2 Chronicles 26:22

KJV

Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Uzziah {H5818}, first {H7223} and last {H314}, did Isaiah {H3470} the prophet {H5030}, the son {H1121} of Amoz {H531}, write {H3789}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of 'Uziyahu, from beginning to end, were recorded by Yesha'yahu the prophet, the son of Amotz.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Uzziah, from beginning to end, they are recorded by the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz.

American Standard Version

Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 26:22 serves as a concise yet profound concluding statement to the detailed account of King Uzziah's fifty-two-year reign over Judah. It functions as a historical colophon, attributing the comprehensive record of Uzziah's "first and last" acts to the esteemed prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz. This verse not only highlights the meticulous record-keeping practices in ancient Israel but also underscores the multifaceted role of prophets as both divine spokespersons and diligent chroniclers of their era, linking the historical narrative of the Chronicler with the prophetic literature of Isaiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the very end of 2 Chronicles chapter 26, which is dedicated entirely to the reign of King Uzziah. The chapter meticulously details his early piety and subsequent prosperity, including his military victories, building projects, and agricultural advancements ([2 Chronicles 26:1-15](/2_chronicles/26-1 "2 Chronicles 26:1 - Uzziah's Reign Begins")). However, the narrative takes a sharp turn, emphasizing Uzziah's pride, which led him to usurp the priestly function by attempting to burn incense in the Temple. For this transgression, God struck him with leprosy, and he remained isolated until his death ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")). Verse 22 acts as the Chronicler's standard concluding formula for a king's reign, providing an authoritative source for the more extensive historical details that are not fully included in the biblical text. It points to a larger body of historical records, affirming the historicity of the biblical account.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Uzziah reigned from approximately 792-740 BC, a period of significant geopolitical shifts in the ancient Near East. Judah experienced a remarkable resurgence under his leadership, benefiting from a period of relative quiet from major powers like Assyria and Egypt, allowing for internal consolidation and expansion. Culturally, the role of prophets like Isaiah was central to Israelite society, serving as God's direct messengers, moral guardians, and often, as advisors to kings. Their responsibilities extended beyond delivering oracles to include documenting significant events, thereby preserving the nation's spiritual and political history. The mention of Isaiah, a prominent figure whose prophetic ministry spanned the reigns of four kings including Uzziah ([Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - The Vision of Isaiah")), lends significant credibility and authority to the historical record, reflecting the high regard for prophetic testimony in ancient Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **divine record-keeping and historical reliability**. The Chronicler often refers to external sources (e.g., "the book of the kings of Israel and Judah") to validate his narrative, and here, he explicitly names a prophet as a historian, emphasizing the meticulous way God's dealings with His people were documented. Secondly, it highlights the **multifaceted role of prophets**, demonstrating that their ministry encompassed not only speaking God's word but also preserving historical truth. This underscores their comprehensive authority and involvement in the life of the nation. Finally, by pointing to a fuller account, it subtly reinforces the overarching theme of **cause and effect in God's covenant with Israel**, particularly the consequences of obedience and disobedience, as exemplified by Uzziah's initial success and later downfall due to pride ([2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride")). The existence of a detailed record of "first and last" acts implies a full spectrum of Uzziah's life, from his righteous beginnings to his tragic end, serving as a cautionary tale for future generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **first and last (Hebrew, _ri'shonim v'acharonim_):** This idiomatic phrase is a common Hebrew expression signifying a comprehensive or complete account, from beginning to end. It implies that Isaiah's record of Uzziah's reign was exhaustive, covering all significant events and aspects of his rule, from his initial righteous acts and prosperity to his ultimate transgression and leprosy. It is not merely a summary but a full historical narrative.
* **write (Hebrew, כָּתַב, _katav_):** This verb denotes the act of inscribing or recording. Its use here confirms that Isaiah's contribution was a written document, a formal historical record, rather than merely an oral tradition. This emphasizes the permanency and authority of the prophet's historical work, grounding the Chronicler's account in verifiable, contemporary documentation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last,"**: This opening clause serves as a standard transitional phrase used by the Chronicler to conclude a king's reign. "The rest of the acts" indicates that the preceding narrative in 2 Chronicles 26 is a summary, and a more extensive account exists. The phrase "first and last" specifies the comprehensive nature of this external record, covering the entire span of Uzziah's rule, from his early successes and piety to his later pride and judgment.
* **"did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write."**: This clause provides the authoritative attribution for the comprehensive historical record of Uzziah's reign. By explicitly naming "Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz," the Chronicler links his narrative to a highly respected and well-known contemporary figure. This attribution lends significant weight and credibility to the historical details, emphasizing that the events of Uzziah's life were not merely anecdotal but formally documented by a divinely inspired individual.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's use of **Attribution** and **Colophon** is prominent in this verse. By explicitly naming "Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz" as the author of the more comprehensive account of Uzziah's reign, the Chronicler employs a device of **Authoritative Citation**. This practice serves to validate the historical details presented in 2 Chronicles, grounding them in the testimony of a highly respected and divinely inspired contemporary figure. This not only enhances the credibility of the narrative but also demonstrates the Chronicler's engagement with existing historical records. Furthermore, the phrase "first and last" functions as a **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole, emphasizing the totality and comprehensiveness of Isaiah's historical record. This indicates that Uzziah's entire life, with all its complexities and consequences, was meticulously documented.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores the divine commitment to historical truth and the meticulous preservation of God's dealings with humanity. It reveals that God not only acts in history but also ensures that these actions, and the responses of His people, are faithfully recorded. The involvement of a prophet like Isaiah in chronicling royal history elevates such records beyond mere human annals, imbuing them with spiritual significance and divine oversight. This practice reinforces the Bible's claim to historical reliability and its role as a testament to God's faithfulness and justice across generations. The Chronicler's consistent reference to external sources, even if not canonical, reinforces the idea that the biblical narrative is rooted in verifiable historical events, providing a robust foundation for faith.

