How did Jotham's reign reflect obedience to God in 2 Chronicles 27:9? Introducing Jotham’s Moment in History • Jotham ruled Judah for sixteen years (2 Chron 27:1). • He followed a godly father, Uzziah, yet witnessed the tragic consequences of Uzziah’s pride (26:16–21). • The backdrop was a nation drifting into corruption (27:2), so Jotham’s personal faithfulness shines all the more. Key Verse “So Jotham grew powerful because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God.” (2 Chron 27:6) How 2 Chronicles 27 Demonstrates Jotham’s Obedience 1. Personal Integrity • “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (27:2). • Unlike his father, he refused to usurp priestly duties—no prideful incense offering, no rash intrusion into the temple (cf. Numbers 18:7). • Ordered life = consistent, deliberate alignment with God’s commands (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). 2. Respect for God’s House • “He built the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD” (27:3). • Strengthening the temple declared that true security rests in worship and covenant faithfulness, not political alliances. 3. Wise Use of Power • Fortified the wall of Ophel, built cities and towers (27:3-4). • Stewardship of resources mirrored the mandate in Genesis 1:28 to cultivate and guard what God entrusts. 4. Courage in Battle • Defeated the Ammonites and received substantial tribute (27:5). • Victory was not for personal glory but for national stability under God’s rule, echoing Deuteronomy 28:7. 5. Growing Might with Humility • “Jotham grew powerful because he ordered his ways before the LORD” (27:6). • Power followed obedience, not the reverse (1 Samuel 15:22; Proverbs 3:5-6). Lasting Testimony • 2 Chron 27:9 notes a peaceful burial “in the City of David,” a biblical sign of honor. • His reign is recorded without a single rebuke from the prophets—rare for Judah’s kings. • Though the people remained corrupt (27:2), Jotham proved individual obedience is possible even in a compromised culture (Psalm 1:1-3; Philippians 2:15). Takeaway Truths • Obedience produces stability—personally and nationally. • Strength flows from ordering every sphere of life under God’s authority. • A single faithful leader can leave a bright legacy in dark times, illustrating that “the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro… to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him” (2 Chron 16:9). |
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