What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 27:5? Jotham waged war against the king of the Ammonites 2 Chronicles 27:5 opens with action. Jotham, succeeding his father Uzziah, takes initiative rather than waiting for trouble to come to Judah. Like David facing the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:17–19) and Asa confronting Zerah (2 Chronicles 14:9–13), righteous kings often act decisively, trusting the LORD for victory. His campaign also fulfills the earlier divine charge for Israel to subdue hostile neighbors (Deuteronomy 20:1). and defeated them The text credits Jotham with clear victory, echoing promises such as Deuteronomy 28:7, “The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you.” His success flows from the pattern in 2 Chronicles 27:6, where he “ordered his ways before the LORD his God.” Unlike his father’s late–life pride (2 Chronicles 26:16), Jotham’s humility leads to military triumph, much as Jehoshaphat’s reliance on God did (2 Chronicles 20:20–25). and that year they gave him a hundred talents of silver Tribute signals submission. A hundred talents—about 3.75 tons—mirrors the wealth Solomon received (1 Kings 10:14) and recalls Rehoboam extracting tribute from these same Ammonites (2 Chronicles 12:13–14). The silver fortifies the temple treasury (cf. 2 Chronicles 27:3; 2 Chronicles 24:14), enabling continued worship and national stability. ten thousand cors of wheat Provision of grain underscores God’s covenant blessing of agricultural abundance (Leviticus 26:4–5). The Ammonites, once denying Israel bread (Deuteronomy 23:4), now supply it in bulk—roughly 550,000 liters—highlighting divine reversal similar to Haman hanging on his own gallows (Esther 7:10). Judah’s people benefit materially while witnessing God’s faithfulness. and ten thousand cors of barley Barley, the staple of common folk (John 6:9), shows God’s care for every stratum of society. Together with wheat, it reminds readers of Joseph storing grain during plenty (Genesis 41:47–49). Jotham’s reign thus safeguards both royal and ordinary households, fulfilling the ideal of a king who “delivers the needy” (Psalm 72:12–16). They paid him the same in the second and third years Ongoing tribute proves the victory’s durability. Three consecutive years parallel the sustained peace under Asa after his reforms (2 Chronicles 14:1). It foreshadows Messiah’s ultimate, everlasting dominion where nations willingly bring their wealth (Isaiah 60:5-7; Revelation 21:24). Jotham’s consistent obedience secures consistent blessing, modeling Galatians 6:9: “At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” summary Jotham’s faith-fueled initiative brings decisive victory, steady tribute, and tangible blessings for Judah. His story reinforces the timeless truth: when leaders walk rightly with God, nations experience security and provision, and even former enemies become channels of divine supply. |
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