2 Chronicles 27:3
Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD, and he worked extensively on the wall at the hill of Ophel.
Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD
Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was a king of Judah who reigned during a time of relative stability. The Upper Gate of the house of the LORD refers to a specific entrance to the Temple in Jerusalem. This gate was significant for its role in the religious life of Judah, serving as a point of access for worshippers. The act of rebuilding suggests a period of restoration and renewal, possibly after neglect or damage. This reflects Jotham's commitment to maintaining the sanctity and functionality of the Temple, aligning with the biblical emphasis on proper worship and reverence for God. The Temple itself is a type of Christ, representing God's presence among His people, and Jotham's work can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's role in restoring the relationship between God and humanity.

and he worked extensively on the wall at the hill of Ophel
The hill of Ophel is a significant geographical location in Jerusalem, situated between the City of David and the Temple Mount. It was a fortified area, and Jotham's extensive work on the wall indicates a focus on strengthening the city's defenses. This construction effort highlights the importance of security and protection for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, reflecting the biblical theme of God as a fortress and protector. The wall's fortification can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual fortitude, emphasizing the need for vigilance in maintaining one's faith. Historically, the fortification of Ophel would have been crucial in safeguarding the city from external threats, underscoring the king's role as both a spiritual and political leader.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jotham
The king of Judah, son of Uzziah, known for his righteous reign and efforts to strengthen the kingdom both spiritually and physically.

2. Upper Gate of the House of the LORD
A significant entrance to the temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing access to worship and the presence of God.

3. Wall of Ophel
A fortified area in Jerusalem, indicating Jotham's commitment to the security and defense of the city.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Worship
Jotham's rebuilding of the Upper Gate highlights the importance of maintaining and prioritizing worship in our lives. Just as he ensured access to the temple, we should ensure that our lives are open to God's presence.

Strengthening Foundations
By working on the wall of Ophel, Jotham demonstrated the need to fortify our spiritual and moral foundations. In our lives, this means reinforcing our faith through prayer, study, and community.

Leadership and Responsibility
Jotham's actions as a leader show the importance of taking responsibility for the spiritual and physical well-being of those we lead, whether in our families, churches, or communities.

Legacy of Righteousness
Jotham's reign is marked by righteousness, setting an example for future generations. Our actions today can leave a lasting impact on those who come after us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jotham's commitment to rebuilding the Upper Gate reflect the importance of worship in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we strengthen our spiritual "walls" to protect against modern-day challenges and temptations?

3. How does Jotham's leadership inspire us to take responsibility in our own spheres of influence?

4. What parallels can we draw between Jotham's reign and the teachings of Jesus regarding building a strong foundation (see Matthew 7:24-27)?

5. How can we ensure that our actions today create a positive legacy for future generations, similar to Jotham's example?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 15:32-38
Provides a parallel account of Jotham's reign, emphasizing his righteousness and the political context of his time.

Isaiah 7:1-9
Offers insight into the geopolitical challenges during Jotham's reign, including threats from neighboring nations.

Psalm 127:1
Relates to the theme of building and security, emphasizing that true protection comes from the Lord.
Building on OphelJ. Parker, D.D.2 Chronicles 27:3
A Brief Record of a Bright ReignT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 27:1-9
Features of an Honourable Life: JothamW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 27:1-9
People
Ahaz, Ammonites, David, Jerusha, Jerushah, Jotham, Uzziah, Zadok
Places
Jerusalem, Ophel
Topics
Abundantly, Building, Built, Doorway, Extensive, Extensively, Gate, Higher, Hill, Ophel, Rebuilt, Temple, Upper, Wall
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 27:3

     5604   walls
     7467   temple, Solomon's

2 Chronicles 27:1-9

     5366   king

2 Chronicles 27:3-4

     5315   fortifications

Library
Jotham
'So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God.'--2 CHRON. xxvii 6. This King Jotham is one of the obscurer of the Jewish monarchs, and we know next to nothing about him. The most memorable event in his reign is that 'in the year when King Uzziah,' his father, 'died,' and consequently in Jotham's first year, Isaiah saw the Lord sitting in the Temple on the empty throne, and had the lips which were to utter so many immortal words touched with fire from the altar. Whether
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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