2 Crônicas 27
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Crônicas 27
Utley points out that "It is surprising that nothing negative is said about this king. He was faithful from the first to the last. The only negative item (2 Chr. 27:2) is attributed to "the people." Because of this it is surprising he does not receive more attention from the Chronicler. Also note that he did not have a godly counselor, did not receive a prophetic warning and did not receive a priestly warning. (ED: All 3 advantages were give to other kings but without the flawless record of Jotham!) Raymond Dillard: Jotham’s sixteen years included a ten-year coregency due to the illness (LEPROSY) of his father Uzziah (750–740/39 B.C.); however, the sixteen-year figure did not include a three-to-four-year overlap of his reign with that of his own son and successor Ahaz (735–732/31 B.C.), a fact that would allow for the synchronism with Jotham’s twentieth year (2 Kgs 15:30). (2 Chronicles BORROW) INTRODUCTION: Kevin D. Zuber makes an excellent observation - As has been noted, a main theme of the Chronicler is that the when the Davidic king “seeks the Lord” there is blessing and prosperity—enjoyment of the blessings of the covenant promises. But when the king “forsakes the Lord” there is loss of blessing and chastisement for both the nation and the king. This theme is once again in focus in the accounts of the next six kings. The vacillation between “good kings” and “bad kings” was not merely a historical reality. It also provided the Chronicler the opportunity to drive the lesson home: faithfulness and obedience bring the blessing of the Lord, and disobedience brings His displeasure and loss of blessing. The ultimate loss of blessing was the Babylonian captivity—the loss of enjoying the land itself. In these accounts the Chronicler began to foreshadow (what his generation knew all too well was) that inevitable reality. (Moody Bible commentary) Raymond Dillard: This wholly positive account of Jotham represents a break in the Chronicler’s practice seen in the preceding three reigns of dividing his accounts of individual kings into alternating periods of good and bad; he will follow the practice of presenting a single consistent judgment through his account of Hezekiah (Williamson, 341). (2 Chronicles BORROW) Geoffrey Kirkland: Background & Bigger Context of the Ancient Near Eastern World: Jotham reigned in a period when the Assyrians were on the rise -- powerfully, globally, increasingly, fearfully, and violently! And the contemporary prophets were Hosea, Micah, Amos and Isaiah. (this gives us a clue as to the society/culture of life in Judah during Jotham’s reign). See Isaiah 1:1; 7:1; Hosea 1:1; Micah 1:1 [all speak of the reign of “Jotham” during these prophetic times] This speaks of a corrupt, unjust, idolatrous, pagan, deceitful, greedy, arrogant time in Judah & Israel! Frederick Mabie: The summary evaluation of Jotham is similar to that of Uzziah (cf. 2Ch 26:4). As with Uzziah (recall their long coregency; cf. v. 1), Jotham “grew powerful” (v. 6), enjoyed success in battle (v. 5), and received tribute from foreign nations (v. 5). Unlike Uzziah, however, Jotham did not grow proud and challenge Yahweh’s covenantal bounds regarding temple service, but instead “walked steadfastly” (or better, “caused his ways to be ordered”) before the Lord (v. 6). Unfortunately, the people under Jotham’s rule were not similarly inspired to pursue covenantal faithfulness. (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary Revised Edition – 1 & 2 Chronicles) Andrew Hill: The Chronicler’s review of Jotham’s reign applauds achievements on three fronts: his building program, his military success, and his consolidation of political power (2Ch 27:3-6). (The NIV Application Commentary ) L.M. Grant: Jotham's reign was comparatively short, just 16 years, and he died at 41years. He did what was right as his father had done, though he did not follow his father's bad example of entering the temple of the Lord. Yet in spite of his reign being better than most of the kings, the people still acted corruptly. This evil included their sacrificing in high places (2 Kings 15:35). Thus, though Jotham was personally faithful to the Lord, he did not have the spiritual energy to banish the false worship from Judah. But his good work of building the upper gate of the temple and on the wall of Ophel, and his building cities in the mountains and fortresses and towers in the forests, is commendable (vv.3-4). Jotham also by warfare brought the Ammonites into subjection, so that they paid him tribute of 100 talents of silver, 10,000 cors; of wheat and 10,000 of barley for three years in succession (v.5). The Ammonites picture the doctrine of demons, which, though not destroyed, were allowed no liberty during Jotham's reign. Thus we are told, "Jotham became mighty because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God" (v.6). His short reign of 16 years, he died and was buried in Jerusalem. Then his son Ahaz became king. Matthew Henry Notes: 2Ch 26:1-9 There is not much more related here concerning Jotham than we had before, 2 Ki. 15:32, etc. I. He reigned well. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord; the course of his reign was good, and pleasing to God, whose favour he made his end, and his word his rule, and (which shows that he acted from a good principle) he prepared his ways before the Lord his God (v. 6), that is, he walked circumspectly and with much caution, contrived how to shun that which was evil and compass that which was good. He looked before him, and cast his affairs into such a posture and method as made the regular management of them the more easy. Or he established or fixed his ways before the Lord, that is, he walked steadily and constantly in the way of his duty, was uniform and resolute in it: not like some of those that went before him, who, though they had some good in them, lost their credit by their inconstancy and inconsistency with themselves. They had run well, but something hindered them. It was not so with Jotham. Two things are observed here in his character:- 1. What was amiss in his father he amended in himself (2Ch 27:2): He did according to all that his father did well and wisely; howbeit he would not imitate him in which he did amiss; for he entered not into the temple of the Lord to burn incense as his father did, but took warning by his fate not to dare so presumptuous a thing. Note, We must not imitate the best men, and those we have the greatest veneration for, any further than they did well; but, on the contrary, their falls, and the injurious consequences of them, must be warnings to us to walk the more circumspectly, that we stumble not at the same stone that they stumbled at. 2. What was amiss in his people he could not prevail to amend: The people did yet corruptly. Perhaps it reflects some blame upon him, that he was wanting in his part towards the reformation of the land. Men may be very good themselves, and yet not have courage and zeal to do what they might do towards the reforming of others. however it certainly reflects a great deal of blame upon the people, that they did not do what they might have done to improve the advantages of so good a reign: they had good instructions given them and a good example set before them, but they would not be reformed; so that even in the reign of their good kings, as well as in that of the bad ones, they were treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath; for they still did corruptly, and the founder melted in vain. II. He prospered, and became truly reputable. 1. He built. He began with the gate of the house of the Lord, which he repaired, beautified, and raised. He then fortified the wall of Ophel, and built cities in the mountains of Judah (2Ch 27:3, 4), took all possible care for the fortifying of his country and the replenishing of it. 2. He conquered. He prevailed against the Ammonites, who had invaded Judah in Jehoshaphat's time, 2Ch 20:1. He triumphed over them, and exacted great contributions from them, 2Ch 27:5. He became mighty (2Ch 27:6) in wealth and power, and influence upon the neighbouring nations, who courted his friendship and feared his displeasure; and this he got by preparing his ways before the Lord his God. The more stedfast we are in religion the more mighty we are both for the resistance of that which is evil and for the performance of that which is good. III. He finished his course too soon, but finished it with honour. He had the unhappiness to die in the midst of his days; but, to balance that, the happiness not to out-live his reputation, as the last three of his predecessors did. He died when he was but forty-one years of age (2Ch 27:8); but his wars and his ways, his wars abroad and his ways at home, were so glorious that they were recorded in the book of the kings of Israel, as well as of the kings of Judah, 2Ch 27:7. The last words of the chapter are the most melancholy, as they inform us that Ahaz his son, whose character, in all respects, was the reverse of his, reigned in his stead. When the wealth and power with which wise men have done good devolve upon fools, that will do hurt with them, it is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation. QUESTION - Who was King Jotham in the Bible? ANSWER - Jotham became king of Judah at age twenty-five and reigned for sixteen years, from 750 to 735 BC (2 Kings 15:33; 2 Chronicles 27:1). “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done, but unlike him he did not enter the temple of the Lord. The people, however, continued their corrupt practices” (2 Chronicles 27:2; see also 2 Kings 15:34–35). King Uzziah had been faithful to the Lord but then became prideful and attempted to burn incense on the altar of the Lord, something only priests were permitted to do (2 Chronicles 26:16–20). As a result, God afflicted Uzziah with leprosy. Uzziah lived out the rest of his days in a separate house, while his son Jotham oversaw the palace and governed the people (2 Chronicles 26:21). Jotham did not repeat his