2 Chronicles 27 8

2 Chronicles 27:8 kjv

He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 27:8 nkjv

He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 27:8 niv

He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years.

2 Chronicles 27:8 esv

He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 27:8 nlt

He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years.

2 Chronicles 27 verses

2 Chronicles 27 8 Meaning

2 Chronicles 27:8 describes King Jotham's building activities during his reign, highlighting his efforts to strengthen and secure the kingdom of Judah. It states that he constructed cities in the hill country of Judah, as well as forts and towers in the wooded areas. These actions signify his responsible governance, strategic foresight, and the prosperity and strength that characterized his rule.

2 Chronicles 27 8 Context

King Jotham reigned for 16 years, succeeding his father Uzziah. His reign is primarily presented as righteous, directly contrasting with Uzziah's later sin of presuming priestly duties (2 Chr 26) and his own son Ahaz's subsequent wickedness (2 Chr 28). This verse follows the assertion in 2 Chronicles 27:6 that "Jotham grew powerful because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God." His building projects, as described in verse 8, are thus portrayed as a direct consequence and manifestation of his godliness and the favor he received from God. They represent a period of peace, prosperity, and consolidation of power within Judah. Fortification was a standard duty of kings in the ancient Near East, crucial for defense, economic stability, and territorial control against potential threats.

2 Chronicles 27 8 Word analysis

• He also built: The Hebrew word bānāh (בָּנָה) signifies an active process of construction, establishing, and strengthening. The repetition of bānāh in the Hebrew text for "cities" and for "forts and towers" (implied after "built") underscores Jotham's extensive and diverse construction program, highlighting his industry and thoroughness.
• cities: ‘ārîm (עָרִים), plural of ‘îr (עִיר), refers to established urban centers or towns. Building or fortifying these would enhance the kingdom's infrastructure, protect its population, and facilitate economic activities.
• in the hill country of Judah: bəhar Yəhūḏāh (בְּהַר יְהוּדָה) denotes the central, elevated spine of the tribal territory of Judah. This region was strategically vital due to its defensive advantages, fertile valleys, and importance for agriculture and trade routes. Kings often prioritized securing this area.
• and forts: The Hebrew word is bîrāniyyōt (בִּירָנִיּוֹת), a less common term for strongholds or fortified places, distinct from the more frequent miṣad (מִצָּד). It can refer to a castle, citadel, or heavily fortified outpost. This implies substantial, robust defensive structures, possibly administrative centers in key locations.
• and towers: ūmiḡdālîm (וּמִגְדָּלִים), plural of miḡdāl (מִגְדָּל), typically refers to watchtowers or fortified towers. These structures were crucial for observation, defense, and controlling specific routes or territories. They could be standalone or integrated into larger fortifications.
• in the wooded areas: ūvaḥōrāšîm (וּבַחֳרָשִׁים) translates to "in the forests" or "wooded thickets." These were often less accessible, rugged, and potentially vulnerable areas that required active securing. Building fortifications here indicates Jotham's commitment to securing the entire kingdom, including remote or difficult terrain, perhaps to guard against banditry or incursions through less conventional routes, or to secure natural resources.
• Cities in hill country and forts in wooded areas: This grouping highlights a dual strategy: developing and protecting established population centers in the core territory, while also fortifying more remote or rugged frontiers, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to national security and infrastructure development. The emphasis is on active, purposeful construction for defense and stability, mirroring Jotham's dedication mentioned in verse 6.

2 Chronicles 27 8 Bonus section

The building projects under King Jotham echo similar activities by other righteous kings like Asa and Uzziah, demonstrating a consistent theme in the Deuteronomistic history (reflected in Chronicles) where wise and God-fearing governance includes robust defense and infrastructure. The mention of "wooded areas" (חֹרֶשׁ, ḥōresh) often refers to wilderness or less cultivated, rugged regions, suggesting Jotham’s efforts to establish control and security over the periphery of his kingdom, perhaps where marauders might hide or where there were strategic natural resources. This also subtly reflects God's blessings that allow a king to expand and strengthen his domain, signifying prosperity in a broader sense beyond mere wealth.

2 Chronicles 27 8 Commentary

2 Chronicles 27:8 succinctly captures Jotham's significant accomplishments as a builder king, directly linking his practical actions to his spiritual integrity mentioned earlier in verse 6. His reign was marked by strength and success because he diligently walked with God. The construction of cities in the vital hill country of Judah enhanced urban infrastructure and protected the populace. Furthermore, fortifying "wooded areas" with strongholds and towers indicates a sophisticated and comprehensive defense strategy, extending protection to more remote or challenging territories, possibly securing resource areas or vulnerable borders. This verse serves as an example of responsible, divinely favored leadership that actively invests in the physical security and well-being of the kingdom, a pattern often seen in good kings throughout Israelite history.