2 Chronicles 27
BSB1 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. 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. 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 — 2 Chronicles 27
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 27
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 27
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 27
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins by introducing King Jotham, who became king at the age of twenty-five and reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:1. It is noted that Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just like his father Uzziah, but unlike his father, he did not enter the temple, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:2. The chapter then describes Jotham's military campaigns and building projects, including the construction of the Upper Gate of the house of the Lord, mentioned in 2 Chronicles 27:3. Despite the prosperity and strength of Judah during Jotham's reign, the chapter ends with a note that the people still engaged in corrupt practices, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:2. The key events of Jotham's reign, including his faithfulness and the resulting prosperity, are summarized in 2 Chronicles 27:7-9.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the kings of Judah, which is recorded in 1 and 2 Chronicles. The chapter provides a summary of Jotham's reign, which is also recorded in 2 Kings 15:32-38. The chapter is significant because it highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, which is a central theme throughout the Old Testament, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Joshua 1:8. The chapter also serves as a reminder of the importance of learning from the past and avoiding the mistakes of previous generations, as seen in the contrast between 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 and 2 Chronicles 27:2.
Heart Application
The chapter provides a practical application for the reader, emphasizing the importance of seeking to please God in all aspects of life. As seen in 2 Chronicles 27:2, Jotham's faithfulness resulted in the prosperity of Judah, demonstrating the benefits of obedience to God's commands. The chapter serves as a reminder to prioritize faithfulness and obedience to God, even in the face of challenges and pressures, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter describes the reign of King Jotham of Judah, who was faithful to God and resulted in the prosperity of the nation. As seen in 2 Chronicles 27:2, Jotham's faithfulness is a direct result of his father Uzziah's initial faithfulness, demonstrating the impact of parental example on future generations. The chapter serves as a reminder to prioritize faithfulness and obedience to God, even in the face of challenges and pressures, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6.
Voices from the Church
“Faithfulness is the hallmark of a true servant of God, and it is this characteristic that sets apart the faithful from the unfaithful, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:2.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The prosperity of Judah during Jotham's reign is a direct result of his faithfulness to God, and serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking to please God in all aspects of life, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6.”
— John Calvin
“The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, which is a central theme of the gospel, as seen in (2 Chronicles 27:2). The contrast between Jotham's faithfulness and the people's corrupt practices serves as a reminder of the need for obedience to God's commands.”
— A.W. Tozer
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Jotham's Reign (2 Chronicles 27:1-2) — The chapter introduces King Jotham, who became king at the age of twenty-five and reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:1. It is noted that Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just like his father Uzziah, but unlike his father, he did not enter the temple, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:2.
- Jotham's Faithfulness and Prosperity (2 Chronicles 27:3-6) — The chapter describes Jotham's faithfulness and the resulting prosperity of Judah, including the construction of the Upper Gate of the house of the Lord, mentioned in 2 Chronicles 27:3. Despite the prosperity and strength of Judah during Jotham's reign, the chapter ends with a note that the people still engaged in corrupt practices, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:2.
- Conclusion of Jotham's Reign (2 Chronicles 27:7-9) — The chapter concludes with a summary of Jotham's reign, including his faithfulness and the resulting prosperity, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:7-9.
- The Importance of Obedience (2 Chronicles 27:2) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, which is a central theme of the gospel, as seen in (2 Chronicles 27:2). The contrast between Jotham's faithfulness and the people's corrupt practices serves as a reminder of the need for obedience to God's commands.
- The Results of Faithfulness (2 Chronicles 27:3-6) — The chapter describes the prosperity of Judah during Jotham's reign, which is a direct result of his faithfulness to God, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6. This serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking to please God in all aspects of life.
Core Doctrines
- Faithfulness
- The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness to God, which is a central theme throughout the Old Testament, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Joshua 1:8. Jotham's faithfulness resulted in the prosperity of Judah, demonstrating the benefits of obedience to God's commands, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6.
- Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, which is a central theme of the gospel, as seen in (2 Chronicles 27:2). The contrast between Jotham's faithfulness and the people's corrupt practices serves as a reminder of the need for obedience to God's commands.
- Prosperity
- The chapter describes the prosperity of Judah during Jotham's reign, which is a direct result of his faithfulness to God, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6. This serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking to please God in all aspects of life.
- Parental Example
- The chapter highlights the importance of parental example, as Jotham's faithfulness is a direct result of his father Uzziah's initial faithfulness, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:1-2. This serves as a reminder of the impact of parental example on future generations.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 27
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness to God, which is a central theme throughout the Old Testament, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Joshua 1:8. Jotham's faithfulness resulted in the prosperity of Judah, demonstrating the benefits of obedience to God's commands, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, which is a central theme of the gospel, as seen in (2 Chronicles 27:2). The contrast between Jotham's faithfulness and the people's corrupt practices serves as a reminder of the need for obedience to God's commands.
- The Impact of Parental Example — The chapter highlights the importance of parental example, as Jotham's faithfulness is a direct result of his father Uzziah's initial faithfulness, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:1-2. This serves as a reminder of the impact of parental example on future generations.
- The Benefits of Seeking to Please God — The chapter describes the prosperity of Judah during Jotham's reign, which is a direct result of his faithfulness to God, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6. This serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking to please God in all aspects of life.
- The Importance of Learning from the Past — The chapter serves as a reminder to learn from the past and avoid the mistakes of previous generations, as seen in the contrast between 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 and 2 Chronicles 27:2.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 27
- Faithfulness — The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness to God, which is a central theme throughout the Old Testament, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Joshua 1:8. Jotham's faithfulness resulted in the prosperity of Judah, demonstrating the benefits of obedience to God's commands, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6.
- Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, which is a central theme of the gospel, as seen in (2 Chronicles 27:2). The contrast between Jotham's faithfulness and the people's corrupt practices serves as a reminder of the need for obedience to God's commands.
- Prosperity — The chapter describes the prosperity of Judah during Jotham's reign, which is a direct result of his faithfulness to God, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6. This serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking to please God in all aspects of life.
- Parental Example — The chapter highlights the importance of parental example, as Jotham's faithfulness is a direct result of his father Uzziah's initial faithfulness, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:1-2. This serves as a reminder of the impact of parental example on future generations.
- Learning from the Past — The chapter serves as a reminder to learn from the past and avoid the mistakes of previous generations, as seen in the contrast between 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 and 2 Chronicles 27:2.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Jotham's faithfulness to God, and how can we apply this to our own lives, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:2?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands, and what are the consequences of disobedience, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:2?
- What is the significance of Jotham's reign in the larger narrative of the kings of Judah, and how does it relate to the overall theme of the Old Testament, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:7-9?
- How does the chapter highlight the importance of seeking to please God in all aspects of life, and what are the benefits of doing so, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6?
- What can we learn from the contrast between Jotham's faithfulness and the people's corrupt practices, and how can we apply this to our own lives, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:2?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Jotham's Reign (2 Chronicles 27:1-2)
| 27:1 | The chapter introduces King Jotham, who became king at the age of twenty-five and reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem. |
| 27:2 | It is noted that Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just like his father Uzziah, but unlike his father, he did not enter the temple. |
2. Jotham's Faithfulness and Prosperity (2 Chronicles 27:3-6)
| 27:3 | The chapter describes Jotham's faithfulness and the resulting prosperity of Judah, including the construction of the Upper Gate of the house of the Lord. |
| 27:4 | Jotham also built cities in the hill country of Judah and forts and towers on the hills. |
| 27:5 | He also fought against the king of the Ammonites and prevailed over them. |
| 27:6 | So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the God of his father David. |
3. Conclusion of Jotham's Reign (2 Chronicles 27:7-9)
| 27:7 | 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. |
| 27:8 | He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. |
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from Jotham's faithfulness to God?
We can learn the importance of seeking to please God in all aspects of life, and the benefits of obedience to God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:2 and 2 Chronicles 27:3-6.
How does the chapter emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands by highlighting the contrast between Jotham's faithfulness and the people's corrupt practices, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:2.
What is the significance of Jotham's reign in the larger narrative of the kings of Judah?
Jotham's reign is significant because it highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, which is a central theme throughout the Old Testament, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Joshua 1:8.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 27:1 → 2 Kings 15:32-38 | The reign of Jotham is also recorded in 2 Kings 15:32-38, which provides additional details about his faithfulness and the resulting prosperity of Judah. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 27:2 → Deuteronomy 28:1-14 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, which is a central theme of the gospel, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 27:3 → 1 Chronicles 26:9 | The construction of the Upper Gate of the house of the Lord is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:9, which provides additional details about the building projects of Jotham. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 27:4 → 2 Samuel 5:9 | The building of cities in the hill country of Judah is also mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:9, which provides additional details about the conquests of David. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 27:5 → Amos 1:13 | The war against the king of the Ammonites is also mentioned in Amos 1:13, which provides additional details about the conquests of Jotham. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 27:6 → Psalm 119:30 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking to please God in all aspects of life, which is a central theme of the Psalms, as seen in Psalm 119:30. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 27:7 → 1 Kings 14:29 | The acts of Jotham are also recorded in 1 Kings 14:29, which provides additional details about the reign of Jotham. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 27:8 → 2 Kings 16:1-20 | The reign of Ahaz, Jotham's son, is also recorded in 2 Kings 16:1-20, which provides additional details about the conquests of Ahaz. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 27:9 → Isaiah 1:1 | The chapter serves as a reminder to learn from the past and avoid the mistakes of previous generations, as seen in the contrast between 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 and 2 Chronicles 27:2, which is also emphasized in Isaiah 1:1. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 27:2 → Matthew 5:16 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking to please God in all aspects of life, which is a central theme of the gospel, as seen in Matthew 5:16. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jotham Became Mighty, Because He by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that Jotham became mighty because he ordered his ways, illustrating that success in life is closely tied to orderliness and method. He argues that a truly hol |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 27
Matthew Henry's commentary on 2 Chronicles 27 highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, which is a central theme throughout the Old Testament. Henry notes that Jotham's faithfulness resulted in the prosperity of Judah, demonstrating the benefits of obedience to God's commands. Henry also emphasizes the importance of seeking to please God in all aspects of life, and the need to learn from the past and avoid the mistakes of previous generations. As seen in 2 Chronicles 27:2, Jotham's faithfulness is a direct result of his father Uzziah's initial faithfulness, demonstrating the impact of parental example on future generations. Henry's commentary serves as a reminder to prioritize faithfulness and obedience to God, even in the face of challenges and pressures, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jotham's Faithfulness
The chapter highlights Jotham's faithfulness to God, which is a direct result of his father Uzziah's initial faithfulness, as seen in 2 Chronicles 27:1-2. This serves as a reminder of the importance of parental example and the impact it can have on future generations.
The Importance of Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, which is a central theme of the gospel, as seen in (2 Chronicles 27:2). The contrast between Jotham's faithfulness and the people's corrupt practices serves as a reminder of the need for obedience to God's commands.
The Results of Faithfulness
The chapter describes the prosperity of Judah during Jotham's reign, which is a direct result of his faithfulness to God, as stated in 2 Chronicles 27:3-6. This serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking to please God in all aspects of life.