father’s mistake of presumptuously entering the temple. “Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 27:6). He rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple and also did work on the wall at the hill of Ophel and built towns, forts, and towers (2 Chronicles 27:3–4). However, King Jotham failed to remove the high places so the people continued to make sacrifices there (2 Kings 15:35). Jotham waged a successful war against the Ammonites, resulting in their paying him tribute for three years (2 Chronicles 27:5). During Jotham’s reign “the Lord began to send Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah against Judah” (2 Kings 15:37). During the reign of Jotham’s son Ahaz, the Arameans would march against Judah, resulting in defeat and heavy casualties for Judah (2 Chronicles 28:5). Initial defeat was followed by Ahaz seeking help from the Assyrians and ultimately looting and shutting up God’s temple and creating more high places (2 Kings 16:5–18; 2 Chronicles 28:5–25). Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah all prophesied during Jotham’s reign (Isaiah 1:1; Hosea 1:1; Micah 1:1). Also, the genealogies in 1 Chronicles 1–5 were recorded during Jotham’s reign (1 Chronicles 5:17). Despite Jotham’s godly example, his son Ahaz proved to be a wicked king. Even so, both Jotham and Ahaz are ancestors of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:9). God is able to use all people to accomplish His good purposes.GotQuestions.org HARMONY OF 2 KINGS 15:32-38 AND 2 CHRONICLES 26:1-9 2 Kings 15:32 In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel, Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah became king. 2 Kings 15:33 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok. 2 Chronicles 27:8 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 27:1 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. 2 Kings 15:34 He did what was right in the sight of the LORD; he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done. 2 Chronicles 27:2 He did right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done; however he did not enter the temple of the LORD. But the people continued acting corruptly. 2 Kings 15: 35 Only the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 27:3 He built the upper gate of the house of the LORD, and he built extensively the wall of Ophel. 2 Chronicles 27:4 Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and he built fortresses and towers on the wooded hills. 5 He fought also with the king of the Ammonites and prevailed over them so that the Ammonites gave him during that year one hundred talents of silver, ten thousand kors of wheat and ten thousand of barley. The Ammonites also paid him this amount in the second and in the third year. 6 So Jotham became mighty because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God. 2 Kings 15:36 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 2 Chronicles 27:7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, even all his wars and his acts, behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. 2 Kings 15:33 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok. 2 Chronicles 27:1 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. 2 Chronicles 27:8 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. 2 Kings 15:37 In those days the LORD began to send Rezin king of Aram and Pekah the son of Remaliah against Judah. 2 Kings 15:38 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and he was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father; and Ahaz his son became king in his place. 2 Chronicles 27:9 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David; and Ahaz his son became king in his place. 2 Chronicles 27:2 He did right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done; however he did not enter the temple of the LORD. But the people continued acting corruptly. And he did: 2Ch 26:4 2Ki 15:34 he did not enter the temple of the LORD 2Ch 26:16-21 Ps 119:120 Ac 5:13 the people continued acting corruptly: 2Ki 15:35 Related Passages: 2 Kings 15:35+ Only the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 26:16-21+ (THE SAD STORY OF JOTHAM'S FATHER UZZIAH) But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 Then Azariah the priest entered after him and with him eighty priests of the LORD, valiant men. 18 They opposed Uzziah the king and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful and will have no honor from the LORD God.” 19 But Uzziah, with a censer in his hand for burning incense, was enraged; and while he was enraged with the priests, the leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, beside the altar of incense. 