Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 27

Verses 1-9

Uzziah was succeeded by Jotham. We have very few details of his reign. In all probability the sixteen years referred to by the chronicler cover a period in which he was exercising authority while his father, Uzziah, was still alive though excluded from the kingly office on account of his leprosy. Jotham continued the work of his father in strengthening the kingdom internally by building, and he was successful in a campaign against the Ammonites.

While there was no definite national reform during his reign, he seems to have gone quietly forward along true lines, and his strength is attributed to the fact that he ordered his ways before Jehovah his God. Perhaps three things helped this man. First, he reigned during the early period in which Isaiah was exercising his prophetic ministry. Second, his mother was almost certainly the daughter of Zadok, the priest. Third, he profited by his father's example--both good and bad, following the good and shunning the evil. All good influences are to be valued, but the ultimate note is always personal. "He ordered his ways." If a man will do this, then he will ever profit by all the influences brought to bear on him, distinguishing between good and evil, and choosing according to the will of God.