Moreover Uzziah had an army of fighting men, who went out to war by bands, according to the number of their reckoning made by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king’s captains. The whole number of the heads of fathers’ households, even the mighty men of valor, was two thousand six hundred. Under their hand was an army, three hundred seven thousand five hundred, who made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy. Uzziah prepared for them, even for all the army, shields, spears, helmets, coats of mail, bows, and stones for slinging. In Jerusalem, he made devices, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and on the battlements, with which to shoot arrows and great stones. His name spread far abroad, because he was marvelously helped until he was strong.
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2 Chronicles 26:11-15 sits inside this longer paragraph.
He went out and fought against the Philistines, and broke down the wall of Gath, the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod; and he built cities in the country of Ashdod, and among the Philistines. God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians who lived in Gur Baal, and the Meunim. The Ammonites gave tribute to Uzziah. His name spread abroad even to the entrance of Egypt; for he grew exceedingly strong. Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them. He built towers in the wilderness, and dug out many cisterns, for he had much livestock; in the lowland also, and in the plain. He had farmers and vineyard keepers in the mountains and in the fruitful fields, for he loved farming. Moreover Uzziah had an army of fighting men, who went out to war by bands, according to the number of their reckoning made by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king’s captains. The whole number of the heads of fathers’ households, even the mighty men of valor, was two thousand six hundred. Under their hand was an army, three hundred seven thousand five hundred, who made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy. Uzziah prepared for them, even for all the army, shields, spears, helmets, coats of mail, bows, and stones for slinging. In Jerusalem, he made devices, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and on the battlements, with which to shoot arrows and great stones. His name spread far abroad, because he was marvelously helped until he was strong.
Parallel Translations
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Moreover Uzziah had an army of fighting men, who went out to war by bands, according to the number of their reckoning made by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king’s captains.
The whole number of the heads of fathers’ households, even the mighty men of valor, was two thousand six hundred.
Under their hand was an army, three hundred seven thousand five hundred, who made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.
Uzziah prepared for them, even for all the army, shields, spears, helmets, coats of mail, bows, and stones for slinging.
In Jerusalem, he made devices, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and on the battlements, with which to shoot arrows and great stones. His name spread far abroad, because he was marvelously helped until he was strong.
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Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king’s captains.
The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred.
And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.
And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.
And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
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Moreover Uzziah had an army of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their reckoning made by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains.
The whole number of the heads of fathers' houses, even the mighty men of valour, was two thousand and six hundred.
And under their hand was a trained army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.
And Uzziah prepared for them, even for all the host, shields, and spears, and helmets, and coats of mail, and bows, and stones for slinging.
And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by skilful men, to be on the towers and upon the corners, wherewith to shoot arrows and great stones. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
Cross-references (12)
- Exodus 31:4 (v15) to devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in bronze,
- Matthew 4:24 (v15) The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments,…
- 2 Chronicles 2:7 (v15) “Now therefore send me a man skillful to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue, and who knows how…
- 2 Chronicles 2:14 (v15) the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan; and his father was a man of Tyre, skillful to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in iron, in…
- Judges 20:16 (v14) Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred chosen men who were left-handed. Every one of them could sling a stone at a hair and not…
Show all 12 cross-references
- 1 Samuel 17:49 (v14) David put his hand in his bag, took a stone, and slung it, and struck the Philistine in his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and…
- 2 Kings 5:2 (v11) The Syrians had gone out in bands, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maiden; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.
- 2 Chronicles 11:1 (v13) When Rehoboam had come to Jerusalem, he assembled the house of Judah and Benjamin, one hundred eighty thousand chosen men who were…
- 2 Chronicles 13:3 (v13) Abijah joined battle with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men; and Jeroboam set the battle in array…
- 2 Chronicles 14:8 (v13) Asa had an army of three hundred thousand out of Judah who bore bucklers and spears, and two hundred eighty thousand out of Benjamin who…
- 2 Chronicles 17:14-19 (v13) This was the numbering of them according to their fathers’ houses: From Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him…
- 2 Chronicles 25:5 (v13) Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and ordered them according to their fathers’ houses, under captains of thousands and captains of…
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (16 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv12, 15 Of the chief officers of the king’s house, or…
Of the chief officers of the king’s house, or of the captains and sergeants for war.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv11–15 2Ch 26:11 Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting…
2Ch 26:11 Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, [one] of the king’s captains.
Ver. 11. Moreover Uzziah had a host.] Like as Jehoshaphat had afore him, {2Ch 17:14; 2Ch 17:19} whom perhaps he made his pattern for imitation: as Themistocles did Miltiades; as Alexander did Achilles; as Caesar did Alexander, &c.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On v11 That went out to war by bands, i.e. some…
That went out to war by bands, i.e. some bands at one time, and some at another, as occasion required. See Poole "1Ch 27:1", See Poole "2Ch 13:14".
