2 Chronicles 27:2 (NKJV)

And he (Jotham) did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done (although he did not enter the temple of the Lord). But still the people acted corruptly.

Eisegesis: 

How many blessings have you missed out on by not attending church?

Exegesis:   

This passage is not talking about blessings associated with attending church. In fact, in this context, it was good that Jotham did not enter the temple, and it was an act of obedience.

Some teachers have wrongly quoted this verse (mainly to kids) to explain the importance of Church attendance. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with teaching about church attendance or the importance of fellowship with believers; however, the use of this scripture is inaccurate.  

In the case of Jotham, not going into the temple was not wrong; rather, it was very good. Here’s why.

King Uzziah (Jotham’s father) was a good king, but he disobeyed the Lord when he went into the temple and offered incense which only the priest had the right to do (2 Chronicles 26:16-20).

Uzziah’s pride and arrogance regarding the temple rituals resulted in him having “leprosy until the day he died” (2 Chronicles 26:21).

So in context, the fact that Jotham “did not enter the temple of the Lord” means he did not repeat his father’s mistake. Where his father Uzziah had proudly assumed the high priest’s office, Jotham was more obedient to the temple rituals and understood the boundaries set by God for Kings and Priests.

This passage offers a powerful lesson about humility, obedience, and learning from the mistakes of others. Jotham’s decision to avoid entering the temple reflects his respect for God’s boundaries and his wisdom in avoiding the sins of his father, Uzziah. Rather than using this verse to emphasize church attendance, it should be understood as a reminder that obedience to God is about aligning our actions with His Word and His will.

Charles Spurgeon captures the heart of this lesson: “It is a great mercy for us, when we have seen others sin, if we use their shipwrecks as beacons for ourselves. What fascination should there be in sin?” The story of Jotham reminds us that spiritual wisdom includes learning from the consequences of others’ disobedience, staying humble, and honoring God’s commands in every aspect of our lives.