Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 26

Verse 1

Then. This chapter largely complementary to 2 Kings 15:1-7 .

Uzziah. Another spelling is Azariah. In Chronicles and the Prophets it is usually Uzziah, except in 1 Chronicles 3:12 .

Verse 2

king: i.e. Amaziah.

slept with his fathers. See note on Deuteronomy 31:16 .

Verse 3

began to reign. 2 Kings 15:1 says he began to reign in the 27th of Jeroboam. This leaves a gap of thirteen years (714-701). See App-50 .

Verse 4

right. Compare 2 Chronicles 25:2 and 2 Kings 15:3 .

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Verse 5

God. Hebrew. Elohim. with Art. = the [true] God. App-4 .

who had understanding in the visions of God. This is the Figure of speech Periphrasis ( App-6 ) for a prophet.

and. Note: a more or less complete Polysyndeton runs through this account of Uzziah, to emphasize the details.

Verse 6

Jabneh, now " Yebnah ". Between Joppa and Ashdod, on northern boundary of Judah.

cities = fortresses.

Verse 7

Mehuniins. See note on 2 Chronicles 20:1 and 1 Chronicles 4:41 .

Verse 8

spread abroad. Compare 2 Chronicles 26:15 , and see Structure above.

Verse 11

host = force.

by bands = troops, or for foray.

by the hand = under the direction of.

Verse 12

chiefs = head.

the mighty men. Hebrew. gibbor. App-14 .

Verse 14

habergeons = bucklers, or coats of mail.

Verse 15

engines. The Roman balista, or catapults that would cast stones up to 300 lb. a quarter of a mile.

Cunning. Old Eng. = knowing, or skilful.

marvellously helped: or, marvelled at for being helped.

till he was strong. This is the zone of real danger. When we are weak, then are we strong (2 Corinthians 12:9 , 2 Corinthians 12:10 ; 2 Corinthians 13:4 ).

Verse 16

when he was strong. See note on 2 Chronicles 26:15 .

transgressed. Hebrew. ma'al. App-44 .

Verse 17

valiant men = sons of valour.

Verse 18

consecrated = sanctified, or set apart. See note on Exodus 28:41 .

trespassed. Same word as "transgressed" (2 Chronicles 26:16 ).

Verse 19

was wroth. One of eleven rulers offended with God's faithful servants. See note on Exodus 10:28 .

the leprosy. One of nine so affected. See note on Exodus 4:6 . The death penalty of Numbers 18:7 was thus limited.

in his forehead. In contrast with the high priest's frontlet, "Holiness to Jehovah".

Verse 20

the chief priest. See note on Leviticus 4:3 .

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos.

himself hasted. As Haman (Esther 6:12 ).

Verse 21

several house = the separate house, or lazar house.

Verse 22

Isaiah. Raised up to prophesy in his reign. Wrote parts of 2 Kings, and his prophecy, Compare 2 Chronicles 32:32 .

Verse 23

slept with his fathers. See note on Deuteronomy 31:16 .

the field of the burial. Not in the royal sepulchres.