2 Chronicles 27 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Jotham reigns well and prosperously for sixteen years: he is succeeded by his son Ahaz.

Before Christ 758.

And the people did yet corruptly.— And the people yet worshipped corruptly, see 2 Kings 15:35.

And on the wall of Ophel he built much— And he repaired much in the walls of the ascent. See Nehemiah 3:26. Houbigant.

REFLECTIONS.—The reign of Jotham was pious and prosperous.

1. He copied the best of his father's ways, and avoided his wickedness. His heart was right with God, and he endeavoured diligently to walk with, and please him: but the people followed not his good example; either he wanted zeal to restrain them, or they were too headstrong to be withheld. Note; They are inexcusable, who slight the advantages that they enjoy, and refuse to be reformed.

2. His prosperity went hand in hand with his piety; he fortified his dominions, built new cities, subdued the Ammonites, and brought them under tribute for three years; and because he had chosen God's ways, he became mighty under his protection.
3. Too soon for his people he finished his happy reign, farther particulars of which were recorded in the annals of Judah, long since perished. The unworthy son who succeeded him made the loss of such a king more sensibly felt and lamented by every true Israelite.