Synopsis of the Chapter
The pious Jotham triumphs over the Ammonites and imposes an annual tribute on them; his impious son Ahaz succeeds him.
Verse 2: He Did Not Enter the Temple ¶
2. EXCEPT THAT HE DID NOT ENTER THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD — to burn incense, as his father Uzziah had done; that is to say, Jotham imitated his father's piety, but not the rashness with which he burned incense, which was the office of the priests.
AND THE PEOPLE STILL ACTED CORRUPTLY — by their habitual practice of sacrificing on the high places. This was an inveterate and common evil of the people; therefore Jotham, fearing their offense and rebellion, did not dare to remove it. Josephus, book 9, chapter 11, gives this eulogy of Jotham: "No virtue was lacking to him — pious toward God, just toward men, and devoted to the commonwealth."
Verse 3: He Built the High Gate and Ophel ¶
3. HE BUILT (restored, enlarged, adorned) THE HIGH GATE OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD — namely the eastern gate, through which was the main entrance to the temple from the front, which was the principal and loftiest gate.
AND ON THE WALL OF OPHEL — this was a tower in Jerusalem so exceedingly high that looking from its summit made the eyes grow dim. For 'Ophel' in Hebrew signifies dimness or darkness. See what was said on Isaiah 32:14. Hear Adrichomius in his Description of Jerusalem, number 55: "Ophel, which Josephus calls Ophla, was a tower of enormous height, as if thrusting its head into a cloud, a fortified citadel girded by a strong wall, near the temple, yet outside the wall that enclosed the habitation of the priests. On its wall King Jotham built much. And Manasseh restored the city walls up to that point. The Nethinim dwelt in it. Menahem the tyrant, fleeing into it, was captured and killed. The same was burned by the soldiers of Titus."