Ver. 1. Jotham was twenty and five years old.] Twenty and five he was years old when his father was stricken with leprosy; from which time he reigned as king, even in his father’s days: after whose death the kingdom was more solemnly stablished to him alone. Hence he is said then to have begun his reign; and then was Ahaz twenty years old, Jotham being about forty.
Ver. 2. And he did that which was right.] See 2 Kings 15:34. Josephus saith that no virtue was wanting unto him, and that he was pious, just, public spirited, &c. Howbeit he entered not into the temple,] viz., To encroach upon the priest’s office; to serve God, no doubt but he entered into it frequently. And the people did yet corruptly.] By sacrificing and burning incense still in the high places, (2 Kings 15:35) though Isaiah, Hosea, Micah, and other holy prophets then living showed them their sin. To this day, people will not leave their old evil customs, though never so much preached down.
Ver. 3. He built the high gate.] See 2 Kings 15:35. And on the wall of Ophel.] This was, saith Adrichomius, a tower of exceeding great height, quasi nube caput inserens, seeming to reach to the very clouds; it was also a strong fort near unto the temple; the habitation of the Nethinims. (Nehemiah 3:26 11:21) It was burnt by Titus’ soldiers. See 2 Chronicles 36:19.
Ver. 4. He built castles and towers.] For defence against the invasion of enemies.
Ver. 5. Both the second year, and the third.] After which, it is like, he exacted not so much of them.
Ver. 6. So Jotham became mighty.] The Hebrews think that he was perfect and without blame, as his name signifieth; like as Valerian the emperor said of his successor Probus, that he was vere probus very honest, and had not his name for nought: he was kind to the Christians, and therefore blessed by God with many victories against the barbarians. Because he prepared his ways before the Lord.] Or, He established, i.e., he was constant in a good course; so was neither his father nor grandfather.
Ver. 7. And his ways,] i.e., His counsels, actions, whole course.
Ver. 8. He was five and twenty years old.] See on 2 Chronicles 27:1. This is here repeated, to show that he persevered in well doing to his death, saith the Gloss here.
Ver. 9. And Ahaz his son reigned.] And wrought a woeful change, being optimi patris pessimus filius.