And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.
2 CHRONICLES 27:2KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 27:2 mean?
2 Chronicles 27:2 describes how King Jotham did what was right in God’s eyes, following the good example of his father Uzziah, but unlike his father, Jotham did not enter the temple of the LORD. However, the people of Judah continued to act corruptly during his reign.
This verse is part of a summary about King Jotham’s rule over Judah. The writer notes that while Jotham personally remained faithful and avoided his father’s mistake of unlawfully entering the temple, the general population did not follow his example and continued in wrongdoing. The verse highlights the difference between a leader’s actions and the behavior of the people they lead.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 27:2
- "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means "upright" or "straight," often used in the Bible to describe moral or ethical correctness. Here, it emphasizes that Jotham’s actions were in line with what God considers good.
- "corruptly" (שָׁחַת, shachath): This word means to act destructively or ruinously. The verse uses it to show that, despite Jotham’s good leadership, the people’s behavior was still morally damaged or spoiled.
Why 2 Chronicles 27:2 matters
- The verse clarifies that even a good and faithful leader cannot always change the hearts or actions of the people, showing a distinction between personal faithfulness and communal behavior.
- By mentioning that Jotham did not enter the temple of the LORD, the verse points back to his father Uzziah’s mistake (which led to Uzziah’s punishment), highlighting Jotham’s wisdom in avoiding the same error.
- This verse sets up a contrast that runs through the book: the actions of kings versus the spiritual state of the people, a recurring theme in the history of Judah.