2 Chronicles 26:6

KJV

And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he went forth {H3318} and warred {H3898} against the Philistines {H6430}, and brake down {H6555} the wall {H2346} of Gath {H1661}, and the wall {H2346} of Jabneh {H2996}, and the wall {H2346} of Ashdod {H795}, and built {H1129} cities {H5892} about Ashdod {H795}, and among the Philistines {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He went out to fight the P'lishtim, breaking down the walls of Gat, Yavneh and Ashdod; and he built cities in the area of Ashdod and among the P'lishtim.

Berean Standard Bible

Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines, and he tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines.

American Standard Version

And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod; and he built cities in the country of Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Uzziah of Judah, in the early years of his reign, demonstrated remarkable military prowess and strategic acumen, directly attributed to his faithfulness to the Lord. This verse details a significant campaign against the Philistines, ancient adversaries of Israel. Uzziah's forces decisively broke down the formidable walls of key Philistine cities—Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod—and subsequently established Judahite settlements in the conquered territories, thereby consolidating his power, expanding Judah's influence, and securing its borders against a long-standing threat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the Chronicler's account of King Uzziah's reign, which begins in [2 Chronicles 26:1](/2_chronicles/26-1 "2 Chronicles 26 - King Uzziah's Reign"). The narrative emphasizes Uzziah's early devotion to God, particularly his seeking of the Lord during the days of Zechariah, which is explicitly linked to his prosperity and success (cf. [2 Chronicles 26:5](/2_chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God")). The military victories described in [2 Chronicles 26:6-8](/2_chronicles/26-6 "2 Chronicles 26:6-8 - Uzziah's Military Successes") serve as tangible evidence of divine favor and blessing upon a righteous king, aligning with the Chronicler's overarching theological agenda that links obedience to blessing and disobedience to judgment. This early success also sets a stark contrast with Uzziah's later pride and subsequent downfall, detailed in [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy"), which ultimately led to his leprosy and isolation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable people who had settled along the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan, establishing a pentapolis of major cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron. They were persistent enemies of Israel from the period of the Judges through the monarchy, frequently clashing with figures like Samson, Saul, and David. Gath, mentioned here, was particularly renowned as a Philistine stronghold and the home of Goliath (cf. [1 Samuel 17:4](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath of Gath")). Ashdod was a significant port city and a center of Dagon worship. Jabneh (also known as Jamnia) was another important city in the Philistine sphere of influence, located north of Ashdod. Uzziah's campaign against these cities represents a significant reversal of fortunes, as Israel had often been on the defensive against the Philistines. His actions reflect a strategic move to secure Judah's western flank, control vital trade routes, and reassert Israelite dominance over historically contested territories, a common objective for strong monarchs of the era.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - The Reigns of the Kings of Judah"). Firstly, **Divine Favor and Blessing** is paramount, as Uzziah's military success is presented as a direct consequence of his early faithfulness to God (cf. [2 Chronicles 26:5](/2_chronicles/26-5 "2 Chronicles 26:5 - Uzziah Seeks God")). Secondly, the theme of **Military Prowess and Strategic Expansion** is evident in the decisive defeat of the Philistines and the subsequent building of cities, signifying Judah's growing strength and territorial consolidation. This expansion reflects a period of national prosperity under Uzziah's reign, which is further detailed in [2 Chronicles 26:9-15](/2_chronicles/26-9 "2 Chronicles 26:9-15 - Uzziah's Fortifications and Army"). Lastly, the verse highlights the **Sovereignty of God over Nations**, demonstrating His ability to grant victory to His chosen people over their adversaries when they walk in obedience, reinforcing the Chronicler's theology of immediate retribution and reward.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Warred (Hebrew, _yatza l'milchama'_):** This phrase, literally "went out to war," signifies a proactive and offensive military campaign rather than merely a defensive engagement. It emphasizes Uzziah's initiative and strength in taking the fight to the enemy, demonstrating a shift in power dynamics where Judah was now asserting dominance over its traditional Philistine adversaries.
* **Brake down (Hebrew, פרץ, _parats'_):** This verb means "to break through," "burst open," or "tear down." It implies a decisive and destructive victory, not just a breach of defenses but a complete dismantling of the fortifications. The repetition of "the wall of" for each city underscores the thoroughness of the destruction and the complete subjugation of these strongholds.
* **Built cities (Hebrew, בנה ערים, _bana arim'_):** This action signifies more than just military conquest; it indicates strategic consolidation and long-term control. By building cities "about Ashdod, and among the Philistines," Uzziah was not merely raiding but establishing a permanent Judahite presence, integrating these territories into his sphere of influence, likely for defense, administration, and economic benefit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went forth and warred against the Philistines":** This opening clause establishes Uzziah's active and aggressive military policy. "Went forth" implies a deliberate expedition, signaling a departure from Jerusalem to engage the enemy. The Philistines, as long-standing antagonists, represent a significant challenge, making Uzziah's decision to "war against" them a bold assertion of Judah's strength and God-given authority.
* **"and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod":** This details the specific and decisive victories of Uzziah's campaign. The mention of three prominent Philistine cities—Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod—underscores the scope and effectiveness of his military actions. The destruction of their walls, the primary defensive structures, symbolizes the complete subjugation and neutralization of these strongholds, dismantling the Philistine threat.
* **"and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines":** This final clause highlights the strategic aftermath of the military conquest. Uzziah's actions moved beyond mere destruction to active reconstruction and settlement. Building cities "about Ashdod" (likely in the surrounding territory) and "among the Philistines" indicates a deliberate policy of territorial expansion and the establishment of a lasting Judahite presence within formerly Philistine lands, ensuring control and preventing future incursions.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Enumeration** by specifically listing the three major Philistine cities (Gath, Jabneh, Ashdod) whose walls were destroyed. This precise detailing emphasizes the scope and decisiveness of Uzziah's victory, highlighting the significant impact of his campaign. The action of "breaking down" the walls and "building cities" also presents a powerful **Contrast** between destruction and construction, signaling a complete transformation of the Philistine territories from enemy strongholds to areas under Judahite control and settlement. Furthermore, the entire account of Uzziah's early reign, including this verse, serves as a literary **Exemplum**, illustrating the Chronicler's theological principle that obedience to God leads to prosperity and success, thereby providing a model for future kings and the people of Judah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This military victory of Uzziah against the Philistines is not merely a historical account of a king's prowess but a profound theological statement on divine enablement and the Lord's active involvement in the affairs of His people. It demonstrates that when a leader, and by extension a nation, seeks God and walks in obedience, the Lord grants success even against long-standing and formidable adversaries. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that "the battle is the Lord's" ([1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's")), and that human strength is insufficient without divine favor. Uzziah's ability to break down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod, and then establish Judahite presence, serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, providing security and expansion to His people when they remain faithful.

* [Deuteronomy 28:7](/deuteronomy/28-7 "Blessings of Victory")
* [Joshua 11:21-22](/joshua/11-21 "Joshua 11:21-22 - Joshua's Conquest of Philistine Cities")
* [Psalm 18:29](/psalms/18-29 "Psalm 18:29 - God Enables Victory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Uzziah's early reign, marked by seeking God and resulting in significant military and territorial success, offers a compelling paradigm for contemporary believers. His victory over the Philistines, traditional and formidable enemies, illustrates that when we align our lives and endeavors with God's will, He can grant us breakthroughs and strength in areas where we face persistent challenges. This is not a promise of worldly success for every Christian, but rather an affirmation that God empowers those who diligently seek Him to overcome spiritual, emotional, or practical "walls" that seem insurmountable. It calls us to examine our own "battles" and ask if we are truly seeking God's guidance and relying on His strength, rather than our own. Just as Uzziah consolidated his gains by building cities, we are called to not only overcome but also to establish lasting patterns of righteousness and spiritual growth in our lives and communities. However, the broader narrative of Uzziah also serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that sustained success requires continued humility and dependence on God, lest pride lead to a downfall as it did for Uzziah later in his reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "walls" or persistent challenges in your life or ministry do you need God's power to "break down"?**
* **How does Uzziah's early example of seeking God relate to your own pursuit of intimacy with Christ?**
* **Beyond overcoming challenges, how are you "building cities" – establishing lasting structures of faith, discipline, or service – in your life?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod to the Philistines?**

Answer: Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod were strategically vital Philistine cities, representing their military, economic, and religious strongholds. Gath was one of the five principal Philistine cities, often associated with powerful warriors like Goliath ([1 Samuel 17:4](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath of Gath")) and known for its formidable defenses. Ashdod was a major port city on the Mediterranean coast, a significant commercial hub, and a center for the worship of the Philistine god Dagon ([1 Samuel 5:1-7](/1_samuel/5-1 "1 Samuel 5:1-7 - The Ark in Ashdod")). Jabneh (also known as Jamnia) was another important Philistine town located north of Ashdod. The destruction of their walls and the subsequent establishment of Judahite control over these cities by Uzziah was a monumental achievement, signifying a significant shift in power dynamics and a major blow to Philistine influence in the region. This campaign not only secured Judah's western border but also expanded its territory and economic reach.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The military victories of King Uzziah, particularly his dismantling of Philistine strongholds and establishment of Judahite presence, find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Uzziah's conquest was physical, Jesus's victory is spiritual and cosmic, breaking down the ultimate "walls" that separate humanity from God and establishing His eternal kingdom. Just as Uzziah "went forth and warred" against earthly enemies, Christ "went forth" from heaven to engage in the decisive battle against sin, death, and the powers of darkness (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He did not break down physical walls, but rather "the dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile, making "one new man in Himself" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Furthermore, where Uzziah "built cities" among the Philistines to consolidate his earthly reign, Christ is building His spiritual "city"—the Church—comprised of believers from every tribe and nation, establishing His eternal dominion not through force of arms but through the power of His resurrection and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit (cf. [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). His victory is complete, eternal, and offers true liberation and citizenship in a kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")).

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 14:29

Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit [shall be] a fiery flying serpent.

1 Samuel 5:6

¶ But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, [even] Ashdod and the coasts thereof.

2 Chronicles 21:16

Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that [were] near the Ethiopians:

1 Chronicles 18:1

¶ Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 5:1

¶ And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.

2 Samuel 8:1

¶ And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines.