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
This phrase highlights the moral and spiritual integrity of Jotham, the king of Judah. The Hebrew word for "right" is "yashar," which conveys a sense of uprightness and righteousness. In the context of the Old Testament, doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD implies adherence to God's commandments and a heart aligned with His will. Jotham's actions are measured against divine standards, emphasizing the importance of living a life pleasing to God. This sets a precedent for believers to seek God's approval above all else.

just as his father Uzziah had done
Jotham's father, Uzziah, was also known for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD, particularly in the early years of his reign. This phrase suggests a legacy of faithfulness and obedience to God passed down from father to son. The historical context reveals that Uzziah's reign was marked by prosperity and military success, attributed to his faithfulness. However, Uzziah's later years were marred by pride, leading to his downfall. Jotham's continuation of his father's early righteous deeds, while avoiding his mistakes, serves as a reminder of the importance of learning from the past and maintaining humility before God.

except he did not enter the temple of the LORD
This phrase distinguishes Jotham's actions from those of his father, Uzziah, who unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, an act reserved for priests, resulting in his affliction with leprosy. The Hebrew word for "enter" is "bo," indicating a physical act of going into a place. Jotham's decision not to enter the temple reflects his respect for God's laws and the established priestly duties. It underscores the importance of understanding and respecting the boundaries set by God, highlighting the theme of obedience and reverence in worship.

But the people still behaved corruptly
Despite Jotham's personal righteousness, the people of Judah continued in their corrupt ways. The Hebrew word for "corruptly" is "shachath," which means to spoil, ruin, or act wickedly. This phrase indicates a disconnect between the king's righteous leadership and the moral state of the nation. It serves as a sobering reminder that individual righteousness does not automatically translate to national reform. The persistence of corruption among the people highlights the need for personal repentance and revival, emphasizing that true change requires a collective turning back to God.

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.