2 Chronicles 27

2Ch 27:1-4.

JOTHAM,

REIGNING

WELL,

PROSPERS.

1. Jotham was twenty and five years

old--(See on

2Ki 15:32-35).

His mother's name . . . Jerushah, the daughter of

Zadok--or descendant of the famous priest of that name

[2Sa 8:17].

2. he did that which was right--The general rectitude of his government

is described by representing it as conducted on the excellent

principles which had guided the early part of his father's reign.

the people did yet corruptly--(See

2Ki 15:35);

but the description here is more emphatic, that though Jotham did much

to promote the good of his kingdom and aimed at a thorough reformation

in religion, the widespread and inveterate wickedness of the people

frustrated all his laudable efforts.

3. He built the high gate of the house of the Lord--situated on the

north--that portion of the temple hill which was high compared with the

southern part--hence "the higher," or upper gate

(see on

2Ki 15:35).

He built, that is, repaired or embellished.

and on the wall of Ophel--Hebrew, "the Ophel," that is, the mound,

or eminence on the southeastern slope of the temple mount, a ridge

lying between the valleys Kedron and Tyropœon, called "the lower city"

[JOSEPHUS]. He

built much--having the same desire as his father to secure the defense

of Jerusalem in every direction.

4. in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and

towers--that is, in the elevated and wooded spots where fortified

cities could not be placed, he erected castles and towers.

2Ch 27:5-9.

HE

SUBDUES THE

AMMONITES.

5. He fought also with the king of the Ammonites--This invasion

he not only repelled, but, pursuing the Ammonites into their own

territory, he imposed on them a yearly tribute, which, for two years,

they paid. But when Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah, king of Israel,

combined to attack the kingdom of Judah, they took the opportunity of

revolting, and Jotham was too distracted by other matters to attempt

the reconquest (see on

2Ki 15:37).