20 Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous on his forehead; and they hurried him out of there, and he himself also hastened to get out because the LORD had smitten him. 21 King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death; and he lived in a separate house, being a leper, for he was cut off from the house of the LORD. And Jotham his son was over the king’s house judging the people of the land. Righteous King <> Corrupt People JOTHAM NOT LIKE FATHER LIKE SON! He did right (yashar) in the sight of the LORD, - The Hebrew word yashar means “straight, upright, or morally level,” describing a life aligned with God’s revealed standard rather than the crooked patterns of the surrounding culture (cf Php 2:15+). The phrase in the sight of the LORD (see Coram Deo) reminds us that the true measure of a king was not political success, military strength, or public approval, but how his heart and actions appeared before the searching eyes of Yahweh (Pr 15:3+, Heb 4:13+, 2Ch 16:9+). Jotham’s reign is therefore evaluated by a divine, not human, yardstick. According to all that his father Uzziah had done, HOWEVER (crucial term of contrast) he did not enter the Temple of the LORD - Note the contrast word however, indicating Jotham followed the right things his father had done but not the bad things. He copied his father's conduct as far as it was pious and constitutional; and avoided his transgression. Specifically he did not dare attempt to offer incense. Why not? He had a living example of God's punishment that he could see every day as a reminder God will punish sin! This surely was a major motivating factor in Jotham's good behavior, for he co-reigned for the first 10 years with his father who was leprous. Ten years of seeing leprosy on his father's forehead convinced him he did not want to incur the same divine curse! The phrase he did not enter the temple does not mean he never went to the area, but simply that he assiduously stayed away from the areas that were off limits to all but the priests. In summary, the Chronicler is saying that Jotham embraced the early, faithful pattern of Uzziah’s rule, not the tragic pride that later marred it. His obedience was steady and sincere, though not perfect, showing that a righteous, godly life in Scripture is often measured by direction not perfection! 🙏 THOUGHT - Ron Daniel on the word "HOWEVER" - This gets me thinking. Dad was a good example for the most part. But he also left a bad example. Parents, we must strive to be a good example to our kids. I wonder how many dads are sending the message to their children today, "Do what I say, not what I do"? Moms telling their daughters not to smoke, when they themselves do so regularly. Dads telling their sons not to drink, in spite of the obvious hypocrisy. Parents telling their children to be wise with their money, when the kids see the glaring inconsistency. We need to be examples for our children. After Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, He said, John 13:15+ "...I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." And we also need to be honest about our example. Admitting when we've messed up. Confessing when we've been a bad example. Repenting when we've been ungodly. Our kids need our honesty as much as they need our example. (ED: I LIKE THAT - I WAS NOT THE MOST ATTENTIVE DAD TO MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER AND PAID A DEAR PRICE FOR MY NEGLECT. I HAVE CONFESSED THIS TO HER AND SOUGHT HER FORGIVENESS WHICH SHE GAVE! HOWEVER, IT TOOK ME MANY YEARS TO REALIZE WHAT I HAD DONE OR RATHER LEFT UNDONE!) That way, they can look back and say, "Do what dad did... but not the bad stuff." Or, as the apostle Paul was able to tell the Corinthians, 1Cor. 11:1+ "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ." But - This is a sad and somewhat surprisingly term of contrast. The king did right, while the people did wrong! Normally when a leader leads out, the people will follow (Jdg 5:2+), but not this time. Jotham's faithfulness is a striking contrast with the people's unfaithfulness. In short, this BUT highlights the tragic gap between godly leadership and the spiritual condition of the nation. Even though Jotham personally walked uprightly and sought to honor the LORD, the hearts of many in Judah remained unchanged. The new king was following the old king's good example, while the people were following the old king's bad example. -- Ron Daniel The people continued acting corruptly (shachath - first use Ge 6:11+) - Note this is the same verb shachath is used of King Uzziah in 2Ch 26:16 describing his heart as "so proud that he acted corruptly!" Jotham's personal piety did not prevent the people's pagan practices. The Hebrew phrase continued acting corruptly (shachath) indicates this was their ongoing pattern. The people were not merely slipping. They were staying on a wrong path! The Hebrew (shachath) carries the sense of ruining, spoiling, or perverting what God intended, doing so especially through high places where they undoubtedly were mixing pagan practices with worship of Yahweh (aka syncretism). It pictures something once sound that has become rotten, like wood eaten by invisible termites from the inside or water that looks good but has become polluted. So the people were not necessarily abandoning religion but they were corrupting it, keeping the Name of Jehovah while living contrary to His ways. A righteous king could set an example, but he could not change hearts. The phrase quietly teaches that national character is not fixed by the throne but by the choices of ordinary people. Clearly, old habits, pagan influences, and love for the high places clung stubbornly to the people. 