2 Chronicles 26:5

KJV

And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he sought {H1875} God {H430} in the days {H3117} of Zechariah {H2148}, who had understanding {H995} in the visions {H7200} of God {H430}: and as long as {H3117} he sought {H1875} the LORD {H3068}, God {H430} made him to prosper {H6743}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He consulted God during the lifetime of Z'kharyahu, who understood visions of God; and as long as he consulted ADONAI, God gave him success.

Berean Standard Bible

He sought God throughout the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. And as long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.

American Standard Version

And he set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the vision of God: and as long as he sought Jehovah, God made him to prosper.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 26:5 presents a foundational principle governing the early reign of King Uzziah of Judah, also known as Azariah. This verse highlights the profound connection between his diligent pursuit of God and the subsequent divine enablement that led to his remarkable prosperity. It underscores the pivotal influence of Zechariah, a spiritual mentor, in guiding Uzziah's initial spiritual devotion, thereby setting the stage for understanding the successes and eventual tragic downfall that characterized his lengthy rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the beginning of the account of Uzziah's reign in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - King Uzziah's Reign"), immediately following his ascension to the throne at the young age of sixteen. The Chronicler, the presumed author of 1 and 2 Chronicles, frequently employs a theological framework where the faithfulness or unfaithfulness of Judah's kings directly correlates with the nation's and the king's personal prosperity or decline. Verse 5 serves as the theological linchpin for understanding Uzziah's initial successes, which are detailed in the subsequent verses (e.g., [2 Chronicles 26:6-15](/2_chronicles/26-6 "2 Chronicles 26:6-15 - Uzziah's Victories and Innovations")). The crucial phrase "as long as he sought the LORD" also functions as a literary foreshadowing, hinting at the later tragic turn in Uzziah's reign when his pride led him to act faithlessly, resulting in his leprosy and downfall, as recounted in [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Uzziah reigned over Judah for 52 years in the 8th century BC, a period of relative stability and expansion for the southern kingdom. During this era, kings often relied on prophets or wise advisors for divine guidance, a practice deeply embedded in Israelite culture. Figures like Nathan to David, or Elijah and Elisha to various kings of Israel, exemplify this tradition. Zechariah's role as a spiritual counselor to Uzziah fits within this established pattern, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine wisdom through appointed channels. The concept of "prosperity" in ancient Israel was holistic, encompassing not just material wealth but also military strength, agricultural abundance, successful building projects, and a good reputation among surrounding nations, all seen as direct blessings from Yahweh for obedience to His covenant.
* **Key Themes:** The central message of [2 Chronicles 26:5](/2_chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God") is the **Principle of Seeking God**, which implies a deliberate, earnest, and ongoing pursuit of divine wisdom, guidance, and favor. This active seeking, often through prayer, obedience to God's commands, and reliance on His presence, is presented as the direct catalyst for **Divine Prosperity and Blessing**. The verse also highlights the **Role of Spiritual Counsel** through Zechariah, underscoring the importance of godly mentors or prophets in guiding leaders and individuals toward righteousness. Crucially, the phrase "as long as he sought the LORD" introduces the theme of **Conditional Blessing**, a hallmark of the Chronicler's theology, which posits that God's continued favor is contingent upon sustained faithfulness. This sets up the stark contrast with Uzziah's later pride and disobedience, which led to the cessation of God's blessing and his eventual downfall, vividly described in [2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sought (Hebrew, _darash'_):** This verb signifies a diligent, earnest, and intentional pursuit, inquiry, or investigation. It implies more than a casual glance or a fleeting thought; rather, it denotes a committed and active seeking, often involving prayer, meditation on God's law, and obedience to His will. When applied to seeking God, it conveys a deep devotion and reliance on divine direction, which is presented as the prerequisite for God's responsive blessing.
* **understanding (Hebrew, _bin'_):** This term refers to discernment, insight, and intelligent comprehension. In the context of Zechariah, it indicates a spiritual perspicacity, an ability to grasp and interpret divine revelations or "visions of God." It implies not just intellectual knowledge but a profound spiritual wisdom that enables one to correctly perceive and communicate God's will.
* **prosper (Hebrew, _tzalach'_):** This verb means to succeed, advance, be profitable, or to go forward. It often carries the connotation of divine enablement or being made successful by God. In Uzziah's case, as detailed in the surrounding verses, this prosperity was multifaceted, encompassing military victories, successful building projects, agricultural advancements, and a strong reputation, all attributed directly to God's active hand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sought God in the days of Zechariah,"**: This clause establishes Uzziah's initial spiritual orientation. The active verb "sought" (דרשׁ, _darash'_) emphasizes his intentional and diligent pursuit of God. The mention of "Zechariah" highlights the presence and influence of a specific spiritual mentor, indicating that Uzziah's seeking was not merely an internal disposition but was guided and perhaps initiated by wise counsel.
* **"who had understanding in the visions of God:"**: This phrase qualifies Zechariah, identifying him as a prophet or a man of divine insight. His "understanding" (בִּין, _bin'_) in "visions of God" suggests he was a legitimate channel of divine revelation or interpretation, providing authoritative spiritual guidance that Uzziah heeded. This underscores the importance of discerning spiritual counsel in a king's reign.
* **"and as long as he sought the LORD,"**: This crucial conditional clause introduces a temporal limitation to Uzziah's prosperity. The phrase "as long as" (כֹּל־הַיָּמִים אֲשֶׁר, _kol-hayyamim asher_) directly links the continuation of God's blessing to the ongoing nature of Uzziah's faithfulness. This foreshadows the eventual cessation of his seeking and the subsequent reversal of his fortunes, a key theological point for the Chronicler.
* **"God made him to prosper."**: This final clause states the direct, divine consequence of Uzziah's seeking God. The subject "God" (אֱלֹהִים, _Elohim_) is explicit, emphasizing that his prosperity was not merely a result of his own efforts or good fortune, but a direct act of divine favor and enablement. The verb "made him to prosper" (וַיַּצְלִיחֵהוּ, _vayyatzlichēhu_) highlights God's active role in bringing about Uzziah's success.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. A prominent one is the **Conditional Clause**, explicitly stated in "and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper." This clear cause-and-effect structure emphasizes the Chronicler's theological agenda: obedience leads to blessing, and disobedience to judgment. This also serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at a future cessation of Uzziah's seeking and the subsequent change in his fortune, which is tragically fulfilled in [2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy") when his pride leads to his downfall. The **Repetition** of the verb "sought" ("sought God" and "sought the LORD") underscores the central action and its profound significance, reinforcing the idea that consistent spiritual devotion is paramount. Finally, the verse clearly demonstrates **Divine Causation**, with God explicitly identified as the active agent who "made him to prosper," attributing Uzziah's success directly to divine intervention rather than human prowess alone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Chronicles 26:5 encapsulates a core theological principle prevalent throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Deuteronomistic history and the Chronicler's work: the direct correlation between human faithfulness to God and divine blessing or judgment. Uzziah's early reign serves as a powerful illustration of this "retribution theology," where seeking God leads to prosperity. This principle extends beyond individual kings to the nation as a whole, emphasizing that national well-being is tied to collective obedience. The verse also highlights the enduring importance of spiritual guidance and discernment, as Zechariah's role was crucial in Uzziah's initial success. Ultimately, the conditional nature of Uzziah's prosperity serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers that God's blessings are often contingent upon sustained faithfulness and humility.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-6](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-6 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Uzziah's early reign in 2 Chronicles 26:5 offers timeless wisdom for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that a life diligently devoted to seeking God is the true foundation for lasting success and flourishing, not merely in material terms, but in every aspect of our being. Just as Uzziah benefited from Zechariah's spiritual guidance, we are called to actively seek out wise, godly counsel and mentorship in our own lives, recognizing that God often speaks and guides us through others who possess "understanding in the visions of God." This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our own "seeking" – is it a casual inquiry or an earnest, consistent pursuit of God through prayer, diligent study of His Word, and obedience to His commands? While the New Testament expands our understanding of "prosperity" to include spiritual blessings, peace, and contentment in Christ, the principle remains: prioritizing our relationship with God is the key to experiencing His blessings, purpose, and guidance in a holistic way. The conditional nature of Uzziah's prosperity also serves as a sober reminder that sustained faithfulness and humility are essential to maintaining God's favor and avoiding the pitfalls of pride.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does "seeking God" manifest in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to deepen this pursuit?**
* **Who are your spiritual mentors or trusted advisors, and how do they help you gain "understanding in the visions of God"?**
* **What does "prosperity" mean to you in light of this verse, and how might a biblical definition differ from worldly definitions?**
* **How does the conditional nature of Uzziah's prosperity (i.e., "as long as he sought the LORD") challenge or encourage your walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Who was Zechariah, and what was his role in Uzziah's life?**

