1Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother’s name was Jerusha daughter of Zadok. 2He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done, but unlike him he did not enter the temple of the Lord. The people, however, continued their corrupt practices. 3Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple of the Lord and did extensive work on the wall at the hill of Ophel. 4He built towns in the hill country of Judah and forts and towers in the wooded areas.
5Jotham waged war against the king of the Ammonites and conquered them. That year the Ammonites paid him a hundred talentsa of silver, ten thousand corsb of wheat and ten thousand corsc of barley. The Ammonites brought him the same amount also in the second and third years.
6Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God. (2 Chr. 27)
Thoughts: Jotham reigned mostly while his father, Uzziah, was still alive- though ridden inactive because of his leprosy. He exceeded his father in that he did not enter the Temple to make a sacrifice, but respected the Lord and His wishes. Jotham was a godly leader in a corrupt time. Jotham built up the nation. He added to the Temple and wall of the city. He defended the people against an Ammonite rebellion after his father died. But the key is verse 6: "Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord." God blesses those who are faithful to Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be faithful to you.
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