🙏 THOUGHT - Dear believer, do you (do I) have any old habits, lingering pagan influences, or secret affection for the “high places” that marked our life before Christ? Those "high places" may not be carved idols on a hill, but they can be familiar patterns of ungodly thoughts or sensual images, passing pleasures (Heb 11:25b+) or worldly comforts (alcohol, drugs, etc) we run to instead of running to Christ (Heb 12:1+, Heb 12:2+, Php 3:13,14+, cf Expulsive Power of a New Affection), relationships that ensnare us (cf Ps 25:15+) and pull our hearts backward (cf Backsliding or Slowly Drifting), or sins we have learned to tolerate because they feel "normal." Scripture tells us that we are a new creation in Christ and the old things have passed away (2Co 5:17+), yet the Old Man does not surrender territory easily. Like poison ivy clinging to a strong oak (cf Isa 61:3b), former ways can wrap themselves around the New Man and slowly sap our spiritual vitality. The Lord calls us not merely to manage these remnants but to tear them down (cf Dt 7:5+, Dt 12:3+), just as faithful kings did who were commanded to remove the high places (Dt 12:2+, cf Asa - 2Ch 14:3+, Jehoshaphat - 2Ch 17:6+, Hezekiah 2Ki 18:4+, Josiah 2Ki 23:8, 13+). True freedom (Jn 8:32, 36+, Lk 4:18+, Ro 8:2+, 2Co 3:17+, Ga 5:1+) is found when we allow the Holy Spirit to search every corner of our heart (cf Ps 139:23,24+), when we name as sin (1Jn 1:9+, Pr 28:13+) what we have euphemistically excused as our "weakness," and when we bring even our most stubborn attachments into the light of Christ’s transforming grace (1Jn 1:6,7+), allowing the Spirit to tear them down (Ro 8:13+, Col 3:5KJV+). Acting corruptly (shachath) is translated in the Septuagint with the verb kataphtheiro (root gives us English "Diphtheria") which literally means to destroy (in Lev 26:39+ = "will rot away because of their iniquity") or to ruin and here is in the imperfect tense (over and over, again and again) and middle voice this voice indicating that they were making the conscious choice to do this to themselves, i.e, choosing to ruin themselves! That's what unconfessed, persistent sin will do to the human soul!) There was a pretence of religion without reality and scrupulous ceremonialism was made a cloak for evil-doing. But Jotham was no party to this. The records do not charge him with any form of sin, as is done in the case of all the other kings of Judah. In his day Amos, Hosea and Isaiah prophesied. And in Isaiah 1-5, which addresses primarily the nation of Judah and its capital Jerusalem, we get a good picture of the corruption of the people! Isaiah was confronting the Southern Kingdom for its corrupt worship and unjust living while calling it back to covenant faithfulness. The record of Jotham's father Uzziah/Azariah in 2 Kings would help explain to some extent the people's ongoing corruption, for the writer records that "the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places." (2 Kings 15:4+) It is worth noting that Jotham did not have a godly counselor, did not receive a prophetic warning and did not receive a priestly warning. Moody Bible Commentary adds that "The corrosive influence of idolatry that had afflicted the nation during the reigns of Joash and Amaziah had not been overcome even during the long reign of Uzziah. Such are the pervasive and lasting effects of ungodliness and evil upon a nation. The Chronicler’s generation was being warned, “Do not let the evil of idolatry take root again.” (Moody Bible commentary) Bob Utley on people continued acting corruptly feels that "this refers to fertility worship. None of the kings of Judah, so far, were successful at removing the local Ba'al worship sites (i.e., 2 Kgs. 14:4; 15:35). See FERTILITY WORSHIP OF THE ANE." ED: Utley's assumption of what acting corruptly means may be accurate because of the persistence of the high places, where such activities were carried out. Christopher Knapp: Jotham is the only one of all the Hebrew kings, from Saul down, against whom God has nothing bad to record. In this his character is in beautiful accord with his name, Jehovah-perfect. Right (03477) yashar from the verb yashar = to be smooth, straight or right) is an adjective that means straight; reliable, level, pleasing; upright; righteous. Yashar only rarely is used literally of that which is straight (Ezek 1:7). Yashar can refer to something physical like a path, but even in those uses is often a metaphorical description of one's conduct or behavior (Ps 107:7). Most uses refer to that which is right in an ethical or an emotional sense, as agreeable or pleasing. It is fitting that God is the standard of yashar (what is "straight") (Ps 92:15, called the "Upright One" - Isa 26:7). God's Word is described as upright (right) (Ps 19:7) as are His judgments (Ps 119:137) and His way (Ps 107:7). "God made men upright (Ge 1:27), but they have sought out many devices." (Eccl 7:29) Yashar is frequently used to describe our moral/ethical heart as "upright in heart" (Ps 7:10, 11:2, 32:11, 36:10, 64:10, 94:15, 97:11, 111:1, 125:4) (See all uses in Psalms and Proverbs below). Indeed, the upright "will behold His face" (Ps 11:7), will experience gladness (Ps 97:11), will be gathered together in the assembly (Ps 111:1), will be blessed (Ps 112:2), will be given light in times of darkness (Ps 112:4), will dwell in God's presence (Ps 140:13, cp Pr 2:21), have access to God's sound wisdom (Pr 2:7), will experience intimacy with the Most High God (Pr 3:32), will be guided by their integrity (Pr 11:3), will be delivered by their righteousness (Pr 11:6), will be delivered by their words (Pr 12:6), will see their tents flourish (Pr 14:11). "The highway of the upright is to depart from evil." (Pr 16:17) YASHAR IN KINGS AND CHRONICLES - 1 Ki. 11:33; 1 Ki. 11:38; 1 Ki. 14:8; 1 Ki. 15:5; 1 Ki. 15:11; 1 Ki. 22:43; 2 Ki. 10:3; 2 Ki. 10:15; 2 Ki. 10:30; 2 Ki. 12:2; 2 Ki. 14:3; 2Ki. 15:3; 2Ki. 15:34; 2Ki. 16:2; 2Ki. 18:3; 2Ki. 22:2; 2Chr. 14:2; 2Chr. 20:32; 2Chr. 24:2; 2 Chr. 25:2; 2 Chr. 26:4; 2 Chr. 27:2; 2 Chr. 28:1; 2 Chr. 29:2; 2 Chr. 29:34; 2 Chr. 31:20; 2 Chr. 34:2 Right in the sight - 25x - Deut. 12:25; Deut. 12:28; Deut. 13:18; 1 Ki. 15:5; 1 Ki. 15:11; 1 Ki. 22:43; 2 Ki. 12:2; 2 Ki. 14:3; 2 Ki. 15:3; 2 Ki. 15:34; 2 Ki. 16:2; 2 Ki. 18:3; 2 Ki. 22:2; 2 Chr. 14:2; 2 Chr. 20:32; 2 Chr. 24:2; 2 Chr. 25:2; 2 Chr. 26:4; 2 Chr. 27:2; 2 Chr. 28:1; 2 Chr. 29:2; 2 Chr. 30:4; 2 Chr. 34:2; Acts 4:19; Rom. 12:17 Acting corruptly (07843) shachath means to decay, to go to ruin, to corrupt, to destroy (Sodom and Gomorrah = Ge 13:10, Ge 18:28, 31-32), to lay waste (Egypt from swarms of flies -Ex 8:24). Shachath is used of Israelites who worshiped the golden calf (Ex 32:7; Dt 9:12; 32:5, Hos 9:9). God warned He would destroy Israel if they were turned away from following Him (Nu 32:15). Shachath describes Israel's behavior as more corrupt after a judge died (Jdg 2:19). Shachath in Kings and Chronicles - 2Ki. 8:19; 2Ki. 13:23; 2Ki. 18:25; 2Ki. 19:12; 1Chr. 20:1; 1Chr. 21:12; 1Chr. 21:15; 2Chr. 12:7; 2Chr. 12:12; 2Chr. 21:7; 2Chr. 24:23; 2Chr. 25:16; 2Chr. 26:16; 2Chr. 27:2; 2Chr. 34:11; 2Chr. 35:21; 2Chr. 36:19; Leslie Allen - In verse 2 Jotham’s goodness shines out all the brighter by being set against a drab background of contrasting ills, perpetrated by his predecessor and by the people. It is a goodness that takes its cue from the will of God. In the books of Judges and Proverbs an opposite principle is featured, doing what is right in one’s own eyes (Judg. 17:6; 21:25; Prov. 12:15; cf. 30:12). The hallmark of biblical faith is to look at life through God’s eyes. The fact that “He has shown you, O man, what is good” (Mic. 6:8) is taken seriously. Neither expediency nor any other form of self-interest is to lie at the root of the believer’s motivation for living. Faith has a practical flowering when God is accepted as the arbiter of right and wrong. The result may often coincide with the ideals of the noble pagan—which may well be post-Christian relics—but not necessarily so. The norms of society have constantly to be brought to the bar of biblical ethics before the believer can endorse them in his or her attitudes. In New Testament terms his principle is enshrined in the challenge “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2).For a weak Judah in post-exilic times, harassed by neighbors and eking out a bare economic existence, such operations had a mouth-watering appeal. The message is that God can meet His people at the point of their need, developing potential in the spheres where now there is failure. (See The Preacher's Commentary - Vol. 10: 1 and 2 Chronicles - Page 27) 2 Chronicles 27:3 He built the upper gate of the house of the LORD, and he built extensively the wall of Ophel. upper gate: 2Ch 23:20 Jer 20:2 Ophel: 2Ch 33:14 Ne 3:26,27 Parallel Passage: 2 Kings 15:35+ Only the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of the LORD. Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 26:9+ Moreover, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate and at the Valley Gate and at the corner buttress and fortified them. 2 Chronicles 23:20+ (TIME OF KING JOASH - PROBABLY SAME AS UPPER GATE IN 2Ch 27:3) He took the captains of hundreds, the nobles, the rulers of the people and all the people of the land, and brought the king (JOASH) down from the house of the LORD, and came through the upper gate to the king’s house. And they placed the king upon the royal throne. JOTHAM'S BUILDING PROJECTS FOCUS FIRST ON GOD He built the upper gate (North side) of the house of the LORD, and he built extensively the wall of Ophel - The Ophel (see diagrams below) was the fortification along the raised narrow ridge in Jerusalem that lies between the city of David (to the south) and the Temple Mount Moriah (to the north). It describes the raised spur connecting the original Jebusite/City of David with Solomon’s Temple platform. Think of it as the bridge of high ground joining the royal city to the sacred precinct. Excavations in the area of the Ophel have uncovered massive stones from the First Temple period, towers and gates from Jotham/Hezekiah’s era. If you stand there today you are literally between the southern steps of the Temple, and the northern end of the City of David. What is notable is that in Jotham's building projects, the first thing recorded relates to the Temple complex or as one writer says "As a true Davidic king he took an interest in the temple." Now go back and read about his father Uzziah's building projects and there is no mention of projects related to the Temple! (cf 2Ch 26:6,9,10+) From the very outset we can see that Jotham has his priorities straight, and to such an extent that God does not see it necessary to send a prophet to keep him on the "straight and narrow." Recall that 2Ch 26:5+ says that Uzziah "continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God prospered him." So Uzziah did have a prophet (Zechariah but not the one who wrote the post-exilic prophecy) that exerted significant influence on him up until the time his heart became prideful at all his achievements (2Ch 26:16+). Bob Utley on the upper gate - It was an entrance to the temple court on the north (cf. 2Ki 15:35; 2Ch 23:20). It is unsure if Jotham built it or refurbished it. Apparently Jotham was very conscious of the sacredness of the temple. Later in Jehoiakim's time this gate was renamed "the New Gate." It was the location of the positioning of a large number of temple guards (i.e., 2Ki 11:6). Jerry Thrower emphasizes that "One of the first things he did had to do with repairing the Temple of the LORD. He served the LORD first! He went to work for the LORD and did something for HIM! He didn’t enter the Temple like is father did in pride and try to do what he was never called to do, “he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD”, he used his reign to serve the LORD! He showed that by repairing the Temple!" Mark Boda: Interestingly, if the “upper gate” referred to here was that gate that linked the royal palace to the Temple courts (cf. 2Ch 23:20), Jotham’s reconstruction work may signal a desire to protect the Temple courts from royal intrusion. (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary – 1-2 Chronicles.) J. Parker: Ophel means “the mount.” Where was the mount? On the southern slope. Why did the king build so much on Ophel? Because it was most accessible to the enemy. Like a wise commander he remembered that no man is stronger than his weakest point, and that no fortification is stronger than its frailest part; so the king built much where the wall was weakest, or where the access of the enemy was most open; and in doing so he gathered up and represented the wisdom and experience of the ages, and anticipated what we and all the sons of time ought to do. What is your weakest point in life? Build much there. Raymond Dillard: The Chronicler has already compared Jotham with Uzziah (2Ch 27:2), and he appears to be deliberately perfecting the parallel. Uzziah rebuilt Corner Gate and Valley Gate (2Ch 26:9), and Jotham works on the Upper Gate of the temple. Uzziah built towers in the desert and in Jerusalem (2Ch 26:10), and Jotham builds towers in forested areas. (2 Chronicles BORROW) August Konkel adds that "Jotham’s enterprises are a sequel to those of his father. The work of restoration begun by Uzziah was continued in sections that had not been completed. His forts and towers were in the forests, providing a network of lookouts and highway defenses, both on the frontier and within the kingdom." (Believers Church Bible Commentary – 1 & 2 Chronicles) Ophel - Fortification strengthened by Jotham (2 Chr 27:3) and Manasseh (2 Chr 33:14). Isaiah describes the destruction of such a fortress when prophesying the judgment of God upon Jerusalem (Is 32:14). After the exile the temple servants lived there and repaired its walls (Neh 3:26, 27; 11:21). Josephus states that it was near the temple. Archaeological excavations at the traditional site in Jerusalem reveal fortifications dating from pre-Israelite times to the Maccabean period. (BORROW Baker encyclopedia of the Bible Volume: 3) 2 Chronicles 27:4 Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and he built fortresses and towers on the wooded hills. he built cities: 2Ch 11:5-10 14:7 2Ch 26:9-10 in the hill country: Jos 14:12,13 Lu 1:39 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 26:10+ He (KING UZZIAH, JOTHAM'S FATHER) built towers in the wilderness and hewed many cisterns, for he had much livestock, both in the lowland and in the plain. He also had plowmen and vinedressers in the hill country and the fertile fields, for he loved the soil. STEADY PREPARATION OVER RECKLESS AMBITION Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and he built fortresses and towers on the wooded hills. - Jotham