Thursday, November 21 – 2 Chronicles 27, Isaiah 9

1. How old was Jotham when he began to reign, and how many years did he reign in Jerusalem? (2 Chronicles 27:1)

2. Although it is recorded that “he did what was right in the sight of the Lord,” what is said about the people? (2 Chronicles 27:2, 2 Kings 15:35)

3. What architectural works did Jotham accomplish? (2 Chronicles 27:3, 4)

4. Additionally, what were his military conquests? (2 Chronicles 27:5)

Commentary and Reflection:

The life and ministry of the prophet Isaiah (745–685 B.C.) covered a significant period during which several kings ascended to the throne of Judah in Jerusalem, including Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh. Within this time frame, the prophet Micah also ministered, foretelling that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Another contemporary prophet at the start of Isaiah’s ministry was Hosea, though he served in the kingdom of Israel, while Isaiah’s ministry was based in Jerusalem.

King Jotham was the twelfth king to reign in Jerusalem since David. Despite the unfaithfulness of some of these monarchs, God kept His promise to David, ensuring his descendants remained on the throne. This continuity was essential, as this line of descent from the “sweet psalmist of Israel” would ultimately lead to the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem of Judah.

In Isaiah 9, around the same time that Jotham reigned, the prophet delivered two critical Messianic prophecies:

The first prophecy foretold the ministry of Jesus in Galilee. Over 700 years later, this prediction was fulfilled when Jesus taught along the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee in the regions of Naphtali and Zebulun. Matthew quotes Isaiah’s prophecy, applying it to Jesus at the start of His ministry in Galilee. Here is the citation:

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:

‘The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles:
The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death
Light has dawned.’” (Matthew 4:12-16)

The second prophecy announces the birth of the Son of God, presented in a beautiful poem:

“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

What does “the government upon His shoulder” mean? Does this signify royalty? How long will His reign and peace last?

In the second part of this chapter (verses 8-21), the prophet outlines the sorrowful condition of the people and the apostasy and its tragic consequences. Read these verses and form your conclusions considering the following reflection question:

What are the unavoidable outcomes of ignoring God’s warning through His prophets? Another question for reflection: How could we apply these conclusions to ourselves today?

“God had sent His judgments, not to destroy, but to bring the people to repentance. They failed, however, to accept His messages of reproof, and continued in their wickedness and perversity; therefore additional, and more severe, judgments would inevitably follow.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Isaiah 9:13).

It is my prayer that you experience great blessings today.