1. Quando Iotam divenne re, aveva venticinque anni; regnò sedici anni in Gerusalemme. Sua madre si chiamava Ierusa figlia di Zadòk.
2. Egli fece ciò che è retto agli occhi del Signore come agì Ozia suo padre, ma non entrò nel tempio e il popolo continuava a pervertirsi.
3. Egli restaurò la porta Superiore del tempio; lavorò molto anche per le mura dell'Ofel.
4. Ricostruì città sulle montagne di Giuda; costruì castelli e torri nelle zone boscose.
5. Attaccò il re degli Ammoniti, vincendolo. Gli Ammoniti gli diedero in quell'anno - e anche nel secondo e terzo anno - cento talenti d'argento, diecimila kor di grano e altrettanti di orzo; questo gli consegnarono gli Ammoniti.
6. Iotam divenne potente, perché aveva sempre camminato davanti al Signore suo Dio.
7. Le altre gesta di Iotam, tutte le sue guerre e la sua condotta, ecco sono descritte nel libro dei re di Israele e di Giuda.
8. Quando divenne re, aveva venticinque anni; regnò sedici anni in Gerusalemme.
9. Iotam si addormentò con i suoi padri; lo seppellirono nella città di Davide. Al suo posto divenne re suo figlio Acaz.
Footnotes:
27:1-2 - Jotham, son of Uzziah, ascends the throne and does what is right in God's eyes. His obedience highlights the importance of leading with integrity and devotion to the Lord, contrasting with the corruption of many leaders (see also 2 Kings 15:32-34 and Psalm 112:1).
27:3-4 - Jotham builds cities and fortresses, demonstrating vision and strategy in his rule. This act symbolizes the leader's responsibility to protect and prosper his people, reflecting God's promise of blessings to those who seek Him (see also Psalm 127:1 and Proverbs 21:31).
27:5-6 - Jotham fights the Ammonites and wins, securing tribute for Judah. This illustrates the importance of faithfulness to God in battle and how He gives victory to those who depend on Him (see also Psalm 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 15:57).
27:7-8 - Jotham's reign is characterized by prosperity, with a focus on his righteous actions and how they influence the well-being of the kingdom. Spiritual and material prosperity is a reflection of his relationship with God (see also Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Psalm 1:1-3).
27:9 - Jotham is described as a king who did not fully seek God's presence, warning about the importance of an ongoing relationship with the Lord beyond just outward acts (see also Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 4:8).
Verses related to Cronache 2, 27:
2 Chronicles chapter 27 describes the reign of Jotham. What characterizes a just reign? This concise text narrates Jotham's successful rule, construction and military victories. The chapter highlights themes such as the importance of faithfulness to God, the benefits of obedience, and the impact of a godly leader. 2 Chronicles 27 also contrasts Jotham's righteousness with the people's corruption. Ponder with us five Bible passages that relate to the enduring principles of this instructive chapter.
2 Kings 15:32-33: "In the second year of the reign of Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel, Jotham son of Uzziah king of Judah began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem." - This excerpt provides parallel information about Jotham's reign, complementing 2 Chronicles 27.
Proverbs 29:14: "The king who judges the poor with justice establishes his throne forever." - This proverb reflects Jotham's righteous reign described in 2 Chronicles 27.
Micah 1:1: "The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Morešeth during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah; the vision he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem." - This verse places the ministry of the prophet Micah during the reign of Jotham, among others.
Isaiah 1:1: "Vision that Isaiah, son of Amoz, had regarding Judah and Jerusalem during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah." - This verse places the ministry of the prophet Isaiah during the reign of Jotham, among others.
Psalms 127:1: "If the Lord is not the builder of the house, it will be useless to work on the construction. If it is not the Lord who watches over the city, it will be useless for the sentry to stand guard." - This psalm reflects Jotham's constructive activities mentioned in 2 Chronicles 27:3-4.
FAQ:
Who was Jotham and what did he do as king?
Jotham son of Uzziah did what was right in the eyes of God and strengthened his kingdom, but he did not destroy the high places in Israel. (2 Chronicles 27:1-6)
What was Jotham's greatest achievement during his reign?
Jotham rebuilt the upper gate of God’s temple and fortified the border cities of Judah in preparation for future battles. (2 Chronicles 27:3-6)
Why didn't Jotham destroy the high places?
Jotham did not destroy the high places because, although he did what was right in the sight of God, he could not remove idolatry from the people. (2 Chronicles 27:2)
How did Jotham deal with military threats?
Jotham successfully faced military threats from the Ammonites, who paid tribute to Judah during his reign. (2 Chronicles 27:5)
What lesson can we learn from Jotham's reign?
Jotham's reign teaches the importance of trusting in God and doing good, but it also warns of the need to completely eliminate idolatry. (2 Chronicles 27:2-6)