followed in his father King Uzziah's footsteps continuing similar constructive policies but he did not follow in the footsteps of his father’s presumptive sin. His building program shows a king devoted to strengthening the internal life of Judah rather than seeking glory abroad. By establishing cities in the hill country, Jotham encouraged settlement and stability in regions that likely had been thinly populated and vulnerable to raids. The fortresses and towers erected on the wooded hills formed a defensive network across the highlands. From these elevated positions watchmen could spot approaching enemies, protect shepherds and farmers, and safeguard the vital routes that connected Jerusalem with the outlying districts. Rather than relying only on armies, Jotham invested in infrastructure that protected everyday life—fields, flocks, and families. This verse portrays a prudent and God-fearing ruler. Althought he did conduct some military actitivies, Jotham did not pursue conquests as much as Uzziah. His reign illustrates that true leadership is often measured not by dramatic victories but by patient, faithful preparation that enables a nation to flourish in peace. Lord, give us leaders like that today. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Ron Daniel: He is building protection for the house of God. That is very interesting to me. You see, it seems that every time the enemy breaks into Jerusalem, they invade the temple and steal the valuable things which are sanctified for the Lord. This is the way our enemy still works. The enemy's primary goal is to invade the house of God and steal that which is sanctified for God! It is we "who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling." (1Co 1:2+) (ED: And what is the Temple today? It is believers of course! - 1Co 6:19,20+) 2 Chronicles 27:5 He fought also with the king of the Ammonites and prevailed over them so that the Ammonites gave him during that year one hundred talents of silver, ten thousand kors of wheat and ten thousand of barley. The Ammonites also paid him this amount in the second and in the third year. the king of the Ammonites: 2Ch 20:1 Judges 11:4-33 2Sa 10:1-14 Jer 49:1-6 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 24:26+ Now these are those who conspired against him (ASSASSINATED KING JOASH JOTHAM'S GREAT GRANDFATHER): Zabad the son of Shimeath the Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabitess. 2 Chronicles 26:7-8+ God helped him (UZZIAH) against the Philistines, and against the Arabians who lived in Gur-baal, and the Meunites. 8 The Ammonites also gave tribute to Uzziah, and his fame extended to the border of Egypt, for he became very strong. 1 Kings 11:5+ For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and after Milcom (Molech, Moloch) the detestable idol of the Ammonites. (ED: Despite occasional efforts by godly kings, worship of Moloch wasn’t abolished until the Israelites’ captivity in Babylon!) AMMONITES DEFEATED AND PAY LARGE TRIBUTE FOR 3 YEARS He fought also with the king of the Ammonites and prevailed (chazaq; LXX - katischuo - dominated or overpowered) over them so that (term of purpose/result) the Ammonites gave him during that year one hundred talents of silver, ten thousand kors of wheat and ten thousand of barley. The Ammonites also paid him this amount in the second and in the third year - Jotham’s reign was not only marked by personal piety but also by tangible strength on the international stage. The Ammonites, long-standing neighbors east of the Jordan and frequent adversaries of Judah, were subdued through Jotham's decisive military action. Keep in mind that 2Ch 26:8 had been subdued by Uzziah and they gave him tribute. The fact that Jotham had to fight against the Ammonites indicates that they had revolted against him at some point after Uzziah's death. The result was that Jotham extracted a very high rate of tribute for three years.
2 Crônicas 27
Utley - Here again, the Chronicler makes a theological statement related to "the two ways." Obedience to the Mosaic covenant brings prosperity and blessing, but disobedience brings judgment (cf. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28; Dt 30:15,19; Psalm 1:1-6). Andrew Hill: The reference to Jotham’s becoming “powerful” is instructive. The same expression was used to characterize Uzziah’s earlier reign (Heb.chazaq cf.2Ch 26:16). But unlike his father, Jotham does not fall prey to the temptation of pride and turn away from God. His success is attributed directly to the fact that he “walked steadfastly before the Lord” (2Ch 27:6). This unique expression is generally understood to be synonymous with the phrase “to set one’s heart on God” (cf. 1 Chron. 22:19; 28:9; 2 Chron. 30:19). (The NIV Application Commentary ) Mark Boda: Here the Hebrew is literally, “He made firm his ways before Yahweh his God,” an expression that refers to doing something without flinching or wavering (see Prov 21:29 for the same phrase). (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary – 1-2 Chronicles.)