Answer: Zechariah, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 26:5, was a figure "who had understanding in the visions of God." While the Bible provides no further specific details about his identity (e.g., whether he was a prophet, priest, or sage), his description strongly suggests he was a wise spiritual advisor or prophet to King Uzziah. His role was pivotal: he provided divine guidance and insight, helping Uzziah to "seek God" and understand His will. This highlights the importance of godly counsel for leaders, a theme seen throughout the Old Testament, where prophets often advised kings (e.g., Nathan advising David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - God's Covenant with David")). Zechariah's influence was clearly instrumental in the initial, successful period of Uzziah's reign.

**What does "sought God" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "sought" is _darash_ (דרשׁ), which implies a diligent, earnest, and intentional pursuit of God. It signifies more than a casual inquiry or a superficial religious act. In this context, it refers to Uzziah's deep devotion, his reliance on divine direction, and his active engagement with God's will. This would have involved prayer, obedience to God's commands (likely through the Law), and seeking God's wisdom in all his decisions as king. This active and consistent seeking is presented as the direct cause of Uzziah's prosperity, contrasting sharply with his later prideful actions and eventual downfall when he ceased to prioritize seeking the Lord ([2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")).

**Was Uzziah's prosperity solely material, or did it encompass more?**

Answer: While the subsequent verses in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - King Uzziah's Reign") detail significant material and military successes (e.g., building projects, military victories, agricultural development, and a strong reputation), biblical prosperity (צָלַח, _tzalach_) often encompasses a broader, more holistic sense of well-being. For Uzziah, this included not only material wealth but also military strength, administrative success, agricultural abundance, and overall divine favor that led to the flourishing of his kingdom. It reflects a comprehensive prosperity that goes beyond mere financial gain, encompassing peace, security, and the thriving of the nation under righteous leadership, all seen as direct blessings from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Uzziah's prosperity was a direct, yet conditional, result of his seeking God, his story ultimately points to the perfect and unconditional fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Uzziah's diligent "seeking" foreshadows Christ, who perfectly and consistently sought the Father's will in every aspect of His life, always doing what pleased Him ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleased the Father")). Unlike Uzziah, whose prosperity was contingent upon his continued faithfulness and eventually ceased due to his pride, Christ's obedience was flawless, securing for His followers an eternal and unconditional spiritual prosperity. Through Christ, believers receive not merely temporal blessings but "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Furthermore, the "understanding in the visions of God" that Zechariah possessed is now made available to all believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth and teaches us how to truly "seek the Lord" and live in accordance with His will ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher"), [Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit Intercedes")). Thus, Uzziah's experience, with its conditional blessings and eventual downfall, serves as a powerful Old Testament shadow pointing to the ultimate and perfect source of wisdom, guidance, and true, lasting prosperity found only in Christ, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")).

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 Chronicles 15:2

And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

2 Chronicles 24:2

And Joash did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.

1 Chronicles 22:13

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

Daniel 5:16

And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Daniel 1:17

¶ As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Daniel 10:1

¶ In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

Daniel 2:19

Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.