FocusReform and rebellion
Connection to the wholeThe sequence of reigns repeatedly connects the kings' choices with the condition of the people and temple worship.
interpretation 2 Chronicles 27:2
KJVAnd he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.
Read it in context
Jotham Reigns in Judah
Start reading at 2 Chronicles 27:1 (2 Chronicles 27:1 to 2 Chronicles 27:9).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The sequence of reigns repeatedly connects the kings' choices with the condition of the people and temple worship.
- 27:1 Jotham was twenty and 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.
- 27:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.
- 27:3 He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.
- 27:4 Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.
- 27:5 He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third.
- 27:6 So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God.
- 27:7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.
- 27:8 He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.
- 27:9 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution, while the final compiler is not known with certainty. First and Second Chronicles are parts of the same historical work. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Chronicles 25:1–27:9): Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, their officials and people, priests, prophets, and neighboring forces appear in the successive reigns. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after exile, especially those concerned with the temple, worship, the Davidic kings, and the call to return and rebuild. Biblical references: 2 Chronicles 36:20; 2 Chronicles 36:22; 2 Chronicles 36:23. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jotham Reigns in Judah. Read 2 Chronicles 27:1 through 2 Chronicles 27:9 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The sequence of reigns repeatedly connects the kings' choices with the condition of the people and temple worship. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account moves from Solomon's reign through the kings of Judah, Jerusalem's fall, and Cyrus' proclamation. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Jerusalem and its temple are central, with episodes in other parts of Judah and neighboring kingdoms and a closing reference to Persia. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jotham Reigns in Judah (2 Chronicles 27:1 to 2 Chronicles 27:9). Start reading at 2 Chronicles 27:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The Davidic kingship and temple history form part of the setting for the New Testament's account of Jesus. Matthew's genealogy places several of these kings in that line. See 2 Chronicles 7:18, Matthew 1:6, Matthew 1:7, Matthew 1:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to the connection between worship and conduct. Promises given to Solomon concerning this temple and people should retain their stated setting and conditions when used in later exhortation. interpretation
Cited: 2 Chronicles 27:1, 2 Chronicles 27:9, 2 Chronicles 7:18, Matthew 1:6, Matthew 1:7, Matthew 1:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Ezra (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. It closes with the decree of Cyrus.
2 Chronicles 36:22
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Ezra.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated.
Related passages
- And he did 2 Chr 26:4 2 Kgs 15:34
- he entered not 2 Chr 26:16-21 Ps 119:120 Acts 5:13
- the people 2 Kgs 15:35
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Chronicles 27
Second Chronicles follows Solomon and the kings of Judah, emphasizing the temple, worship, and responses to prophetic warning. The closing proclamation of Cyrus points beyond exile toward return. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
2 Chronicles 7:12 2 Chronicles 36:15 2 Chronicles 36:22
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Chronicles
Second Chronicles follows Solomon and the kings of Judah, emphasizing the temple, worship, and responses to prophetic warning. The closing proclamation of Cyrus points beyond exile toward return.
2 Chronicles 7:12 2 Chronicles 36:15 2 Chronicles 36:22
Solomon and the temple
2 Chronicles 1:1–9:31FocusWisdom, dedication, and royal glory
Connection to the wholeThe temple's construction and dedication stand at the center of the account of Solomon's reign.
interpretation Judah after the division
2 Chronicles 10:1–20:37FocusFaithfulness tested in leadership
Connection to the wholeThe early kings of Judah are portrayed through worship, conflict, reform, and responses to the LORD.
interpretation FocusReform and rebellion
Connection to the wholeThe sequence of reigns repeatedly connects the kings' choices with the condition of the people and temple worship.
interpretation Hezekiah and Josiah's reforms
2 Chronicles 29:1–35:27FocusRestoring worship amid unfaithfulness
Connection to the wholeMajor reforms are set beside the sins of intervening reigns, preserving the tension between renewal and approaching judgment.
interpretation The end of the kingdom and Cyrus' decree
2 Chronicles 36:1–23FocusExile and permission to return
Connection to the wholeJerusalem's fall is explained in relation to rejected warnings, and Cyrus' proclamation opens the possibility of return and rebuilding.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.