2 Chronicles 26:15

KJV

And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} in Jerusalem {H3389} engines {H2810}, invented {H4284} by cunning men {H2803}, to be on the towers {H4026} and upon the bulwarks {H6438}, to shoot {H3384} arrows {H2671} and great {H1419} stones {H68} withal. And his name {H8034} spread {H3318} far abroad {H7350}; for he was marvellously {H6381} helped {H5826}, till {H3588} he was strong {H2388}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In Yerushalayim he built devices designed by experts for the towers and angles, from which to shoot arrows and lob large stones. His fame spread far and wide, for he was miraculously helped, until he became strong.

Berean Standard Bible

And in Jerusalem he made skillfully designed devices to shoot arrows and catapult large stones from the towers and corners. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was helped tremendously so that he became powerful.

American Standard Version

And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by skilful men, to be on the towers and upon the battlements, wherewith to shoot arrows and great stones. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Uzziah of Judah experienced unparalleled success, particularly in fortifying Jerusalem with advanced military technology. This verse highlights his inventive genius in creating "engines" for defense, leading to his widespread fame. Crucially, the text attributes his remarkable strength and renown not to human prowess alone, but directly to divine intervention, stating he "was marvellously helped, till he was strong," underscoring God's active role in his prosperity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 26:15 is situated within a comprehensive account of King Uzziah's (also known as Azariah) 52-year reign over Judah, detailed in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - The Reign of King Uzziah"). The preceding verses (e.g., [2 Chronicles 26:5](/2_chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God")) establish that Uzziah's early prosperity and military victories—including successes against the Philistines, Arabians, and Meunites, and his building efforts—were a direct result of his seeking God. This verse marks the zenith of his accomplishments, particularly in defensive innovation, portraying him as a powerful and respected monarch. However, it serves as a critical pivot point, immediately preceding the tragic account of his pride and subsequent downfall due to his unlawful attempt to burn incense in the temple, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy"). Thus, verse 15 functions as a high point before a dramatic fall, emphasizing that divine blessing, though abundant, requires sustained humility.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Uzziah reigned in the 8th century BCE (c. 792-740 BCE), a period of relative stability and prosperity for Judah after the tumultuous reigns of some of his predecessors. Jerusalem, as the capital, was a strategic stronghold, and its fortifications were paramount for national security. The "engines" mentioned were likely sophisticated siege weapons, such as early forms of catapults or ballistas, capable of launching arrows and large stones. While such devices were not entirely unknown in the ancient world (e.g., Assyrian siege engines), Uzziah's innovation suggests a significant advancement or adaptation for defensive purposes, placing Judah at the forefront of military technology for its time. This technological prowess, combined with the expansion of Judah's territory and agricultural development (as noted in [2 Chronicles 26:8-10](/2_chronicles/26-8 "2 Chronicles 26:8-10 - Uzziah's Military and Agricultural Success")), demonstrates a kingdom experiencing a golden age under a divinely favored king.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the **principle of divine help and blessing** as the ultimate source of strength and success for righteous kings. Uzziah's achievements are explicitly attributed to God's "marvelous help," reinforcing the Chronicler's overarching theological message that obedience to God leads to prosperity, while disobedience brings judgment. Secondly, the verse showcases **innovation and human ingenuity** being employed for the kingdom's welfare. Uzziah's commissioning of "cunning men" for advanced weaponry demonstrates a king who was forward-thinking and invested in the practical security of his people. Lastly, the spreading of Uzziah's "name far abroad" illustrates the theme of **reputation and influence** that can accompany divine favor. This widespread renown, however, implicitly carries the danger of pride, which becomes a crucial counter-theme in the subsequent verses, serving as a cautionary tale about the perils of self-reliance even after experiencing God's profound blessings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **engines (Hebrew, _machashavot'_):** This word literally means "thoughts," "designs," "inventions," or "devices." In this context, it refers to sophisticated mechanical contrivances or military machines. The use of _machashavot_ emphasizes that these were not simple tools but products of careful planning, ingenious design, and advanced engineering for their time, highlighting the intellectual and technological sophistication involved.