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv11–15 The whole number of the chief of the fathers…
The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand six hundred. Who were the commanders and principal officers of his army; and such a number supposed a large army, as follows.
The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand six hundred. Who were the commanders and principal officers of his army; and such a number supposed a large army, as follows.
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2 Chronicles 26:13
ch2 26:13
ch2 26:13
ch2 26:13And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred,.... Which was larger than that in his father's time by 7500, Ch2 25:5 besides officers:
that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy; they were ready to fight, and fight valiantly, whenever the king had any occasion for them, or the land was invaded.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv14–15 Verse 14. Shields, and spears] He prepared a vast…
Verse 14. Shields, and spears] He prepared a vast number of military weapons, that he might have them in readiness to put into the hands of his subjects on any exigency.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v11 2Ch 26:11. Now therefore deliver the captives — Release…
2Ch 26:11. Now therefore deliver the captives — Release your brethren, whom you have made prisoners, and send them home again with care. For the fierce wrath of the Lord is upon you — And there is no other way of escaping it, but by showing mercy.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv13–15 Compare 2Ch 25:5. It will be seen that Uzziah…
Compare 2Ch 25:5. It will be seen that Uzziah had not added much to the military strength of the nation by his conquests. His army exceeds that of his father Amaziah by 7,500 men only.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv11, 15 Doctor. Heb. shoter. Sept. "judge." Prot. "ruler." H. ---…
Doctor. Heb. shoter. Sept. "judge." Prot. "ruler." H. --- The term is commonly understood of one who executes the sentence of the judge. But this employment does not suit a general, (C.) though such a one might well command. It many denote any "officer." H.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv11, 15 HIS HOST, AND ENGINES OF WAR. (Ch2 26:11-15)
HIS HOST, AND ENGINES OF WAR. (Ch2 26:11-15)
an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands--He raised a strong body of militia, divided into companies or regiments of uniform size, which served in rotation. The enumeration was performed by two functionaries expert in the drawing up of military muster-rolls, under the superintendence of Hananiah, one of the high officers of the crown. The army consisted of 307,500 picked men, under the command of two thousand gallant officers, chiefs or heads of fathers' houses, so that each father's house formed a distinct band. They were fully equipped with every kind of military accoutrements, from brazen helmets, a habergeon or coat of mail, to a sling for stones.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv14–15 14. Habergeons — Coats of mail. See note on…
14. Habergeons — Coats of mail. See note on 1Sa_17:5.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv11–15 11–15 (no parallel in Kings). Uzziah’s Army
11–15 (no parallel in Kings). Uzziah’s Army
11. by bands] This expression indicates that this army was used not for some great war, offensive or defensive, but for marauding or “punitive” expeditions against neighbouring tribes.
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of their account by the hand of Jeiel] R.V. of their reckoning made by Jeiel.
the ruler] R.V. the officer. The same Heb. word (shôṭçr) is used Deu_20:5; Deu_20:8-9.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv11–15 (11) Moreover . . . fighting men.—Literally, And Uzziah…
(11) Moreover . . . fighting men.—Literally, And Uzziah had a host making war (or, doing battle).
That went out to war.—Literally, goers forth in the host.
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By bands.—Or, in troops (lig’dûd)—i.e., in regular array; in organised bodies. Probably each house formed a distinct troop. (See 2Ch_26:13.)
According to the number of their account.—In the number of their muster (pĕquddâh,” census”).
By the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler.—These two royal officials had been entrusted with the draught of the muster rolls. They were “under the hand “—i.e., the direction and superintendence—of Hanamah, who was “one of the king’s captains,” or staff officers.
Under the hand.—Or, at the side ((al y ad) (1Ch_25:2).
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv11–15 That went out to war by bands; Hebrew, dWdgli…
That went out to war by bands; Hebrew, dWdgli ab; x; yaexwOy. The last of these words occurs thirty-three times, and is rendered "troop" ten times, "company" four times, "band" fourteen times, and (too generically) "army "five times. The middle word occurs above four hundred times, is rendered "host" an immense preponderance of these times, and probably should have been so rendered without exception. The first word is the pool participle kal of the familiar verb ax; y; and compels the translation (given literally)," the goers out of the host by hands." Meantime, if the persons here spoken of were leaders, as seems possible, the hiph. participle is required (which would postulate an initial mem for the present initial yod), and a most typical example among some thirty others essentially similar may be quoted from Isa_40:26. Their account by the hand of Jeiel; i.e. their muster tabulated by Jeiel, whose office is mentioned before in our 2Ch_25:11. Under the hand of Hananiah. That is, Hananiah was head of the whole matter of the registering, etc.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v15 For he was marvellously helped till he was strong.
2Ch_26:15
For he was marvellously helped till he was strong.
