2 Chronicles 27:3
He built the high gate of the house of the Lord, and on the wall of Ophel, he built much. 2 Chronicles 27:3 (KJV)
Jotham was twenty‑five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok.
Historical Context: 2 Chronicles 27:1 is part of the historical account of the reign of Jotham, who was the eleventh king of Judah after the kingdom split into two following the death of Solomon. Jotham was the son of Uzziah and is known for his relatively prosperous and peaceful reign. The verse begins by stating that Jotham was 25 years old when he ascended to the throne, indicating that he was relatively young when he became king. Despite his youth, Jotham ruled over Jerusalem for a total of sixteen years, and his reign is also mentioned in 2 Kings 15:32‑38. The verse also mentions Jotham’s mother, whose name was Jerushah, highlighting the lineage and family connections of Jotham, though not much else is known about her.
Significance and Lessons: Age is not a limitation; Jotham’s ascension to the throne at a young age demonstrates that age does not have to be a limiting factor when it comes to fulfilling God’s purposes. God can use and raise up individuals regardless of their age or experience. The influence of parental upbringing is suggested by the mention of Jotham’s mother, indicating the importance of familial connections and the role parents play in shaping the character and destiny of their children. The importance of maintaining peace and prosperity is evident in the description of Jotham’s reign as relatively peaceful and prosperous, suggesting the significance of good leadership and wise governance in fostering stability, growth, and well‑being in a nation. Jotham’s example reminds us of the importance of righteous leadership and its impact on the people.
God’s sovereignty in choosing leaders is shown in Jotham’s rise to power, demonstrating that God selects and raises up leaders according to His purposes. Despite Jotham’s young age, God had chosen him to lead the kingdom of Judah at that time. Overall, 2 Chronicles 27:1 provides historical information about Jotham’s reign, emphasizing his age, lineage, and the relative peace and prosperity experienced during his rule, while also highlighting broader lessons about parental influence, the importance of good leadership, and God’s sovereignty in raising up leaders.