* **cunning men (Hebrew, _choshevim'_):** Derived from the same root as _machashavot_ (חָשַׁב, _chashav_, "to think," "to devise," "to invent"), _choshevim_ refers to "designers," "inventors," or "skilled craftsmen." It denotes individuals possessing exceptional intellectual capacity and practical skill in engineering and mechanics, capable of conceptualizing and constructing complex devices. This underscores Uzziah's wisdom in gathering and utilizing such talented individuals.
* **marvellously helped (Hebrew, _hu'azar l'hippa'le'_):** This phrase is crucial. _Hu'azar_ is the Hophal (passive causative) form of the verb עָזַר (_'azar_), meaning "to help" or "to assist." The passive voice "he was helped" clearly indicates that the help came from an external source. The adverbial phrase _l'hippa'le_ means "to be wonderful," "to be marvelous," or "to be extraordinary." Thus, the complete phrase signifies that Uzziah received help that was extraordinary, miraculous, or divinely wonderful, strongly implying supernatural intervention and divine favor as the ultimate source of his strength and success.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men":** This clause details Uzziah's innovative military initiative. He commissioned the creation of advanced defensive weaponry within the capital city. The "engines" were not simple weapons but complex devices, the product of intellectual design and skilled craftsmanship by highly intelligent and inventive individuals, demonstrating Uzziah's foresight and investment in cutting-edge technology for his kingdom's security.
* **"to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal.":** This specifies the purpose and placement of these inventions. They were strategically installed on the defensive structures of Jerusalem—its high towers and reinforced walls (bulwarks)—to provide a formidable advantage in siege warfare. Their function was to project powerful projectiles, both arrows and large stones, over long distances, making Jerusalem exceptionally difficult to assault and deterring potential invaders.
* **"And his name spread far abroad;":** This clause describes the direct consequence of Uzziah's military and administrative successes. His reputation, stemming from his innovative defenses and overall strength, extended widely beyond the borders of Judah. This indicates significant international recognition and respect, cementing his status as a powerful and formidable ruler in the ancient Near East.
* **"for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.":** This final, pivotal clause provides the theological explanation for Uzziah's extraordinary success and renown. His strength and achievements were not merely the result of human ingenuity or military might, but fundamentally because he received extraordinary, supernatural assistance from God. This divine aid was the enabling factor that allowed him to grow in power and establish such a formidable kingdom, serving as the ultimate cause behind all his accomplishments.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Divine Causation** is the most prominent, explicitly stating that Uzziah's strength and success were due to God's "marvelous help." This theological framing elevates God as the primary agent behind human achievements, a recurring motif in the Chronicler's work. **Metonymy** is present in the phrase "his name spread far abroad," where "name" stands in for Uzziah's reputation, fame, and influence. This effectively communicates the widespread recognition he achieved. While not strictly **Hyperbole**, the phrase "far abroad" suggests a significant, almost unparalleled, reach of his renown, emphasizing the extent of his power and the impact of God's blessing. The description of the "engines" and "cunning men" also evokes a sense of **Technological Advancement**, highlighting Uzziah's progressive and strategic approach to governance and defense, which was itself enabled by divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 26:15 serves as a powerful testament to the principle that all true strength, wisdom, and success ultimately originate from God. Uzziah's innovative military technology and widespread fame are not presented as achievements of human genius alone, but as direct outcomes of God's extraordinary assistance. This aligns perfectly with the Chronicler's consistent theological message: when a king (or any individual) genuinely seeks and obeys God, divine favor and prosperity follow. It underscores the idea that human ingenuity, while valuable, reaches its fullest potential only when empowered and blessed by the Creator. The verse also implicitly sets up a critical theological tension, as the very strength and renown given by God would later become the catalyst for Uzziah's pride and subsequent downfall, illustrating the constant human temptation to claim divine blessings as self-generated achievements.

* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House") – "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Horse is Prepared for Battle") – "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD."
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ") – "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 26:15 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to recognize the true source of our capabilities and successes. While Uzziah employed "cunning men" and innovative "engines," the narrative unequivocally states that his strength and fame were a result of being "marvellously helped" by God. This calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence, acknowledging that our talents, opportunities, and achievements are ultimately gifts from above. It reminds us that even our most brilliant ideas and diligent efforts are empowered by divine grace. Furthermore, the verse encourages us to use our God-given abilities and resources, whether intellectual, material, or relational, for the good of others and the advancement of God's purposes, just as Uzziah used his ingenuity for the defense of Jerusalem. However, it also serves as a subtle, yet crucial, prelude to the danger of pride. When we forget the source of our strength and begin to attribute success solely to ourselves, we risk falling from grace, as Uzziah tragically did. Therefore, the application is not just to seek God's help, but to remain perpetually grateful and humble in prosperity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely more on your own ingenuity and effort than on God's "marvelous help"?**
* **How can you more intentionally acknowledge God as the ultimate source of your strengths, talents, and successes?**
* **Considering Uzziah's later downfall, what safeguards can you put in place to prevent pride from taking root when God blesses you with success or influence?**
* **How might God be calling you to use your unique "engines" (talents, resources, innovations) for the defense or flourishing of His kingdom today?**

### FAQ

**What exactly were these "engines" that King Uzziah made?**

Answer: While the Bible doesn't provide specific blueprints, the term "engines" (מַחֲשָׁבֹת, _machashavot_) refers to sophisticated military devices or machines. Based on the context of their use "on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones," scholars generally understand them to be early forms of siege weaponry, similar to ballistas or catapults. These were not simple bows and arrows but complex, engineered mechanisms designed to hurl projectiles with significant force and range, making Jerusalem's defenses formidable and highly advanced for the 8th century BCE. They were a testament to Uzziah's strategic foresight and the skill of his "cunning men."

**What does "marvellously helped" truly signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "marvellously helped" (הֻעֲזַר לְהִפָּלֵא, _hu'azar l'hippa'le_) is a key theological statement. The Hebrew indicates that Uzziah "was helped" (passive voice) in a way that was "wonderful" or "extraordinary." This is not merely a statement about good fortune or Uzziah's inherent abilities. Instead, it strongly implies divine, supernatural intervention and assistance from God. It means that God actively empowered Uzziah, providing him with the wisdom, resources, and strategic advantage that led to his unprecedented strength and success. This divine enablement was the ultimate reason for his achievements, setting him apart and making his reign truly remarkable.

**How does this verse, which speaks of Uzziah's strength and success, relate to his later downfall?**

Answer: This verse serves as a crucial setup for Uzziah's tragic downfall, which is detailed immediately in [2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride"). The Chronicler highlights that Uzziah "was marvellously helped, till he was strong." The phrase "till he was strong" is often interpreted as a point of transition. Once he reached the pinnacle of his power and renown, his heart "was lifted up to his destruction." The very strength and success that God had given him became the catalyst for his pride, leading him to transgress by attempting to burn incense in the temple, an act reserved for priests. Thus, 2 Chronicles 26:15 underscores that God's blessings bring strength, but that strength must be stewarded with humility and continued obedience, lest it become a snare.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 26:15, with its emphasis on divine help as the source of strength and success, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Uzziah's strength was "marvellously helped" by God, enabling him to build and defend his earthly kingdom. In contrast, Jesus, the true King of kings, embodies divine strength and wisdom not for the defense of a physical city, but for the establishment of an eternal, spiritual kingdom. The "engines" and "cunning men" of Uzziah's reign foreshadow the perfect wisdom and power of God manifested in Christ, who is himself the wisdom and power of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). While Uzziah's strength was given to him, Christ's strength is inherent, for "in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All Fullness Dwells in Christ")). Uzziah's "name spread far abroad" due to his accomplishments, but Jesus' name is "the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - The Name Above All Names")), through which all salvation comes ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Uzziah's strength ultimately led to pride and leprosy, but Christ, though "strong," humbled himself to the point of death on a cross, becoming the perfect sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility"); [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His strength is not for self-exaltation, but for the redemption and spiritual fortification of His people, building a spiritual temple not made with human hands ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Thus, Uzziah's divinely enabled strength points forward to the infinitely greater, humble, and redemptive power of Christ, the ultimate King who truly helps His people "marvellously" and eternally.

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

Matthew 4:24

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Exodus 31:4

To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

2 Chronicles 2:14

The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

2 Chronicles 2:7

Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that [are] with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.