2 Chronicles 26:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse provides a meticulous account of King Uzziah's formidable military organization, highlighting the administrative precision and strategic structure of his army. It details the "host of fighting men" who were deployed "by bands," indicating a highly disciplined and well-managed force. The verse further attributes this sophisticated system to the oversight of specific royal officials: Jeiel the scribe, Maaseiah the ruler, and Hananiah, one of the king's captains, underscoring the deep administrative capacity that underpinned Judah's military might during Uzziah's prosperous reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the Chronicler's detailed account of King Uzziah's reign in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - The Reign of King Uzziah"). The chapter opens by establishing Uzziah's initial faithfulness and the divine blessing that resulted in his prosperity and strength ([2 Chronicles 26:5](/2_chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God and Prospers")). Verse 11, along with subsequent verses describing his military innovations and fortifications ([2 Chronicles 26:12-15](/2_chronicles/26-12 "2 Chronicles 26:12-15 - Uzziah's Military Innovations")), serves to illustrate the peak of Uzziah's power and success, directly attributable to God's favor. This detailed description of his military prowess sets a stark contrast with the tragic turn in Uzziah's story, where his pride leads to his downfall and leprosy ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")), emphasizing the Chronicler's overarching theme that divine blessing is contingent upon humility and obedience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Uzziah reigned over Judah in the 8th century BCE, a period marked by significant geopolitical shifts and the ongoing threat of regional powers. A strong military was not merely a matter of prestige but a necessity for national survival and expansion. Judah faced potential conflicts with neighboring peoples such as the Philistines, Arabs, and Ammonites, whom Uzziah successfully subdued or made tributary ([2 Chronicles 26:6-8](/2_chronicles/26-6 "2 Chronicles 26:6-8 - Uzziah's Victories")). The mention of scribes and rulers alongside military captains highlights the sophisticated administrative structures of the Judean monarchy, where civil officials played a crucial role in the logistical and organizational aspects of the army. This level of detail in military accounting and organization reflects a highly developed state apparatus, capable of sustaining and deploying a professional fighting force, rather than relying solely on ad-hoc levies.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within the book of Chronicles and Uzziah's narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine blessing and prosperity** that accompanies righteous leadership, as Uzziah's military strength is a direct outcome of God making him prosper ([2 Chronicles 26:5](/2_chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God")). Secondly, it highlights the importance of **competent administration and wise delegation** in effective governance, showcasing Uzziah's ability to empower skilled officials to manage critical aspects of his kingdom. Thirdly, the detailed description of the army's organization implicitly emphasizes **order and preparation** as vital components of national security and success. Finally, while not explicit in this single verse, the broader context of [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - The Reign of King Uzziah") introduces the theme of **the dangers of pride in prosperity**, as Uzziah's impressive achievements ultimately led to his spiritual downfall.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Host (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This term, often translated as "army" or "force," carries connotations of strength, valor, and effectiveness. It implies a well-equipped and capable fighting body, not just a multitude of men. In the context of Uzziah's reign, it signifies a military that was robust and formidable.
* **By bands (Hebrew, _bigdudim'_):** This phrase indicates that the army was organized into distinct units, companies, or divisions. This was a mark of a professional, disciplined army, capable of strategic deployment and coordinated action, rather than an unorganized mass of conscripts. It speaks to a high level of military sophistication.
* **Account (Hebrew, _misparam'_):** Refers to a precise census, registration, or detailed count. The mention of an "account" underscores the meticulous administrative oversight and record-keeping that characterized Uzziah's military. It suggests a system of enrollment, perhaps even a roster, managed by the named officials, ensuring accurate knowledge of the army's size and composition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men":** This opening clause immediately establishes King Uzziah's significant military might. It sets the stage for the detailed description of his army, emphasizing that his reign was characterized by a powerful and effective fighting force, a testament to the prosperity God granted him.
* **"that went out to war by bands":** This phrase further elaborates on the nature of Uzziah's army, highlighting its structured and organized character. The term "by bands" implies that the soldiers were not a disorganized mob, but rather operated in disciplined units, allowing for strategic maneuvers and greater effectiveness in battle.
* **"according to the number of their account":** This part of the verse points to the meticulous administrative processes in place. It indicates that the army's size and composition were precisely documented, suggesting a regular census or registration of soldiers. This level of detail speaks to the efficiency and thoroughness of Uzziah's government.
* **"by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, [one] of the king's captains":** This final clause identifies the specific officials responsible for this military administration. Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler were likely civil administrators overseeing the registration and logistics, while Hananiah, a high-ranking military captain, provided overall supervision. This demonstrates a clear chain of command and delegation, showcasing the sophisticated bureaucratic structure that supported Uzziah's military endeavors.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 26:11 is **Enumeration** and **Detailing**. The Chronicler meticulously lists the specific officials—Jeiel the scribe, Maaseiah the ruler, and Hananiah the captain—who were responsible for the military's organization and "account." This precise naming of individuals, along with the descriptive phrases like "by bands" and "according to the number of their account," serves to emphasize the high degree of administrative sophistication and the sheer scale of Uzziah's military power. This detailed accounting not only provides historical information but also functions as a form of **hyperbole** or **amplification**, underscoring the extraordinary nature of Uzziah's achievements and the extent of God's blessing upon him. The detailed description of his military strength also serves a subtle **foreshadowing** function within the broader narrative of [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - The Reign of King Uzziah"), as this peak of earthly power and success ultimately precedes his downfall due to pride, creating a poignant contrast between external might and internal spiritual vulnerability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed description of Uzziah's military strength and organization in this verse is not merely a historical record but a theological statement. It underscores the principle that God's blessing, bestowed upon Uzziah for his early faithfulness, manifested in tangible ways, including national security and administrative excellence. This divine favor empowered Uzziah to build a formidable kingdom, demonstrating how God can equip and prosper those who seek Him, even in practical, strategic matters like military preparedness. However, the Chronicler's narrative consistently reminds us that such prosperity, while divinely granted, can become a snare if not met with continued humility and dependence on God, a lesson Uzziah tragically failed to heed.

