2 Chronicles 26:2

KJV

He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

He built {H1129} Eloth {H359}, and restored {H7725} it to Judah {H3063}, after {H310} that the king {H4428} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He recovered Eilot for Y'hudah and rebuilt it; it was after this that the king [Amatzyahu] slept with his ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

Uzziah was the one who rebuilt Eloth and restored it to Judah after King Amaziah rested with his fathers.

American Standard Version

He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 26:2 succinctly records King Uzziah's (also known as Azariah) decisive and strategic act of rebuilding and restoring the vital port city of Eloth to Judah's control early in his reign. This immediate action, taken upon his ascension to the throne following his father Amaziah's death, highlights Uzziah's proactive leadership and foresight, laying a foundational stone for the significant economic prosperity and military strength that characterized the initial period of his rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of Uzziah's reign in [2 Chronicles 26:1](/2_chronicles/26-1 "2 Chronicles 26:1 - Uzziah's Accession"), which states his age at accession (sixteen) and the length of his reign (fifty-two years). It also implicitly connects to the preceding chapter, specifically the tumultuous end of his father Amaziah's reign, which culminated in Amaziah's assassination and the people's subsequent anointing of Uzziah ([2 Chronicles 25:27-28](/2_chronicles/25-27 "2 Chronicles 25:27-28 - Amaziah's Death")). Thus, [2 Chronicles 26:2](/2_chronicles/26-2 "2 Chronicles 26:2 - Uzziah Reclaims Eloth") presents Uzziah's first recorded significant action as king, demonstrating his immediate focus on securing and strengthening the kingdom rather than merely reacting to the instability left by his predecessor. This proactive beginning sets the stage for the detailed account of his early successes and God-given prosperity that follows in the subsequent verses of [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - The Reign of Uzziah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Eloth (also known as Elath or Eilat) was strategically located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea), making it a crucial port for trade routes extending to Arabia and Africa. Its importance dates back to King Solomon's era, who utilized the port for his naval expeditions and lucrative trade ([1 Kings 9:26](/1_kings/9-26 "1 Kings 9:26 - Solomon's Fleet at Ezion-geber")). However, control over Eloth often shifted, particularly with the rise and fall of Edomite power. By Uzziah's time, it had evidently fallen out of Judahite control, likely to Edom, or had become dilapidated. Uzziah's act of "building" (implying fortification or significant reconstruction) and "restoring" it to Judah was a bold assertion of sovereignty and a strategic move to reclaim a vital economic artery. The phrase "after that the king slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom, signifying the peaceful or legitimate death and succession of a monarch, in this case, King Amaziah, despite the circumstances of his assassination. This idiom emphasizes the continuity of the Davidic line.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Chronicles 26:2](/2_chronicles/26-2 "2 Chronicles 26:2 - Uzziah Reclaims Eloth") introduces several key themes that resonate throughout Uzziah's reign and the broader Chronicler's narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Restoration and Reclamation**, as Uzziah reclaims lost territory and re-establishes a crucial economic asset, reflecting God's desire for His people to possess and prosper in their inheritance. Secondly, the verse underscores **Strategic Leadership and Proactive Governance**, showcasing Uzziah's immediate and wise focus on national strength and economic viability rather than internal political consolidation. This strategic vision contributes to the kingdom's stability and growth. Finally, it serves as an early indicator of **Divine Blessing and Prosperity** that marked Uzziah's initial reign, demonstrating how God honored his early faithfulness and diligence, leading to widespread influence and wealth for Judah, as further detailed in [2 Chronicles 26:8](/2_chronicles/26-8 "2 Chronicles 26:8 - Uzziah's Widespread Influence").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Built (Hebrew, בָּנָה _banah_):** This verb signifies not merely erecting a new structure from scratch but can also mean to rebuild, fortify, or restore an existing one. Given Eloth's history as a port, Uzziah likely undertook significant reconstruction, fortification, and development to make it fully functional and secure for Judah. This implies a substantial investment of resources and labor, indicative of a strong and decisive leader.
* **Restored (Hebrew, הֵשִׁיב _heshiv_):** Derived from the root שׁוּב (_shuv_), meaning "to return" or "to bring back," this word explicitly indicates a reclamation of something that was previously lost or alienated. It emphasizes that Eloth was not a new conquest but a reassertion of Judahite sovereignty over a territory that rightly belonged to them, reinforcing the theme of restoration.
* **Slept (Hebrew, שָׁכַב _shakhav_):** This is a common euphemism in the Old Testament for death, particularly for kings and patriarchs. It conveys a sense of peaceful passing or the conclusion of a life, even if the actual circumstances of death were violent (as was the case with Amaziah). Its use here emphasizes the transition of power and the establishment of Uzziah's legitimate reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He built Eloth":** This clause describes Uzziah's active and constructive engagement with the kingdom's infrastructure. The rebuilding or fortification of Eloth was a significant undertaking, demonstrating his capacity for large-scale projects and his commitment to strengthening Judah's strategic assets from the very outset of his rule. It implies an immediate focus on tangible improvements for the nation.
* **"and restored it to Judah":** This part of the verse clarifies the purpose and outcome of building Eloth. It was not merely a construction project but an act of political and territorial reassertion. By "restoring" Eloth, Uzziah brought this vital Red Sea port back under Judahite control, thereby reclaiming its economic benefits and strategic importance, which had likely been lost to Edom or other regional powers.
* **"after that the king slept with his fathers":** This temporal clause establishes the timing of Uzziah's action—immediately following the death of his father, King Amaziah. This idiom for death highlights the seamless transition of power and underscores Uzziah's promptness in addressing critical national needs without delay, even amidst the aftermath of a regicide.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically the phrase "slept with his fathers," which is a well-established biblical euphemism for death, particularly of a monarch. This idiom serves to normalize the succession and emphasize continuity, even when the preceding king's death was violent. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing** in this verse; Uzziah's immediate and successful action in reclaiming Eloth foreshadows the broader period of prosperity, military strength, and administrative success that will characterize the early and middle parts of his long reign, as detailed in the rest of [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - The Reign of Uzziah"). Furthermore, the mention of Eloth can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where this specific, vital port city represents the broader restoration of Judah's economic power, territorial integrity, and international prestige under Uzziah's capable leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Uzziah's restoration of Eloth resonates with a broader biblical theme of divine enablement for the re-establishment of what was lost or broken. Just as God empowered Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and Ezra to restore the law, Uzziah's strategic action reflects a pattern where God's people, when acting in wisdom and diligence, are able to reclaim and restore elements vital to their covenant identity and flourishing. This act of reclaiming a strategic asset speaks to the importance of wise stewardship of resources and territory entrusted by God. It also highlights the divine blessing upon leadership that prioritizes the well-being and strength of the community, setting a precedent for the prosperity that would follow.

