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2 Chronicles 26:1

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¶ Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who [was] sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.

Then all the people {H5971} of Judah {H3063} took {H3947} Uzziah {H5818}, who was sixteen {H8337}{H6240} years {H8141} old {H1121}, and made him king {H4427} in the room of his father {H1} Amaziah {H558}.

Meanwhile, all the people of Y'hudah had taken 'Uziyahu at the age of sixteen and made him king in place of his father Amatzyahu.

All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah.

And all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 26:1

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Kingdom of Judah, immediately following the tumultuous and tragic end of King Amaziah's reign. Amaziah, Uzziah's father, had initially done right in the sight of the Lord but later turned away, even adopting the gods of Edom and provoking a civil conflict that led to his assassination in Lachish (2 Chronicles 25:27). In the vacuum left by his father's demise, the people of Judah stepped in to ensure the continuity of the Davidic line, choosing Amaziah's son, Uzziah, to ascend the throne. This popular election highlights a desire for stability and a fresh start after a period of instability and unfaithfulness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Royal Succession and Continuity: The verse underscores the enduring nature of the Davidic covenant and the continuation of the monarchy in Judah, even amidst turmoil. The people's immediate action to install Uzziah demonstrates their commitment to the established royal line.
  • Youthful Leadership: Uzziah was only sixteen years old when he became king. This theme of young rulers, also seen with figures like Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:1), highlights that age is not necessarily a barrier to leadership, though it often implies a need for wise counsel and divine guidance.
  • Popular Acclamation: The phrase "all the people of Judah took Uzziah" suggests a unified and popular decision, indicating the populace's active role in affirming the next king, perhaps reflecting a desire for a righteous and stable reign after Amaziah's failures.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "took" (laqach - לָקַח) implies more than a passive acceptance; it suggests an active seizing, choosing, or receiving. In this context, it signifies that the people of Judah actively selected and appointed Uzziah as their king, taking him from among the royal family to fill the vacant throne. This highlights their agency in the succession process.

Practical Application and Reflection

The ascension of Uzziah reminds us that leadership transitions, even in challenging times, offer opportunities for renewal and hope. Despite the failures of the previous generation or leader, a new beginning can bring a fresh perspective and a chance for positive change. For believers, this verse can inspire reflection on the importance of choosing and supporting leaders who are committed to righteousness, regardless of their age, and the role of a community in upholding God-ordained order. Uzziah's subsequent reign, initially marked by seeking God and prosperity (2 Chronicles 26:5), serves as a testament to the potential for good that can emerge from such transitions.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 22:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned.

  • 2 Kings 15:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.

  • 2 Kings 15:7 (2 votes)

    So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

  • 2 Kings 14:21 (2 votes)

    And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which [was] sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.

  • 1 Chronicles 3:12 (2 votes)

    Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,

  • 2 Chronicles 33:25 (2 votes)

    But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.

  • Matthew 1:8 (2 votes)

    And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;