2 Chronicles 27:1-6

How does Jotham follow his father’s good example without repeating the temple intrusion?

Berean Standard Bible

1 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.

What is the context?

Jotham is described as doing right like Uzziah, with the explicit qualification that he does not enter the Lord’s temple in the manner just criticized. The people nevertheless continue corruptly.

He strengthens the temple gate, walls, cities, and defenses and receives tribute after defeating Ammon. His growing power is related to ordering his ways before the Lord.

The account distinguishes the king’s direction from the people’s response. A faithful ruler does not automatically make every person faithful, nor must following a father’s good example include copying his failure.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley stresses that the failings of respected people should serve as warnings rather than models. The USCCB account likewise retains the contrast between Jotham’s conduct and the people’s corruption. 2 Kings 15:32–35 records the good assessment alongside the remaining high places.

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