2 Chronicles – Chapter 27

Old Testament9 Verses

Chapter Summary

2 Chronicles 27 opens with the words: "Joatham was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: the name of his mother was Jerusa…" David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 9 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's kingdom and kingship. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Joatham was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: the name of his mother was Jerusa the daughter of Sadoc.

2And he did that which was right before the Lord, according to all that Ozias his father had done, only that he entered not into the temple of the Lord, and the people still transgressed.

3He built the high gate of the house of the Lord, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.

4Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Juda, and castles and towers in the forests.

5He fought against the king of the children of Ammon, and overcame them, and the children of Ammon gave him at that time a hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and as many measures of barley: so much did the children of Ammon give him in the second and third year.

6And Joatham was strengthened, because he had his way directed before the Lord his God.

7Now the rest of the acts of Joatham, and all his wars, and his works, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Juda.

8He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.

9And Joatham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Achaz his son reigned in his stead.

Important Verses in 2 Chronicles 27

Joatham was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: the name of his mother was Jerusa the daughter of Sadoc.

2 Chronicles 27:1

And Joatham was strengthened, because he had his way directed before the Lord his God.

2 Chronicles 27:6

And Joatham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Achaz his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 27:9

Historical Context

2 Chronicles belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for the restored community, urged to keep worship pure and hearts humble. Chapter 27 of 36 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 9 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "Joatham was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: the name of…" The chapter ends with: "And Joatham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Achaz his son reigned in his stead. " Read against its original backdrop, Second Chronicles spans from Solomon's Temple to the decree of Cyrus allowing the exiles to return home. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of 2 Chronicles around After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler')

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

In this 9-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of Temple worship and Judah's kings. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Joatham was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: the name of his mother was Jerusa the daughter of…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 461). Here, the Temple liturgy prefigures the Church's worship (CIC 1093). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize family and covenant relationships as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that True worship requires a pure heart. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 2 Chronicles 27 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • God's presence casts out fear; His command 'Be not afraid' echoes throughout salvation history.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

The late section of 2 Chronicles—Chapter 27 of 36—opens a particular moment in the story of Temple worship and Judah's kings.

According to Catholic teaching, the Temple liturgy prefigures the Church's worship (CIC 1093). This chapter especially highlights the role of the sacraments in sanctification, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 721).

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 958) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Chronicles Chapter 27 about?

2 Chronicles 27 contains 9 verses. It opens with "Joatham was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: the name of…" and closes with "And Joatham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Achaz his son reigned in his stead. ". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in 2 Chronicles 27?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Joatham was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: the name of his mother was Jerusa the daughter of Sadoc." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Chronicles Chapter 27?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote 2 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler'). After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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