cors of wheat, and ten thousand cors of barley' (v. 5). His strength is attributed to the way he ordered his ways 'before Yahweh his God' (v. 6), suggesting that divine favor accompanies his righteous leadership. This prosperity is tied to his faithfulness, reinforcing the connection between obedience and blessing.
Chapter outline
How 2 Chronicles 27 unfolds
2 Chronicles 27:1–2 Jotham's Ascension and Righteousness
Jotham begins his reign at twenty-five years old and rules for sixteen years in Jerusalem (v. 1). He follows in the righteous ways of his father Uzziah but does not enter Yahweh's temple, while the people continue in corruption (v. 2).
2 Chronicles 27:3–5 Building Projects and Military Success
During his reign, Jotham builds the upper gate of Yahweh’s house and fortifies the wall of Ophel (v. 3). He also constructs cities and fortresses in Judah’s hill country and engages successfully in battle against the Ammonites (vv. 4-5).
2 Chronicles 27:6–8 Jotham's Strength and Legacy
Jotham gains strength because he 'ordered his ways before Yahweh' (v. 6). His military achievements and reign are documented in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah (v. 7).
2 Chronicles 27:9 Conclusion of Jotham's Reign
Jotham died and was buried in David's city, and his son Ahaz reigned in his place (v. 9). The mention of his burial location connects Jotham to the lineage of David.
Key verses
2 Chronicles 27:6The chronicler notes Jotham's strength from ordering his ways before Yahweh, which establishes his military success and righteousness during his reign.
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Study questions
Questions for studying 2 Chronicles 27
- observeIn v1, how old was Jotham when he began to reign?
- observeIn v5, what tribute did the children of Ammon give Jotham?
- interpretJotham's actions in v2: why does he not enter into Yahweh’s temple?
- interpretIn v6, what does it mean that Jotham became mighty because he ordered his ways before Yahweh?
- applyWhen have you felt strong or successful like Jotham, yet sensed that others around you were unfaithful?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo 2 Chronicles 27
- 2 Kings 152 Chronicles 27:1 and 2 Kings 15:33Both mention Jotham's age and reign: 2 Chronicles 27:1 states he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, while 2 Kings 15:33 affirms he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.
- 2 Chronicles 262 Chronicles 27:6 and 2 Chronicles 26:5Both affirm strength due to seeking God: 2 Chronicles 27:6 states Jotham became mighty, while 2 Chronicles 26:5 notes God made Uzziah prosper.
- 2 Chronicles 332 Chronicles 27:3 and 2 Chronicles 33:14Both mention building efforts: 2 Chronicles 27:3 states Jotham built the upper gate, while 2 Chronicles 33:14 notes he built an outer wall.
- 1 Chronicles 32 Chronicles 27:1 and 1 Chronicles 3:12Both list Jotham's genealogy: 2 Chronicles 27:1 states Jotham was king, while 1 Chronicles 3:12 names him as a descendant.
- Micah 12 Chronicles 27:1 and Micah 1:1Both mention the time of Jotham's reign: 2 Chronicles 27:1 states Jotham's reign, while Micah 1:1 notes the word came in his days.
- Nehemiah 32 Chronicles 27:3 and Nehemiah 3:26Both describe work on the wall: 2 Chronicles 27:3 states he built much on the wall, while Nehemiah 3:26 mentions the location in Ophel.
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Where to go from here
- 2 Chronicles: the whole bookSecond Chronicles runs from Solomon's golden age to Cyrus's decree of return — Judah's entire royal history…
- Full Year Chronological Bible, day 196Day 196 of 365: 2 Chronicles 26–28.
- RepentanceWhat the Bible says about repentance, with verses.
- Common Bible questionsThe questions people bring to Bible study, each answered from the text.
- Today's devotionalOne verse and a short reflection, new every morning.
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