How did Jotham's actions align with "what was right in the eyes of the LORD"? Immediate Context of 2 Kings 15:34 • “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done.” (2 Kings 15:34) • The chronicler expands: “except he did not enter the temple of the LORD.” (2 Chron 27:2) — a direct contrast to Uzziah’s presumptuous incense offering (2 Chron 26:16-20). Choices That Reflected Covenant Faithfulness • Reverence for God’s holiness – Refused to repeat Uzziah’s prideful intrusion into priestly space. – Honored the divinely set boundaries of worship (Numbers 18:7). • Personal integrity before the LORD – “Jotham grew powerful because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God.” (2 Chron 27:6) – “Ordered” (Hebrew kun) speaks of steady, purposeful obedience. • Strengthening Judah without idolatrous alliances – Built the Upper Gate of the temple (2 Chron 27:3) — investing in worship infrastructure rather than foreign gods. – Fortified cities, towers, and military posts (2 Chron 27:4), showing responsible stewardship of national security under divine favor (Psalm 127:1). • Just leadership over enemies – Subdued the Ammonites; received tribute of silver, wheat, and barley (2 Chron 27:5), demonstrating God-given victory promised in Deuteronomy 28:7-8 when Israel obeyed. Where He Stopped Short • “The high places, however, were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense there.” (2 Kings 15:35) • While his personal walk pleased God, he did not complete the nationwide cleansing commanded in Deuteronomy 12:2-5. Summary: How Jotham Aligned with What Was Right 1. Walked humbly, avoiding his father’s proud sin. 2. Maintained pure temple worship and expanded its access. 3. Ordered his daily conduct to match God’s revealed will. 4. Governed with justice and courage, receiving tangible blessing. 5. Trusted covenant promises rather than foreign idols or alliances. His reign illustrates Proverbs 16:7: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” |
    |