* [Nehemiah 2:17](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah 2:17 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem")
* [Isaiah 58:12](/isaiah/58-12 "Isaiah 58:12 - Restorers of Streets to Dwell In")
* [Proverbs 21:5](/proverbs/21-5 "Proverbs 21:5 - Diligence Leads to Plenty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Uzziah's immediate and strategic action upon ascending the throne offers a powerful lesson in proactive leadership and diligent stewardship. He didn't wait for the kingdom to stabilize or for others to act; he identified a critical need—the restoration of Eloth—and addressed it decisively. This teaches us that true leadership, whether in our personal lives, families, churches, or communities, often requires identifying "Eloths"—areas of neglect, disrepair, or lost potential—and taking intentional steps to rebuild, restore, and reclaim them for their intended purpose. It's a call to move beyond mere maintenance to active improvement and strategic investment in what truly matters. This verse encourages us to be visionaries who not only identify problems but also possess the courage and wisdom to implement solutions that yield long-term benefits, trusting that God blesses diligent and purposeful effort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Eloths" (areas of neglect, disrepair, or lost potential) exist in my personal life, relationships, or community that need to be rebuilt or restored?**
* **How can I cultivate a more proactive and strategic approach to challenges, rather than merely reacting to them?**
* **What does Uzziah's early success, rooted in this strategic action, teach me about the importance of starting strong in new endeavors or seasons of life?**

### FAQ

**Who was King Uzziah, and what was the significance of his reign?**

Answer: King Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was the tenth king of Judah, reigning for 52 years (c. 792-740 BC), one of the longest reigns in Judah's history. He ascended the throne at the young age of sixteen following the assassination of his father, Amaziah ([2 Chronicles 26:1](/2_chronicles/26-1 "2 Chronicles 26:1 - Uzziah's Accession")). His reign was initially marked by significant prosperity, military success, and administrative reforms. He fortified Jerusalem, developed agriculture, organized a strong army, and expanded Judah's influence, largely because "he sought God in the days of Zechariah" ([2 Chronicles 26:5](/2_chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God")). However, his reign famously ended in tragedy when his pride led him to usurp the priestly function of burning incense in the temple, resulting in him being struck with leprosy until his death ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")).

**Why was Eloth so important to Judah?**

Answer: Eloth (also spelled Elath or Eilat) was a critically important port city located at the northern tip of the Red Sea, specifically the Gulf of Aqaba. Its significance stemmed from its strategic location, which provided Judah with direct access to lucrative maritime trade routes with nations in Arabia, Africa (like Sheba and Ophir), and possibly India. This access allowed for the import of valuable goods such as gold, spices, and exotic timber, greatly boosting the kingdom's economy and wealth. Control over Eloth also had military implications, securing Judah's southern border and projecting its power. Its restoration by Uzziah was a major economic and geopolitical achievement, reminiscent of King Solomon's use of the port ([1 Kings 9:26](/1_kings/9-26 "1 Kings 9:26 - Solomon's Fleet at Ezion-geber")).

**What does the phrase "slept with his fathers" mean in biblical context?**

Answer: "Slept with his fathers" is a common and respectful biblical idiom used to describe the death of a person, particularly a king or patriarch. It signifies that the individual has died and joined their ancestors in the grave or the realm of the dead. While it often implies a peaceful or natural death and a legitimate succession, its use does not preclude a violent death (as was the case with Uzziah's father, Amaziah). The phrase emphasizes the continuity of lineage and the passing of a generation, rather than the specific circumstances of their demise. It appears frequently throughout the Books of Kings and Chronicles (e.g., [1 Kings 2:10](/1_kings/2-10 "1 Kings 2:10 - David Sleeps with His Fathers")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Uzziah's restoration of Eloth was a significant act of physical and economic reclamation for the kingdom of Judah, it ultimately points to the far grander and more profound work of restoration accomplished by Jesus Christ. Uzziah, as an earthly king, reclaimed a city; Christ, the true King of kings, came to reclaim a lost humanity and restore all creation. Just as Eloth was vital for Judah's prosperity, humanity, created in God's image, was meant for fellowship and dominion, but was lost through sin. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, thereby reconciling all things to God, "whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross" ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Supremacy and Reconciliation")). He is the true builder, not of a mere port city, but of His Church, which is His body and the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ the Cornerstone of the Church")). Through Christ, what was broken is being made new, and what was lost is being restored, culminating in the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where God will dwell with His people, and "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Uzziah's act was a shadow; Christ's work is the eternal reality of complete restoration.

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

2 Kings 14:22

He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

2 Chronicles 25:23

And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Bethshemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

2 Chronicles 25:28

And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah.

2 Kings 16:6

At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.

2 Chronicles 8:17

Then went Solomon to Eziongeber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom.