2 Chronicles 26:14

KJV

And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings [to cast] stones.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Uzziah {H5818} prepared {H3559} for them throughout all the host {H6635} shields {H4043}, and spears {H7420}, and helmets {H3553}, and habergeons {H8302}, and bows {H7198}, and slings {H7050} to cast stones {H68}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Uziyahu equipped them, the whole army, with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows and slingstones.

Berean Standard Bible

Uzziah supplied the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 26:14 vividly portrays King Uzziah's meticulous and comprehensive efforts to strengthen the military capabilities of Judah, detailing the specific armaments he provided for his entire army. This verse underscores Uzziah's strategic leadership and commitment to national defense, listing the essential equipment—shields, spears, helmets, coats of mail, bows, and slings—that ensured his forces were well-prepared for both offensive and defensive engagements, contributing significantly to his early reign of prosperity and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Uzziah's reign, which is extensively documented in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - The Reign of King Uzziah"). The preceding verses highlight Uzziah's early devotion to God and the resulting divine blessing and prosperity (e.g., [2 Chronicles 26:5](/2_chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God")). Verse 14 specifically follows a description of his successful military campaigns against the Philistines, Arabians, and Meunites, and the tribute he received from the Ammonites ([2 Chronicles 26:6-8](/2_chronicles/26-6 "2 Chronicles 26:6-8 - Uzziah's Military Victories")). The detailed enumeration of weaponry here immediately precedes the mention of Uzziah's innovative military engineering, including the invention of war machines ([2 Chronicles 26:15](/2_chronicles/26-15 "2 Chronicles 26:15 - Uzziah's Inventions for War")), setting the stage for his formidable reputation. This military strength, however, ultimately serves as a stark contrast to his later pride and subsequent downfall due to his unlawful entry into the temple to burn incense ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Uzziah reigned over Judah for 52 years (c. 792-740 BC), a period marked by significant geopolitical shifts and constant threats from neighboring kingdoms. During the 8th century BC, the Assyrian Empire was rising, creating an atmosphere of instability and necessitating strong national defense. Judah, as a smaller kingdom, needed to maintain robust military preparedness to secure its borders and protect its people. The types of weapons listed—shields, spears, helmets, coats of mail (habergeons), bows, and slings—were standard military equipment in the ancient Near East, reflecting the common modes of warfare involving both close-quarters combat and projectile attacks. Uzziah's provision of these items "throughout all the host" indicates a well-organized and centrally managed military infrastructure, characteristic of a strong monarch who understood the importance of logistics and readiness in an age of frequent conflict.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - The Reign of King Uzziah") and the broader Deuteronomistic history. One prominent theme is **Military Preparedness and Strength**, showcasing Uzziah's dedication to equipping his army with a full spectrum of defensive and offensive gear, from personal armor to long-range weapons. This highlights his strategic foresight and investment in national security. Another theme is **Strategic Leadership and Innovation**, as Uzziah's actions here are not merely about fighting but about systematic provisioning and later, technological advancement ([2 Chronicles 26:15](/2_chronicles/26-15 "2 Chronicles 26:15 - Uzziah's Inventions for War")). This demonstrates his ability to manage large-scale military operations effectively. Crucially, the underlying theme that permeates Uzziah's early reign is **Divine Blessing and Prosperity as a Result of Seeking God**. While the verse focuses on Uzziah's human efforts, the Chronicler consistently attributes Uzziah's success and ability to amass such resources and maintain a formidable army to the Lord's help and blessing, as long as Uzziah remained faithful ([2 Chronicles 26:5](/2_chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God") and [2 Chronicles 26:15b](/2_chronicles/26-15 "2 Chronicles 26:15 - Uzziah's Inventions for War")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prepared (כּוּן, _kun_):** This Hebrew verb signifies to establish, to make firm, to set up, or to make ready. In this context, it emphasizes Uzziah's intentional, thorough, and active role in equipping his army. It implies not a casual provision but a deliberate and systematic readiness, underscoring his strategic planning and diligent execution.
