Bible Commentaries

2 Chronicles 27:3. On the wall of Ophel he built much. Villapandus, in his plan of Jerusalem, places Ophel on the east of the city, and near the temple. Its tower was said to touch the clouds. The Nethinims, the Gibeonites had houses under this wall.

REFLECTIONS.

The good, though afflicted Uzziah, was singularly happy in having Jotham, a good son, who filled the throne of his father, and walked in all his father’s ways. And what greater joy can a parent ask? This is a happy fruit of a religious education, and more so of a religious connection in marriage, his mother being the daughter of Zadok the highpriest; that is, a daughter descended of his house. It is often better to marry a good man’s daughter than a king’s daughter, for virtue has an interest which cannot be attained by blood.

Jotham’s reign was not long, but it was happy, and served to illustrate the covenant faithfulness of God. He prospered in all he did, and no enemy was allowed to hurt him. He not only retained the glory of his father’s power, but added Ammon to his surrounding tributary states. He fortified his country, adorned it with works, and died in peace.

The corruption and ruin of nations have their seat in the hearts and habits of the people. Though Uzziah and Jotham had reigned piously for sixty eight years; yet “the people still did corruptly.” The germ of idolatry, ever lurking in their hearts, was ready to make a rapid shoot on the least favourable occasion, and to bring the wrath of God on the nation. Here is the cause of Israel’s ruin; and here is instruction for the christian church. Believer, beware of lurking idols, beware of indolent habits. They may do for thy soul the same awful things they once did for the Lord’s covenant nation. Israel was not worthy of so good a king, and the Lord removed him from the evils suspended over the heads of so guilty a nation.