271 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king; he reigned sixteen years at Jerusalem. His mother was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok. 2 In God's eyes he lived a good life, following the path marked out by his father Uzziah. Unlike his father, though, he didn't desecrate The Temple of God. But the people pushed right on in their lives of corruption. 3 Jotham constructed the Upper Gate of The Temple of God, considerably extended the Wall of the Ophel, 4 and built cities in the high country of Judah and forts and towers down in the forests.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 27:1-4
Chapter Contents
Jotham's reign in Judah.
The people did corruptly. Perhaps Jotham was wanting towards the reformation of the land. Men may be very good, and yet not have courage and zeal to do what they might. It certainly casts blame upon the people. Jotham prospered, and became mighty. The more stedfast we are in religion, the more mighty we are, both to resist evil, and to do good. The Lord often removes wise and pious rulers, and sends others, whose follies and vices punish a people that valued not their mercies.