south and west. In the Temple of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40:6 -16, 20 -22, 24-27) only three gates are

mentioned: North, East, and South.

** For this wall see 1 Kings 6:36; 7:12. Comp. Josephus, Ant. 8. 3, 9.

Thus the worshippers, or at least those who brought sacrifices, would have to enter by this

northern gate which Jotham rebuilt. As the inner or upper court lay on a higher level, we find that

in the Temple of Ezekiel eight steps are said to lead up to it (Ezekiel 40:31, 34, 37), and such was

probably also the case in the Temple of Solomon. Close to this "higher gate" - at the right hand, as

you entered it - the chest for the collection of money for the Temple repairs had been placed by

Jehoiada (2 Kings 12:9). Lastly, from its designation by Ezekiel (8:5), as "the gate of the altar," we

infer that it formed the common access for those who offered sacrifices . Its later name of "new

gate" was due to its reconstruction by Jotham, while the passages in which it is mentioned indicate

that this was the place where the princes and priests were wont to communicate with the people

assembled in the outer court (Jeremiah 26:10; 36:10).

Nor were the operations of Jotham confined to Jerusalem. "And cities he built in Mount Judah [the

hill country], and in the forests [or thickets, where towns could not be built], castles [forts], and

towns [no doubt for security]." To complete the record of that reign we add that the expedition of

the previous reign against Ammon was resumed, and the Ammonites were forced to pay an annual

tribute, not only of the produce of their fertile lands (10,000 Kor* of wheat and as many of

barley), but of a hundred talents of silver, or about. 37,500 pounds.** But, as the sacred text

implies (2 Chronicles 27:5), this tribute was only paid during three years.

* The Kor (more anciently designated Homer or rather Chomer)= ten Ephah - thirty Seah=10 0

Omer or Issaron ("tenth," viz. of an Ephah)= 180 Qabh ( bq; ). According to the Rabbis the Qabh

held = twenty-four egg shells. Roughly speaking, the Kor would be less than "a quarter."

** I am following the calculations of Schrader (Keilinschr. u. d. A . Test. pp. 142 -144, and in the

Article in Riehm's Hand-W. According to Herzfeld (Handelsgesch, p. 172), the sum would amount

to 18,800 pounds, but his computation is based on a misconception.

In the fourth, probably the last year of Jotham's reign, it ceased, no doubt in consequence of the

Syro -Israelitish league against Judah, which was apparently joined by the neighboring tribes who

had hitherto been subject to Uzziah and Jotham. Lastly, of the internal condition of the country, of

its prosperity, wealt h, and commerce, but also of its luxury and its sins, a vivid picture has been

left in those prophecies of warning judgment which form the opening chapters of the Book of

Isaiah (chap. 1:5-6.).

Jotham himself only witnessed the approach of the calamities which were so soon to befall Judah.

In the northern kingdom Pekah must have found himself in the midst of turbulent elements. Even

if he had not to defend his crown against another pretender,* the disorganized condition of the

country, the necessity of ke eping the people engaged in undertakings that would divert them from

domestic affairs, as well as the obvious desirableness of forming foreign alliances to support his

throne - perhaps even more ambitious plans - must have made the thirty years** of this military

usurper a period of sore trouble in Israel.

* Some writers have supposed that there was such during the first period after the revolution

headed by Pekah.

** One year contemporarily with Uzziah; sixteen years contemporarily with Jotham; twelve years

contemporarily with Ahaz = twenty-nine, or, allowing for the mode of reckoning years: thirty