2Ch 26:1 | KingComments | STEP | In this chapter and the ten following chapters we have the history of Uzziah and ten other kings. In the days of these kings most prophets of whom we have a bible book prophesy. This concerns both the so-called great and little prophets. What is written in the books of these prophets sheds light on these eleven chapters. It is highly recommended to read and take to heart the books of the prophets. In this chapter we have again two parts. The first part shows an ascending line, containing the power and prosperity of Uzziah ( ). The second part shows a descending line, containing the pride, sickness and death of Uzziah ( ). When Amaziah is killed, Uzziah becomes king ( ). He becomes king in a special way, namely because “all the people of Judah” make him king. This remarkable state of affairs may indicate that in Jerusalem there are other thoughts regarding the succession. But God here uses the will of the people to keep a lamp burning for David’s house. Uzziah – also called Azariah ( ) – is only sixteen years old when he becomes king. The first act described of Uzziah is that he builds the port of Eloth or Elath and brings it back under the authority of Judah ( ). Eloth is important for sea trade. The fact that he does this “after the king slept with his fathers” probably refers to the death of the king of Edom. Restoration of lost territory can only take place if the LORD is acknowledged in His authority. God is the God of restoration. When He gives restoration, it is to make us spiritually stronger through it. We also see this with Peter, who after his restoration is used by the Lord to strengthen his brothers ( ). Peter was restored by Him after his denial of the Lord and strengthened his brothers in their faith through his letters. Again it is said that Uzziah is sixteen years old when he becomes king ( ; ). This emphasizes his age. It shows that God attaches great value to young people who want to live for Him. We have other examples of this in Joshua, Samuel, Solomon, Joash and Timothy. Uzziah is, apart from Manasseh, the longest reigning king. He reigns no less than fifty-two years, from 791-740 BC. His mother’s name is also mentioned, together with the place where she comes from. As is customary with mothers, she has had a great influence on his development. She will also have helped him to do his job well during his first years in reign. The reign of Uzziah is described by comparing it with the reign of his father ( ). He does, like his father Amaziah, what is right in the sight of the LORD. This is, as with his father, the first part of his life, for at the end of his life he, like his father, turns away from the LORD. Uzziah is doing well as long as he seeks the LORD ( ). He is helped by someone, as happened with his grandfather Joash ( ). Uzziah has someone in Zechariah “who had understanding through the vision of God”. Zechariah must have had a special relationship with God. The right teaching comes from fellowship with God in the sanctuary, not from a theological college. It is a great blessing for Uzziah to have such a man next to him. Such a situation is a rarity ( ). There is a task for older, spiritual believers to teach young believers to look to God by reading His Word, for He reveals Himself in His Word. It is also necessary to teach young believers to seek God in prayer. It is to be hoped that young believers recognize the great privilege of such exhortations and act accordingly. There is also a great responsibility here for fathers in relation to their children.

‏ 2 Chronicles 26:1

Introduction

In this chapter and the ten following chapters we have the history of Uzziah and ten other kings. In the days of these kings most prophets of whom we have a bible book prophesy. This concerns both the so-called great and little prophets. What is written in the books of these prophets sheds light on these eleven chapters. It is highly recommended to read and take to heart the books of the prophets.

In this chapter we have again two parts. The first part shows an ascending line, containing the power and prosperity of Uzziah (2Chr 26:1-15). The second part shows a descending line, containing the pride, sickness and death of Uzziah (2Chr 26:16-23).

Uzziah King of Judah

When Amaziah is killed, Uzziah becomes king (2Chr 26:1). He becomes king in a special way, namely because “all the people of Judah” make him king. This remarkable state of affairs may indicate that in Jerusalem there are other thoughts regarding the succession. But God here uses the will of the people to keep a lamp burning for David’s house. Uzziah – also called Azariah (2Kgs 15:1-7) – is only sixteen years old when he becomes king.

The first act described of Uzziah is that he builds the port of Eloth or Elath and brings it back under the authority of Judah (2Chr 26:2). Eloth is important for sea trade. The fact that he does this “after the king slept with his fathers” probably refers to the death of the king of Edom. Restoration of lost territory can only take place if the LORD is acknowledged in His authority.

God is the God of restoration. When He gives restoration, it is to make us spiritually stronger through it. We also see this with Peter, who after his restoration is used by the Lord to strengthen his brothers (Lk 22:31-32). Peter was restored by Him after his denial of the Lord and strengthened his brothers in their faith through his letters.

Again it is said that Uzziah is sixteen years old when he becomes king (2Chr 26:3; 2Chr 26:1). This emphasizes his age. It shows that God attaches great value to young people who want to live for Him. We have other examples of this in Joshua, Samuel, Solomon, Joash and Timothy. Uzziah is, apart from Manasseh, the longest reigning king. He reigns no less than fifty-two years, from 791-740 BC. His mother’s name is also mentioned, together with the place where she comes from. As is customary with mothers, she has had a great influence on his development. She will also have helped him to do his job well during his first years in reign.

The reign of Uzziah is described by comparing it with the reign of his father (2Chr 26:4). He does, like his father Amaziah, what is right in the sight of the LORD. This is, as with his father, the first part of his life, for at the end of his life he, like his father, turns away from the LORD.

Uzziah is doing well as long as he seeks the LORD (2Chr 26:5). He is helped by someone, as happened with his grandfather Joash (2Chr 24:2). Uzziah has someone in Zechariah “who had understanding through the vision of God”. Zechariah must have had a special relationship with God. The right teaching comes from fellowship with God in the sanctuary, not from a theological college. It is a great blessing for Uzziah to have such a man next to him. Such a situation is a rarity (2Chr 15:3).

There is a task for older, spiritual believers to teach young believers to look to God by reading His Word, for He reveals Himself in His Word. It is also necessary to teach young believers to seek God in prayer. It is to be hoped that young believers recognize the great privilege of such exhortations and act accordingly. There is also a great responsibility here for fathers in relation to their children.