(6) So Jotham became mighty.--The chronicler's customary phrase. "Strengthened himself," "gained strength" (2 Chronicles 13:21).
Because he prepared.--For he directed hisways (Proverbs 21:29; comp. also 2 Chronicles 12:14; 2 Chronicles 20:33). Jotham directed his ways "before," i.e., in the chronicler's usage, "to meet," "towards" Jehovah his God. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 12:17; 1 Samuel 7:3.) "Direct your heart towards Jehovah." Perhaps, however, "before" simply means "as in the sight of" Jehovah. (Comp. Genesis 17:1, "walk before me.")
The verse is a moral reflection of the writer on the preceding facts.
Verse 6. - The virtue of the reflection of this verse is apparent. Prepared; Hebrew, הֵכִין; Revised Version, ordered; with some others (such as "set straight," etc.), a good rendering in keeping with other Old Testament renderings of words betokening moral habitude.
27:1-9 Jotham's reign in Judah. - The people did corruptly. Perhaps Jotham was wanting towards the reformation of the land. Men may be very good, and yet not have courage and zeal to do what they might. It certainly casts blame upon the people. Jotham prospered, and became mighty. The more stedfast we are in religion, the more mighty we are, both to resist evil, and to do good. The Lord often removes wise and pious rulers, and sends others, whose follies and vices punish a people that valued not their mercies.
So Jotham became mighty,.... Having built towers and castles, and fortified cities, and conquered his enemies:
because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God; ordered, directed, and guided them according to the word and will of God, and walked as in the sight of God, having the fear of him continually before him.
Because he prepared.--For he directed his ways (Proverbs 21:29; comp. also 2 Chronicles 12:14; 2 Chronicles 20:33). Jotham directed his ways "before," i.e., in the chronicler's usage, "to meet," "towards" Jehovah his God. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 12:17; 1 Samuel 7:3.) "Direct your heart towards Jehovah." Perhaps, however, "before" simply means "as in the sight of" Jehovah. (Comp. Genesis 17:1, "walk before me.")
The verse is a moral reflection of the writer on the preceding facts.
because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God; ordered, directed, and guided them according to the word and will of God, and walked as in the sight of God, having the fear of him continually before him.