2 Chronicles 27 3

2 Chronicles 27:3 kjv

He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.

2 Chronicles 27:3 nkjv

He built the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD, and he built extensively on the wall of Ophel.

2 Chronicles 27:3 niv

Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple of the LORD and did extensive work on the wall at the hill of Ophel.

2 Chronicles 27:3 esv

He built the upper gate of the house of the LORD and did much building on the wall of Ophel.

2 Chronicles 27:3 nlt

Jotham rebuilt the upper gate of the Temple of the LORD. He also did extensive rebuilding on the wall at the hill of Ophel.

2 Chronicles 27 verses

2 Chronicles 27 3 Meaning

King Jotham of Judah diligently undertook significant building projects during his reign, focusing specifically on fortifying and enhancing the Upper Gate of the Lord's Temple and extending the defensive walls situated on the Ophel ridge of Jerusalem. This demonstrates his wise and devoted leadership, prioritizing both the sacred House of God and the security of his kingdom's capital.

2 Chronicles 27 3 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 27 describes the reign of King Jotham of Judah, emphasizing his character as a righteous king who "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (2 Chron 27:2). He notably avoided the prideful sin of his father, Uzziah, who unlawfully entered the Temple to burn incense (2 Chron 26:16-21). This verse highlights Jotham's constructive leadership. Historically, Jotham reigned in the mid-8th century BC, a period of increasing Assyrian expansion. Fortifying Jerusalem, particularly the Temple and city walls, was crucial for national security and reflected a king dedicated to the well-being and spiritual integrity of his kingdom.

2 Chronicles 27 3 Word analysis

• He built (וַיִּבְנֶה - vayyivne, from the verb בָּנָה - banah): This Hebrew verb denotes more than mere construction; it signifies establishment, creation, restoration, or even raising up. In the context of Jotham, it implies active, intentional effort in fortifying and improving structures, a sign of capable and productive leadership.
• the Upper Gate (שַׁעַר הָעֶלְיוֹן - sha'ar ha'elyon): This specific gate belonged "of the house of the Lord." Its exact location within the Temple complex is debated among scholars but suggests a prominent or strategically important entrance, possibly on the northern side, providing access to inner courts or linking the Temple to the royal palace or other parts of the city. Rebuilding or strengthening it indicated a focus on the functionality and security of the Temple itself.
• of the house of the Lord (בֵּית יְהוָה - beit YHVH): This refers to the First Temple in Jerusalem, built by Solomon, which served as the spiritual and religious center for the kingdom of Judah, the dwelling place of God's presence, and the place of worship and sacrifice. Maintenance and enhancement of its structures symbolized devotion to God and the purity of worship.
• and did much building (וּבְחֹמַת עֹפֶל רַב בָּנָה - uvachomat Ophel rav banah): This phrase literally translates to "and on the wall of Ophel, much he built," emphasizing the extent and scale of his construction efforts on the city walls. It implies significant investment, resourcefulness, and diligent application, not just minor repairs.
• on the wall of Ophel (חֹמַת עֹפֶל - chomat Ophel): The Ophel (עֹפֶל) was a fortified mound or ridge forming a significant part of ancient Jerusalem, extending south from the Temple Mount. It was part of the original "City of David." Reinforcing this wall was a critical military undertaking, bolstering Jerusalem's defenses against potential invaders, particularly given the rising geopolitical tensions in the region during Jotham's era. This continuous work on the city's defenses built upon earlier efforts, like those of King David and Uzziah, to make Jerusalem impregnable.

2 Chronicles 27 3 Bonus section

• The chronicler implicitly contrasts Jotham's humble obedience with his father Uzziah's pride that led to his downfall. Jotham built the Temple Gate but did not enter the Temple in defiance, showing genuine fear of the Lord.
• The "Upper Gate" could be identical to the "New Gate" mentioned in Jer 26:10 and Jer 36:10, suggesting a significant, possibly re-imagined or rebuilt, entrance into the Temple area.
• Jotham's reign occurred simultaneously with the beginning of the prophetic ministries of Isaiah, Hosea, Amos, and Micah, indicating that even in times of relative prosperity and good kingship, divine warnings and calls to righteousness were being issued.
• The continued fortification of the Ophel demonstrates a sustained, long-term strategy for Jerusalem's defense, adapting and enhancing existing structures to meet evolving security challenges. This region saw later significant building activities under Hezekiah and Nehemiah, underscoring its enduring strategic importance.

2 Chronicles 27 3 Commentary

Jotham's reign is depicted as a time of stability and spiritual faithfulness, underscored by his building activities. The chronicler emphasizes that Jotham's building of the Upper Gate of the Temple signified a commitment to God's house and true worship. This was not mere aesthetics but practical enhancement of a crucial sacred space. His extensive work on the wall of Ophel demonstrated his concern for national security and the protection of his people. Such large-scale public works projects were typical of righteous and effective kings, signaling a period of peace and divine blessing for the kingdom of Judah. Jotham's foresight in strengthening the capital's defenses proved vital as the Assyrian threat loomed. His actions contrast sharply with the neglect or idolatry of some other kings, serving as a model of leadership that honored God through prudent governance and the upkeep of both the sacred and civic infrastructure.