* **Host (חַיִל, _chayil_):** This versatile Hebrew noun can refer to strength, wealth, valor, or, as here, a military force or army. The phrase "throughout all the host" (לְכָל־הַחָיִל, _lekhol-hachayil_) stresses the comprehensive nature of Uzziah's provisioning. It was not merely for an elite guard or a small contingent, but for the entire fighting force, indicating a widespread and uniform arming of his soldiers.
* **Habergeons (שִׁרְיֹנֹת, _shiryonot_):** This term refers to coats of mail or breastplates, a form of body armor designed to protect the torso. The inclusion of "habergeons" in the list signifies a significant level of personal protection for the soldiers, moving beyond basic defensive gear like shields to more advanced and comprehensive armor. This detail highlights Uzziah's commitment to the safety and effectiveness of his troops.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Uzziah prepared for them":** This opening phrase immediately establishes King Uzziah as the active agent behind the military buildup. The verb "prepared" (כּוּן, _kun_) denotes a deliberate, intentional, and thorough process, indicating Uzziah's foresight and dedication to national defense. It highlights his role as a proactive and strategic leader.
* **"throughout all the host":** This crucial phrase emphasizes the comprehensive and widespread nature of Uzziah's arming efforts. It was not a partial or limited provision but extended to every part of his army, ensuring that all soldiers, from various units, were properly equipped. This speaks to the scale and organization of his military administration.
* **"shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings [to cast] stones":** This detailed enumeration provides a clear inventory of the armaments. The list covers a full spectrum of military gear:
* **Shields:** Primary defensive equipment for personal protection.
* **Spears:** Common offensive weapons for thrusting or throwing in close combat.
* **Helmets:** Essential head protection.
* **Habergeons (coats of mail):** Advanced body armor for torso protection.
* **Bows:** Long-range projectile weapons, indicating a capacity for distant engagement.
* **Slings [to cast] stones:** Another effective long-range projectile weapon, often used by light infantry or skirmishers, demonstrating the continued relevance of traditional, yet potent, weaponry. The inclusion of both bows and slings shows a diverse approach to ranged combat.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 26:14 is **Enumeration** (also known as a list or catalog). The verse provides a detailed, itemized list of the various military armaments Uzziah supplied: "shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings [to cast] stones." This precise listing serves to emphasize the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of Uzziah's preparations. It is not a vague statement of military strength but a concrete demonstration of his diligence. The cumulative effect of this list impresses upon the reader the sheer scale and meticulousness of his efforts to equip "all the host." Furthermore, the specific types of weapons mentioned, ranging from close-quarters defense (shields, helmets, habergeons) to offensive melee (spears) and long-range projectile (bows, slings), creates a sense of **Merism**, indicating the full spectrum of military readiness from every angle of engagement. This detailed inventory also serves as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing** for the innovative military engineering described in the very next verse ([2 Chronicles 26:15](/2_chronicles/26-15 "2 Chronicles 26:15 - Uzziah's Inventions for War")), as it establishes the foundation of a well-equipped army upon which further technological advancements could be built.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
King Uzziah's diligent preparation of his army in 2 Chronicles 26:14 illustrates a profound theological principle: while God is sovereign and ultimately grants success, human diligence, strategic planning, and responsible stewardship are essential. Uzziah's prosperity and military strength were explicitly linked to his seeking the Lord, yet God's blessing did not negate the need for practical effort. This verse demonstrates that divine favor often empowers and enables human action, rather than replacing it. It highlights the importance of being "prepared" (כּוּן, _kun_) in all aspects of life, recognizing that God works through our efforts when they are aligned with His will. This principle extends beyond military readiness to spiritual preparedness, calling believers to be equipped for the challenges of faith and life.

* [Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the Full Armor of God")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Horse is Prepared for Battle")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Uzziah's military preparations in 2 Chronicles 26:14 offers a powerful metaphor for spiritual preparedness and diligent stewardship in the life of a believer. Just as Uzziah meticulously equipped his army for physical battles, Christians are called to be thoroughly prepared for spiritual warfare. This involves actively engaging with the resources God provides: His Word, prayer, community, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are not to be passive recipients of grace but active participants in our faith journey, diligently "putting on the full armor of God" as exhorted by Paul. Furthermore, Uzziah's story reminds us that even divinely blessed success requires ongoing humility and dependence on God; earthly strength, if not rooted in a continued relationship with the Lord, can lead to pride and downfall. Therefore, our diligence in preparation should always be coupled with a humble reliance on God's ultimate power and sovereignty, recognizing that true victory comes from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to be "prepared" or "equipped" by God, and what practical steps can you take to do so?**
* **How does Uzziah's example of diligent preparation, coupled with God's blessing, inform your understanding of the relationship between human effort and divine sovereignty?**
* **What does "putting on the full armor of God" practically look like in your daily spiritual battles, and how can you be more intentional about it?**
* **How can the story of Uzziah's initial success and later pride serve as a cautionary tale for you in areas where God has blessed you with strength or ability?**

### FAQ
**What was a "habergeon" and why is its inclusion significant?**

Answer: A "habergeon" (Hebrew: שִׁרְיֹנֹת, _shiryonot_) refers to a coat of mail or a breastplate, a piece of defensive armor designed to protect the torso. Its inclusion in the list of armaments is significant because it indicates a higher level of personal protection for Uzziah's soldiers beyond basic shields and helmets. It suggests that Uzziah was investing in comprehensive and effective body armor for his entire army, demonstrating his commitment to the safety and combat effectiveness of his troops, and highlighting the advanced nature of his military provisioning.

**Why does the Chronicler provide such a detailed list of weapons in this verse?**

Answer: The Chronicler's detailed enumeration of "shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings [to cast] stones" serves to emphasize the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of King Uzziah's military preparations. It highlights his strategic leadership and diligence in equipping "all the host," not just an elite few. This meticulous detail underscores the scale of Uzziah's success and the formidable strength of Judah's army under his reign, setting the stage for the innovative war machines mentioned in the very next verse ([2 Chronicles 26:15](/2_chronicles/26-15 "2 Chronicles 26:15 - Uzziah's Inventions for War")). It visually reinforces the idea that Uzziah left no stone unturned in ensuring his kingdom's defense.

**How does Uzziah's military success, as described here, relate to his spiritual life?**

Answer: The Chronicler explicitly links Uzziah's early military success and overall prosperity to his spiritual devotion. [2 Chronicles 26:5](/2_chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God") states that "as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper." This verse, describing his meticulous military preparations, is a tangible manifestation of that divine blessing. God's favor enabled Uzziah to gather resources and implement effective strategies. However, the narrative also serves as a cautionary tale: Uzziah's later pride, leading him to usurp the priestly role ([2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")), demonstrates that even divinely blessed earthly strength must be continually submitted to God's will and not become a source of self-reliance or arrogance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 26:14 describes King Uzziah's earthly preparations for military defense, it subtly points to a greater reality fulfilled in Christ. Uzziah, as a human king, diligently equipped his army with physical armor and weaponry for temporal battles against earthly foes. Yet, the New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the ultimate King who prepares His people for an eternal spiritual warfare, not with carnal weapons but with divine power and truth. Just as Uzziah's efforts provided comprehensive protection, Christ provides His followers with the "full armor of God" ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")), enabling them to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. He is the one who has already triumphed over all "principalities and powers" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), disarming them through His cross. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the ultimate "prepared" one, the Lamb of God "prepared before the foundation of the world" ([1 Peter 1:19-20](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19-20 - Christ, the Lamb Without Blemish")), whose sacrifice utterly defeats the power of death and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). Thus, Uzziah's earthly provision foreshadows Christ's perfect and complete spiritual provision for His church, guaranteeing victory through Him.

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.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 17:49

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

Judges 20:16

Among all this people [there were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss.