271 A son of twenty and five years 'is' Jotham in his reigning, and sixteen years he hath reigned in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother 'is' Jerushah daughter of Zadok. 2 And he doth that which is right in the eyes of Jehovah, according to all that Uzziah his father did; only, he hath not come in unto the temple of Jehovah; and again are the people doing corruptly. 3 He hath built the upper gate of the house of Jehovah, and in the wall of Ophel he hath built abundantly; 4 and cities he hath built in the hill-country of Judah, and in the forests he hath built palaces and towers.
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.