2 Chronicles 27:2

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done. In addition, he did not enter the temple of the LORD. But the people still behaved corruptly.

Study Bible

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD
Jotham, the king of Judah, is noted for his righteousness, following the example of his father, Uzziah. This phrase indicates his adherence to the covenantal laws and his commitment to worshiping Yahweh. The phrase "in the eyes of the LORD" emphasizes divine approval, suggesting that Jotham's actions were aligned with God's standards, a recurring theme in the evaluation of kings in the books of Kings and Chronicles.

just as his father Uzziah had done
Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king who initially did what was right in God's eyes but later fell into pride, leading to his downfall (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Jotham is compared to Uzziah in his early years, highlighting the positive aspects of Uzziah's reign, such as military success and infrastructural development. This comparison serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to God throughout one's life.

In addition, he did not enter the temple of the LORD
This phrase refers to Uzziah's sin of unlawfully entering the temple to burn incense, an act reserved for priests (2 Chronicles 26:16-20). Jotham's decision not to repeat his father's mistake demonstrates his respect for the Levitical priesthood and the proper worship practices. It underscores the importance of adhering to God's established order and the consequences of overstepping divine boundaries.

But the people still behaved corruptly
Despite Jotham's personal righteousness, the people of Judah continued in their sinful ways. This highlights the persistent issue of collective disobedience among the Israelites, a theme seen throughout the Old Testament. It reflects the challenge of leading a nation to spiritual renewal and the limitations of even a righteous king's influence. This situation foreshadows the need for a perfect and eternal king, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who would bring true and lasting transformation to His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jotham
The king of Judah, son of Uzziah, known for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD. His reign is marked by obedience to God, yet he did not enter the temple, possibly avoiding his father's mistake.

2. Uzziah
Jotham's father, a former king of Judah who also did right in the eyes of the LORD but was struck with leprosy for unlawfully entering the temple to burn incense.

3. The Temple of the LORD
The central place of worship in Jerusalem, representing God's presence among His people. Jotham's decision not to enter it highlights his awareness of the sacredness of God's commands.

4. The People of Judah
Despite Jotham's righteous leadership, the people continued in corrupt practices, indicating a disconnect between leadership and the spiritual state of the nation.

5. Corruption
The moral and spiritual decay among the people of Judah, which persisted despite Jotham's personal righteousness.

Teaching Points

Righteous Leadership
Jotham's example shows the importance of personal integrity and obedience to God, even when others around us are not following suit.

Avoiding Past Mistakes
Jotham learned from his father's error by not entering the temple, demonstrating wisdom in avoiding actions that lead to God's displeasure.

Influence vs. Personal Responsibility
While leaders can set a righteous example, each individual is responsible for their own actions and relationship with God.

The Impact of Corruption
The persistent corruption among the people of Judah serves as a warning of how sin can permeate a society, despite righteous leadership.

The Role of the Temple
Respect for God's holiness and the proper approach to worship are crucial, as seen in Jotham's decision not to enter the temple.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jotham's decision not to enter the temple reflect his understanding of God's holiness and his father's past mistakes?

2. In what ways can we apply Jotham's example of personal righteousness in our own lives, especially when surrounded by a culture of corruption?

3. How does the persistent corruption of the people of Judah challenge us to examine the spiritual health of our own communities and churches?

4. What lessons can we learn from the contrast between Jotham's leadership and the people's behavior about the influence of leadership on a nation's spiritual state?

5. How can we ensure that our personal relationship with God remains strong, even when those around us are not following His ways?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 15:34-35
Provides a parallel account of Jotham's reign, emphasizing his righteousness and the people's continued corruption.

Isaiah 1:4-6
Describes the spiritual condition of Judah during this period, highlighting the nation's rebellion and moral decay.

Psalm 78:56-58
Reflects on Israel's repeated disobedience and idolatry, similar to the corruption mentioned in Jotham's time.

Proverbs 14:34
Speaks to the principle that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people, relevant to the contrast between Jotham's righteousness and the people's corruption.