* [1 Kings 11:41](/1_kings/11-41 "The Book of the Acts of Solomon")
* [2 Chronicles 9:29](/2_chronicles/9-29 "Records of Solomon's Reign")
* [Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "The Vision of Isaiah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The reference to Isaiah's historical documentation of Uzziah's reign invites us to reflect on the profound value of history, both sacred and secular. Just as God ensured the meticulous recording of Uzziah's life—from his virtuous beginnings to his prideful downfall—so too are our lives unfolding before God's watchful eye. This verse reminds us that our "first and last" acts, our successes and failures, are not forgotten. It encourages us to learn from the past, particularly from the lives of those who walked before us, recognizing that the principles of God's kingdom are timeless. Uzziah's story, as recorded by Isaiah and summarized by the Chronicler, serves as a powerful reminder that even great achievements can be overshadowed by pride and disobedience, leading to divine judgment. This should prompt humility and a constant reliance on God's grace, rather than our own strength or accomplishments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping of biblical history, as exemplified by this verse, deepen your trust in the reliability and authority of Scripture?**
* **In what ways does Uzziah's story, from his "first" acts of godliness to his "last" act of pride, serve as a cautionary tale for leaders and individuals today?**
* **How can we, like Isaiah, be faithful chroniclers of God's work in our own lives and in our communities, even if not through formal historical writing?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important that a prophet like Isaiah wrote about King Uzziah's reign?**

Answer: It is profoundly important for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the **divine authority** behind the historical record. Prophets were God's spokespersons, and their involvement in chronicling events suggests divine oversight and endorsement of the historical narrative. This elevates the account beyond mere human observation to divinely inspired truth. Secondly, it highlights the **multifaceted role of prophets** in ancient Israel, demonstrating that their ministry extended beyond delivering oracles to include preserving the nation's history. This gave their historical accounts immense credibility and spiritual weight. Lastly, it reinforces the **interconnectedness of the biblical canon**, showing how historical books like Chronicles are deeply intertwined with prophetic books, providing a richer, more complete understanding of God's unfolding plan. The fact that Isaiah, whose own book begins by stating he prophesied during Uzziah's reign ([Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - The Vision of Isaiah")), was the author, strengthens the historical and theological coherence of Scripture.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 26:22 speaks directly to the historical documentation of King Uzziah's reign, its deeper theological currents point towards the ultimate Chronicler and fulfiller of all history: Jesus Christ. Uzziah's story, a king who began well but ended in pride and leprosy, foreshadows the human condition and the need for a perfect King. Unlike Uzziah, whose "first and last" acts included a tragic fall, Jesus Christ's "first and last" acts are marked by perfect obedience, humility, and redemptive power. He is the true and faithful witness, the ultimate historian who not only records but also perfectly enacts God's will. The prophetic voice of Isaiah, who documented Uzziah's reign, also profoundly prophesied of the coming Messiah, the "Suffering Servant" ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3 "The Suffering Servant")), and the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Prince of Peace")). In Christ, all of history finds its meaning and purpose; He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")). His life, death, and resurrection are the definitive "acts" that redeem humanity, providing a perfect record of righteousness where Uzziah's record was marred by sin. Through Him, we are offered a new "record," one of grace and forgiveness, written not by human hands but by the very hand of God ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Cancellation of Debt")).

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

Isaiah 1:1

¶ The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Isaiah 6:1

¶ In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

2 Chronicles 9:29

Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, [are] they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?

2 Chronicles 12:15

Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, [are] they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And [there were] wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.