and he worked extensively on the wall at the hill of Ophel
The hill of Ophel is a significant geographical location in Jerusalem, situated between the City of David and the Temple Mount. It was a fortified area, and Jotham's extensive work on the wall indicates a focus on strengthening the city's defenses. This construction effort highlights the importance of security and protection for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, reflecting the biblical theme of God as a fortress and protector. The wall's fortification can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual fortitude, emphasizing the need for vigilance in maintaining one's faith. Historically, the fortification of Ophel would have been crucial in safeguarding the city from external threats, underscoring the king's role as both a spiritual and political leader.

“Jotham rebuilt…” (2 Chronicles 27:3)

• Jotham, son of Uzziah, is introduced earlier as a king “who did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (2 Kings 15:34).

• His rebuilding work follows his father’s reign, which ended in disgrace because of pride (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Jotham’s actions mark a deliberate turn toward obedience and stewardship.

• The word rebuilt tells us he restored what had been neglected, echoing principles of faithful leadership found in 2 Chronicles 24:4-5, where Joash repaired the temple, and in Ezra 3:7, where returning exiles resumed construction.

• Jotham’s restoration ministry shows how godly rulers prioritize spiritual infrastructure before military or economic projects (cf. Matthew 6:33).

“…the Upper Gate…”

• 2 Kings 15:35 repeats that Jotham “rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD,” confirming this specific focus.

• Gates controlled access; rebuilding the uppermost gate symbolizes safeguarding worship and regulating who enters (Psalm 24:3-4; 100:4).

• By tackling the Upper Gate first, Jotham placed premium value on approaching God properly, aligning with Psalm 118:19-20, “Open to me the gates of righteousness.”

“…of the house of the LORD…”

• The temple remained God’s chosen earthly dwelling (1 Kings 8:27-30). Maintaining it affirmed Judah’s covenant identity (Deuteronomy 12:5-7).

• Neglect of the temple invited national decline (2 Chronicles 29:6-9), while its care brought blessing (Haggai 1:8-9 shows the reverse).

• Jotham’s attention to the “house of the LORD” underscores that true reform begins with worship, not merely civic improvement (John 4:23-24).

“…and he worked extensively…”

• The phrase indicates sustained, vigorous effort—more than a cosmetic touch-up. Compare 2 Chronicles 31:20-21, where Hezekiah “did what was good, right, and true…in all his work.”

• Diligence is commended throughout Scripture: Proverbs 14:23; Colossians 3:23. Jotham models wholehearted service instead of half-measures.

• His extensive work also implies he mobilized resources and people, reflecting Nehemiah’s later example (Nehemiah 4:6).

“…on the wall…”

• City walls protected inhabitants and symbolized security (Psalm 48:12-13). Strengthening them expresses responsible governance.

• Previous kings had fortified Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 26:9; 32:5). Jotham continues this God-honoring pattern of prudent defense rather than presumption (Proverbs 21:31).

• Wall-building echoes spiritual fortification: “Build yourselves up in your most holy faith” (Jude 20).

“…at the hill of Ophel.”

• Ophel is the southeastern ridge of Jerusalem, a vulnerable spot needing reinforcement. Manasseh later fortified the same area (2 Chronicles 33:14).

• Fortifying Ophel protects both palace and temple precincts, showing Jotham’s balanced concern for sacred and civic wellbeing.

• The strategic work illustrates how believers shore up weak points in their lives, as admonished in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Jotham’s rebuilding of the Upper Gate and the wall at Ophel demonstrates a leader who puts worship first, guards God’s house, and labors diligently to secure the community. His actions combine spiritual priority with practical responsibility, showing that true faith expresses itself in visible, sustained works for God’s glory and the people’s good.

The high gate.--Rather, the upper gate; i.e., the northern gate of the inner or upper court (Ezekiel 9:2). The north being the holy quarter (Isaiah 14:13; Psalm 48:2), the north gate would be the principal entrance.

And on the wall of Ophel he built much.--The southern slope of the Temple hill was called the Ophel, i.e., "the mound." Its wall would be the line of fortifications connecting Zion with Moriah, on which Uzziah had already laboured (2Chronicles 26:9), with the same object of securing the city against attacks from the south and east. Neither this detail nor the next three verses are found in the parallel account. The style and contents of the passage indicate a good ancient source. . . .