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Marvellously helped till strong
Two kinds of help, natural and supernatural.
1. A time when we cannot help ourselves. Infancy.
2. A time of growth, when we can help ourselves. Youth, manhood.
3. When thus strong the supernatural help ceases.
Not less provision made on that account. There is joy and co-operation with God. As an earthly father requires to be obeyed and served, beholds strength and disposition to co-operate, so the heavenly Father, etc. (G. Matheson.)
Prosperity
I. Uzziahs prosperity.
1. The particulars of his prosperity.
(1) He prospered in war. He had an army of 307,500 men, over whom were 2,600 mighty and valorous captains. All were fully equipped for service. With these soldiers Uzziah fought against the Philistines, the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal, the Mehunims and the Amorites, and in each case he was victorious.
(2) He prospered in building. He repaired and fortified the walls of Jerusalem, reared towers a hundred and fifty cubits high (Josephus), built walled towns in the desert, and made channels for the conveyance of water.
(3) He prospered in agriculture. He planted it with all sorts of plants, and sowed it with all sorts of seeds.
(4) Uzziahs prosperity appears to have been general. He did not keep up a great military establishment at the expense of other departments. His name spread far abroad, and he was acknowledged to be an illustrious and a highly-favoured prince.
2. The author of his prosperity. This was God (Uzziah signifies strength from Jehovah.) He was marvellously helped. God helped him against his enemies, and in all he undertook. It might have been otherwise. Instead of victory he might have experienced defeat. His building and agricultural schemes might have proved unsuccessful. It is always well to set the Lord at our right hand. We may plough and plant, but He only can cause the seed to germinate, and grow, and fructify. We may contrive and work, but He only can bless our endeavours.
3. The secret of Uzziahs prosperity. It is distinctly set forth in the fifth verse of this (26) chapter, He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and so long as he sought the Lord God made him to prosper. What is there that God cannot do for a man who takes Him into his counsels? He can help him marvellously. He can exalt valleys and level mountains, make crooked places straight and rough places plain. He can bring clients into the office and ready-money customers into the shop. He has the hearts of all men in His hands, and all the forces of the universe; and He can do whatsoever He will.
II. Uzziahs pride.
1. His prosperity made him proud. His heart was lifted up. A great change for the worse was wrought in him. Whether it was brought about suddenly or gradually we are not told. We assume that Uzziah did not become proud all at once. He who had formerly recognised God as the prime cause of his splendid achievements became wilfully blind, and we shall soon see what effect this had upon his conduct.
2. His pride led him into presumption. The tendency of pride is to make men giddy, and as the result their vision is beclouded, their judgment is perverted.
(1) The occasion of his presumption. Josephus tells us that it was a remarkable day, a general festival, and we are left to supply the rest.
(2) The nature of his presumption. He usurped the office of the priest. There are hereditary moral diseases as well as those which are physical and mental. Uzziahs folly was in some respects a reproduction of the folly of which Amaziah his father had been guilty.
III. Uzziahs punishment.
1. He was resisted in his attempt to do that which was unlawful; resisted by the proper guardians of the temple. Azariah, the high priest, seeing what he was about to do, went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the Lord, who were valiant men. No time was lost (verse. 18).
2. He was smitten with leprosy. The leprosy rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord. There was the bright scaly spot which told its own terrible tale--the mark of Gods disapprobation, and it was on his brow, where all could see it.
3. He was thrust out of the temple as unclean. It was not necessary, however, to use force; conscious that God had smitten him, he hurried out, self-condemned, probably shrieking out his woe, and cursing his folly.
4. He was separated from society (Lev_13:46).
5. He, being a leper, was buried alone. Josephus tells us that he was buried by himself in his own garden. In all likelihood his resting-place was a field or garden adjoining the usual burial-place of the kings.
Lessons:
1. God is the giver of prosperity.
2. Prosperous men are in danger of becoming proud.
3. Pride is often followed by presumption.
4. Presumption is sure of punishment. (J. Baker Norton.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv11, 14 Jeiel ... Maaseiah, the officer ... Hananiah
Jeiel ... Maaseiah, the officer ... Hananiah
These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)
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the leaders of the families who led the mighty men
"the family leaders who led the mighty men"
2,600 ... 307,500
"two thousand six hundred ... three hundred seven thousand five hundred" (See: Numbers)
Under their hand was an army
Here "their hand" represents their authority. AT: "Under their authority was an army" or "They commanded an army" (See: Metonymy)
translationWords
scribe
authority
commander
head
house
might
power
adversary
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v11 26:11-14 Uzziah’s large and well-equipped army enabled him to…
26:11-14 Uzziah’s large and well-equipped army enabled him to expand and defend his territory. His name has been found on a fragmentary text of Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria, identifying Uzziah as head of a coalition.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.