annotated_annals/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/27:1-9.md

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2025-05-07 08:19:46 -04:00
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title = "2 Chronicles 27:19"
date = "2025-05-07"
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### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Chronicles27.1-9)
The reign of Uzziah's son Jotham can be considered a case study in generational faithfulness.
Uzziah held the throne for longer than any other king of Judah.
Except for the time he thought he could worship the Lord on his own terms, Uzziah was faithful to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In the same way, and without any sin recorded in history, Jotham "did what was right in the eyes of the <span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps">Lord</span>". (_v. 2_)
Some examples of his faithfulness are given, which include the building of the upper gate of the temple and the wall of Ophel.
God's approval of Jotham is shown in his military victory over the Ammonites, who paid tribute to him year after year.
The one negative thing that is mentioned about Jotham's reign is that the people did not follow Uzziah's or Jotham's example.
They "still followed corrupt practices". (_v. 2_)
This phrase indicates that they were mixing their worship of the Lord with pagan religious practices.
Some historians have tried to cast doubt on the Bible by showing evidence that the ancient Israelites did not worship only one God.
This falls apart if one reads the historical narratives of the Old Testament at all, because it clearly says over and over how Israel was unfaithful to the Lord.
Syncretism is exactly what we would expect archaeology to show us.
I mentioned at the start "generational faithfulness" because Uzziah's faith was passed down to his son, but we shall see that it was not passed down to his grandson Ahaz.
The people did not follow the faith of their king (the value of which depends on whether it is the right faith, in the true God).
Greater positions of authority have greater responsibility to teach the truth to those under them.
Parents to children, rulers to constituents, kings to subjects.
If truth is not taught, then the next generation will learn lies from someone else.
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Teach us Your ways and do not let us stray from them.