Chapter XXVII
Ver. 1-4. JoTHAM, Reig>'ino Well, Prospers. 1. Jotliam was twenty and five years old—(See on 2 Kings
15. 32-3.5.) His mother's name . . . was •Terushah, the daughter of Zadok—or descendant of tlie famous priest of that name. 3. he did that which was right—The general rectitude of his government is described by representing it as conducted on the excellent principles which had guided the early part of his father's reign, the people did yet corruptly—(see 2 Kings 15.35); but the description here is more emphati(t, tliat thougli Jotham did niucli to promote the good of iiis kingdom, and aimed at a tliorougli reformation in religion, tlie widespread and inveterate wickedness of the people frustrated all his laudable efforts. 3. He built the high gate of the house of the Lord—Situated on tlie nortli—tliat portion of tlie temple hill which was liigli compared witli tlie southern part—hence " the higlier," or uyiper gate (2 Kings 15.35). lie built, >. e., repaired or embellished, and on the wall of OpV„j Hebrew, the Opliel, i. e., the mound, or eminence on the south-eastern slope of tlie temple mount, a lidge lying between tlie valleys Kedron and Tyropoeon, called "tlie lower city." [Josephus.] lie "built much," having tlie same desire as iiis father to secure tlio defence of Jerusalem in every direction. 4. in the mountains of .Tudali, and in the forests Itc built castles and towers— t. e., in tlie elevated and wooded spots wlieio
city. The officers of the squadron were, of course, not to blame; they were simply doing their military duty in conducting those prisoners of war to their destination. But Oded clearlj' showed that the Israelitish army had gained the victory—not by the superiority of their arms, but in consequence of the Divinejudgment against Judah; he forcibly exposed the enormity of the oft'once of keeping "their brethren" as slaves got in war; ho protested earnestly against adding this great offence of unnatural and sinful cruelty (Leviticus. 25. 43, 44; Micah 2. 8, 9) to the already overwhelming amount of their own national sins; and such was tlie effect of his spirited ronionstranco, and the opposing tide of popular feeling, " that the armed men left the captives and the spoil before tlie princes and
all the congregation." 15. the men which were expressed by name rose up—These were either the " heads of the children of Ephraim" (mentioned v. 12), or some otiier leading individuals chosen for the benevolent office.
fortified cities could not be placed, he erected castles and towers.
5-9. He StTBDUES THE Ammonites. 5. He fought wUh the king of the Ammonites—Tliis invasion lie not only repelled, but, pursuing the Ammonites into their own territory, imposed on them a yearly triliute, wliich, for two years, they paid; but when Hc/.in, king of Syria, and Pekali, king of Israel, combined to attack the kingdom of Judali, they took the opportunity of revolting, and Jotliam was too distracted by other mutters to attempt the re-conquest (see on 2 Kings 15. 37).
Under their kindly superintendence, the prisoners were not only released, but out of the spoils were comfortably relieved with food and clothing, and conveyed as far as Jericho on tlieir way back to their own homes. This is a beautiful incident, and full of interest, as showing that even at this period of national decline tliere were not a few who steadfastly ailhrred to the law of God. 10. At that time did Iving Ahaz send unto tlic kiii;;s of Assyria — "Kings," the plural for the singular, which in many ancient versions is found. "At that time," refers to the period of Alia/.'s great distress, wlien, after a succession of defeats, he retreated within the walls of Jerusalem, whither—either in the same or a subsequent campaign—the Syrian aiiii Israelitish allies marched to besiege him (see on 2 Kings Ifi. 7-9). Though delivered from