2 Chronicles 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.

Moreover Uzziah {H5818} had an host {H2428} of fighting {H4421} men {H6213}, that went out {H3318} to war {H6635} by bands {H1416}, according to the number {H4557} of their account {H6486} by the hand {H3027} of Jeiel {H3273} the scribe {H5608} and Maaseiah {H4641} the ruler {H7860}, under the hand {H3027} of Hananiah {H2608}, one of the king's {H4428} captains {H8269}.

'Uziyahu had a standing army of fit soldiers divided into units according to the census taken by the secretary Ye'i'el and the officer Ma'aseiyah, under the direction of Hananyah, one of the king's officials.

Uzziah had an army ready for battle that went out to war by assigned divisions, as recorded by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officers.

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 kingโ€™s captains.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 26:11

This verse offers a glimpse into the formidable military strength and administrative efficiency of King Uzziah of Judah. Uzziah, who began his reign at sixteen, was initially a righteous king who sought God during the days of Zechariah, a man who had understanding in the visions of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper (2 Chronicles 26:5). This period of prosperity extended to his military, which became renowned for its organization and power. The description of his army in this verse precedes his ultimate downfall due to pride, detailed later in the chapter, serving as a testament to the heights of his kingdom's achievements before his transgression.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Military Strength and Organization: The verse emphasizes Uzziah's significant military prowess, describing a "host of fighting men" that was not merely numerous but also well-structured, going "out to war by bands." This indicates a highly organized and disciplined army, capable of strategic deployment.
  • Competent Administration and Leadership: The mention of "Jeiel the scribe" and "Maaseiah the ruler," overseen by "Hananiah, one of the king's captains," highlights a sophisticated system of military administration. The meticulous "account" of the soldiers underscores the importance of accurate record-keeping and effective management in maintaining a strong defense.
  • Prosperity Through Divine Blessing: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the context of Uzziah's reign (2 Chronicles 26:5) makes it clear that this military strength and prosperity were a direct result of God's blessing upon his early faithfulness. It demonstrates how divine favor can empower a nation or leader with significant resources and capabilities.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "host of fighting men" (Hebrew: ื—ึทื™ึดืœ ืžึดืœึฐื—ึธืžึธื”, chayil milchamah) denotes a powerful, effective, and well-equipped army. The detail "by bands" (Hebrew: ื‘ึผึดื’ึฐื“ื•ึผื“ึดื™ื, bigdudim) suggests a division into organized units or companies, indicating a professional military structure rather than a haphazard levy. The phrase "according to the number of their account" emphasizes a precise census or registration (Hebrew: ืžึดืกึฐืคึธึผืจึธื, misparam), highlighting the detailed administrative oversight by the named officials.

Practical Application

The account of Uzziah's military organization offers several timeless lessons:

  • The Value of Order and Preparation: Just as Uzziah's army was effective due to its structure and meticulous accounting, so too do order and preparation lead to success in various aspects of life, whether in personal endeavors, business, or spiritual disciplines.
  • Importance of Skilled Leadership and Delegation: Uzziah's success was bolstered by the competence of his officials like Jeiel, Maaseiah, and Hananiah. Effective leadership often involves wise delegation to trustworthy and capable individuals.
  • Stewardship of Resources: The careful counting of the soldiers reflects good stewardship of the kingdom's human resources. This principle extends to all resources entrusted to us, emphasizing responsibility and accountability.
  • Success and Humility: While this verse showcases Uzziah's remarkable success, the broader narrative of his reign serves as a powerful reminder that even great achievements and blessings must be met with continued humility before God. The king's later pride led to his downfall (2 Chronicles 26:16), a cautionary tale for all who experience prosperity.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 5:2

    And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
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