* [2 Chronicles 26:5](/2_chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God and Prospers")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Horse is Prepared for Battle, But Victory is from the Lord")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by a Great Army")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Uzziah's meticulously organized military offers profound lessons for believers today, extending beyond the battlefield to all areas of life. Just as Uzziah's kingdom flourished through order, preparation, and skilled leadership, so too can our personal lives, families, and ministries benefit from intentionality, good stewardship, and wise delegation. The verse reminds us that divine blessing often works through human diligence and competence; God empowers us not to be passive, but to be excellent stewards of the resources and abilities He provides. However, the broader narrative of Uzziah's reign serves as a crucial cautionary tale: success, even when divinely granted, can breed pride, leading to a downfall. It challenges us to constantly examine our hearts, ensuring that our confidence remains rooted in God's grace rather than in our achievements, our resources, or our organizational prowess. True strength and lasting prosperity are found in sustained humility and unwavering dependence on the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our understanding of prosperity and success in a spiritual context?**
* **What can we learn about effective leadership and delegation from Uzziah's administration, and how might these principles apply in our own spheres of influence?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be tempted to rely on our own strength, organization, or resources, rather than God's blessing and guidance?**
* **How can we cultivate humility in times of success, remembering Uzziah's ultimate downfall as a warning against pride?**

### FAQ

**Who were Jeiel, Maaseiah, and Hananiah, and what were their roles?**

Answer: Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler were key administrative officials in King Uzziah's government, likely responsible for the meticulous census and record-keeping of the army, as well as its logistical support. Hananiah, described as "one of the king's captains," was a high-ranking military officer who oversaw these administrative efforts. Together, they represent a sophisticated system of military management, where civil and military leaders collaborated to ensure the army's organization and readiness, showcasing Uzziah's effective delegation and the depth of his kingdom's administrative capacity.

**How does this verse fit into the overall narrative of Uzziah's reign in 2 Chronicles?**

Answer: This verse highlights the zenith of Uzziah's power and the tangible results of God's blessing upon his early faithfulness. [2 Chronicles 26:5](/2_chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God and Prospers") explicitly states that "as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper." The detailed description of his organized and formidable army in [2 Chronicles 26:11](/2_chronicles/26-11 "2 Chronicles 26:11 - Uzziah's Military Organization") is a prime example of this prosperity. However, the verse also serves as a crucial setup for the tragic turn in Uzziah's story, where his great success leads to pride and his subsequent downfall ([2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")), emphasizing the Chronicler's recurring theme that even divinely granted success must be met with humility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 26:11 details the earthly strength and meticulous organization of King Uzziah's army, a symbol of his divinely blessed but ultimately temporal kingdom, it points forward to the eternal and spiritual kingdom of Christ. Uzziah's "host of fighting men" was a force of human might, meticulously accounted for by scribes and rulers, designed for earthly conquest and defense. In contrast, Jesus Christ, the true King of kings, commands a spiritual "host" – His church – whose strength is not derived from human prowess or military might, but from the power of the Holy Spirit ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). His "going out to war" is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil, equipping His followers with the [armor of God](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God") for spiritual battles. Unlike Uzziah, whose success led to pride and a fall from grace ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")), Christ's reign is marked by perfect humility and obedience, culminating in His ultimate victory through self-sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The ultimate "account" for Christ's followers is not a military census, but their names being written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life"), signifying their eternal citizenship in His unshakable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.